SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND THE INCIDENCE OF STROKE IN BLACK WOMEN: AN ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL HEALTH INEQUALITIES

Abstract

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident – CVA) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Brazil and worldwide, disproportionately affecting Black women due to the interplay of biological, socioeconomic, and structural factors. Social determinants such as income, education, housing, access to healthcare, and racial and gender discrimination increase risk and worsen prognosis. Objective: To analyze the relationship between social determinants of health and the incidence of stroke in Black women, from the perspective of structural health inequalities. Methodology: Narrative review of articles and recent data on stroke in Black women, focusing on social determinants, structural inequalities, and racial and gender equity. Results: Black women show a higher prevalence of stroke risk factors, exacerbated by unfavorable socioeconomic conditions and institutional racism, which hinder access to care and increase mortality. There is a need for integrated prevention strategies, professional training, and the expansion of primary healthcare to promote equity. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that stroke in Black women is strongly influenced by social determinants, such as socioeconomic disparities, barriers to healthcare access, and structural racism, all of which increase vulnerability and worsen clinical outcomes. It highlights the importance of intersectional policies that consider both gender and race, fostering more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.