A new study from Tulane University has found that socioeconomic conditions, rather than genetics or lifestyle choices, fully account for the racial gap in life expectancy in the United States. Researchers identified eight key social determinants of health that drive premature mortality rates, including employment, family income, food insecurity, education, healthcare access, health insurance, housing instability, and relationship status.
The study revealed that Black adults were more likely to experience unfavorable levels of these socioeconomic factors compared to White adults, putting them at higher risk of dying younger. However, when researchers adjusted the data for these social determinants, the difference in premature mortality rates between Black and White adults disappeared.
This research challenges long-held beliefs about genetic differences between races determining lifespan and highlights the impact of systemic inequalities on health outcomes. The study found that unemployment was the most significant factor leading to negative health outcomes, with Black and Brown individuals more likely to be unemployed due to inequitable college access and hiring biases.
The findings suggest that targeted interventions addressing these socioeconomic factors could potentially eliminate the racial life expectancy gap. Researchers emphasize the need for community-wide and place-based interventions to create lasting positive outcomes across generations.
The study’s authors stress the importance of implementing programmatic and policy interventions to address these eight social and structural indicators. They call on health equity specialists, health systems, policymakers, and community members to work together to eradicate the racial mortality gap and improve health outcomes for all Americans.