Health and Mental Health Disparities from a Psychosocial and Cultural Perspective

This survey course is to introduce students to health disparities that exist for ethnic minorities and the factors that may contribute to disproportionate prevalence rates. Review and discussion of the research literature focusing on specific diseases such as HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, depression, and breast and prostate cancer will occur. Stereotypes and myths about the health care of ethnic populations will also be discussed. Psychosocial and cultural contexts will be examined as potential protective or contributing factors. Offered Fall quarter, Mondays, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Semel Institute. Prerequisite: consent of instructor for undergraduate students.