Health Disparities in Rural Georgia: A Case Study of Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties

Health disparities can be defined as differences in the health status among distinct segments of the population including differences that occur by gender, race or ethnicity, education, income, disability, or living in various geographic localities. When populations are disproportionately unhealthy, they are likely to be unable to maintain steady employment, and are more likely to rely on government assistance and support from others. We conduct a case study of three rural counties; Liberty, Long, and McIntosh to explore what factors explain the incidence of health disparities manifested in high blood pressure and heart disease. We test the hypotheses that older individuals are more likely to experience illness at a higher rate than the rest of the population. Additionally, educated individuals are more efficient producers of healthy outcomes, and blacks face greater disparities in health outcomes. Using survey data collected from the three counties, we apply logistic regression analysis and confirm the presence of health disparities among older individuals and black men with high blood pressure. Additionally, the presence of high cholesterol can exacerbate the incidence of chronic high blood and heart diseases, and educated women are less likely to have high blood pressure.