Reducing Health Disparities through in Home Family Support Services

This research on health disparities examines family support programs and their effectiveness for reducing health inequalities across vulnerable populations. The relationships among race, ethnicity and a variety of family functioning and support variables among young mothers enrolled in early childhood family support programs are examined. The study explores behavioral and mental health, trauma and violence and other social determinants of health and  the effect family support programs can have on improving outcomes within racial groups and for reducing disparities between groups. Challenges providing nurturing and safe environments for children and other vulnerabilities such as mental health, nutrition and transportation were analyzed in relation to risk factors. While risk factors were higher among African American families, programs improved access to health services and were shown to improve outcomes and mitigate disparities.  Statistical analysis of data for all families served were analyzed. African American and Latino families had significantly lower scores at baseline on access and use of medical care, dental care, and proper nutrition while significant improvements were shown for outcomes at follow-up.  Important differences in the access to medical and preventive care for economically vulnerable families were found.  The effectiveness of intervention programs, while helpful to the majority population, was particularly effective for African American families.