BIO

I am from West Palm Beach, Florida and I love my hometown dearly. My research interests include health disparities among minorities. This aligns with my career interests in nursing to create a positive impact in decreasing health disparities.

Physical & Mental Health Disparities Among ALICE Families

Abstract

ALICE (Asset-Limited Income-Constrained Employed) families, although earning just above the Federal Poverty Level, struggle to afford basic necessities, leading to significant physical and mental health disparities. This literature review aims to shed light on the physical and mental health disparities among ALICE families and the factors contributing to these health challenges. We searched three databases, including ProQuest, Google Scholar, and PubMed, and gathered evidence from peer-reviewed articles and gray literature published or reported within the last ten years. ALICE families, particularly those of racial and ethnic minorities, face difficulties accessing necessities like housing, food, and health insurance. Rising costs have exacerbated food insecurity, leading to fatigue and weakened immune responses, while lack of insurance hinders chronic condition management. Poor mental health outcomes are common among this population, with disabilities, economic fluctuations, and housing quality exacerbating these issues. Policies addressing minimum wage, healthcare accessibility, and government assistance are crucial to mitigate these challenges and improve the well-being of ALICE families.

Keywords: health disparities, minorities, ALICE