Articles tagged with Health Disparity
A study found international students in Japan had poorer health than Japanese peers due to lower health literacy. Health literacy was key to bridging the gap, with international students reporting better health status among those with higher literacy levels.
A new study shows that while dental opioid prescription fills in the US have dropped by 27% since 2021, the rate remains higher than in other developed countries and the US territory of Puerto Rico. The study suggests that some US dentists are still overprescribing opioids.
Researchers will build connections with Detroit's digital equity ecosystem and promote digital inclusion to link cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers with resources. The Digital Engagement and Cancer Outcomes (DECO) Center aims to advance interventions that improve outcomes at the individual level.
A new study found that patients experiencing socioeconomic marginalization are more likely to seek initial concussion care in hospital emergency departments, leading to lower follow-up rates. Patients without family physicians were up to 70% less likely to follow up.
New research suggests that federal housing assistance may lead to better two-year survival chances among older men with prostate cancer. The study found a 12% lower risk of death in men who received housing assistance compared to those without it.
A new analysis found that prescriptions for curable hepatitis C drugs have declined sharply in recent years, leaving millions without treatment. The researchers urge swift actions to deliver the drugs to those who need them, including increased screening and system-level changes.
A study analyzing Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data reveals higher awareness and treatment of major risk factors among Korean women with CVD, but lower control rates. Sex differences were observed in most management indicators, with men having more risk factors on average.
A new study found that children who start primary school at older ages completed more years of schooling, had greater wealth in adulthood, and fewer teen pregnancies. This delay allowed them to develop greater literacy and was associated with better health outcomes, including lower rates of HIV infection and child death.
A new study found that pregnancy-related deaths increased sharply during the pandemic, particularly among Black women, but rates have since returned to pre-pandemic levels for most groups. However, disparities persist, especially in later postpartum deaths, which remain elevated for non-Hispanic Black mothers.
The study reveals that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is emerging as a major contributor to liver cancer worldwide and in China. Researchers call for integrated global prevention and early detection strategies to address this growing burden.
The Pennington Generation study aims to explore the impact of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep on children's health and growth. The study will examine how these behaviors relate to weight gain and obesity over time.
A recent study found that 15% of Chinese immigrants use China-based telehealth apps for medical advice while living in the US. These apps are preferred due to lower costs, ease of access, and language support. However, reliance on foreign-based services raises concerns about patient safety, continuity of care, and regulatory oversight.
A team-based program in community health clinics helped low-income patients reduce their blood pressure more than standard care alone. After 18 months, patients in the team-based program saw a significant drop in systolic blood pressure and showed better adherence to hypertension treatment.
A nationwide study of community health centers found that these clinics consistently provided high levels of continuous care during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the study revealed significant gaps in care continuity along racial, ethnic, economic, and demographic lines.
Inuit communities in Nunavik, Quebec, are facing a devastating tuberculosis epidemic, with rates 1000 times higher than non-Inuit populations. The study's findings highlight the need for increased healthcare resourcing and community-led initiatives to address this crisis.
According to a new study published in The Lancet, childhood cancer is the eighth-leading cause of death among children worldwide. Researchers found that over 377,000 new cases and 144,000 deaths occurred in 2023, with most cases in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers discovered that placing fruit and vegetable sections near supermarket entrances increases purchased portions by 2,525 per week. This led to improved women's diets and potential long-term health benefits.
The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program has partnered with AstraZeneca to support five medical students participating in the Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP). The program provides immersive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience to prepare students for careers in clinical research.
A new study by Tulane University found that Oregon's hospital financial assistance policy significantly reduced medical debt in collections. The policy was associated with 872-1,180 fewer people per county having medical debt in collections, and increased charity care spending.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from nearly 94,000 participants in UCLA's ATLAS Biobank, highlighting new connections between genes, disease risk and medicine response. The study found that genetics can predict how well patients respond to GLP-1 drugs for weight loss purposes, with varying response rates across ancestry groups.
Global maternal deaths fell to 240,000 in 2023, but progress has slowed in recent years and remains uneven across countries. Improvements in access to quality care could substantially reduce mortality, particularly in high-burden regions.
A study of 281,582 adults found that those experiencing social and physical isolation were less likely to receive preventive health services. Financial hardship was a significant factor contributing to these findings, with 82.1% of physically isolated individuals experiencing material deprivation.
The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program is expanding its career development award to include neuropsychiatry researcher-physicians. This expansion aims to improve clinical trial enrollment and represent diverse patient populations affected by complex disorders.
A new study found that bilingual consent forms significantly improve cancer treatment understanding among people with limited English, with understanding rising from 35% to 60%. The study, published in Supportive Care in Cancer, examined the impact of different translation approaches on cancer treatment understanding among Bengali- and...
A new study reveals that prior authorization requirements for heart failure medications can significantly delay pharmacy fills, particularly for those with lower socioeconomic status or Medicaid insurance. The study found that patients with prior authorization prescriptions took three times as long to fill their ARNI prescriptions and ...
Two new ACP papers advocate for policy changes to improve healthcare access and inclusivity for people with disabilities. The papers offer recommendations to address health disparities, promote disability-inclusive medical education, and foster a supportive workplace environment.
Telemedicine usage varies by patient demographics and location, with elderly people and Asian patients less likely to use it. Lower income brackets and those with better technology access are more likely to use telemedicine, with significant geographic and demographic disparities found.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
The University of Oklahoma is launching a new five-year, $1 million federal grant-funded training program to address the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. Residents in internal medicine and family medicine will receive immersive training in delivering compassionate, comprehensive care to this vulnerable population.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology will host a webinar highlighting recent clinical advances in breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. Researchers will present key findings from ASH and SABCS meetings, impacting treatment outcomes.
A new study by UCSF found that most healthcare systems are neglecting to ask patients if they have access and skills to use digital tools, despite increasing online care demands. The lack of assessment is particularly concerning for uninsured patients, who often experience worse health outcomes.
A study found that international guidelines for preterm delivery are often not followed, leading to varying levels of exposure to life-saving medications. In high-income countries, there were significant discrepancies in the use of these treatments.
A study by University of Virginia Health System researchers found that Medicare Advantage patients had better access to preventive care and rehabilitation after a stroke, leading to faster recovery times. In contrast, traditional Medicare patients were less likely to receive these services due to prior authorization requirements.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that one in five US households reported a child needing mental health treatment, yet nearly a quarter didn't receive it. The study also found disparities among families with single parents, multi-child households, homeschooling families, and uninsured households.
Research found that states with five or more abortion restrictions had higher rates of maternal deaths from any cause, cardiovascular disease, and violence compared to those with fewer restrictions. Abortion is a medically safe procedure, and restricting access to it has real consequences, according to the study.
The Merck Foundation grant will support a new primary care initiative focused on the cardiovascular health of formerly incarcerated Black men in Chicago. The program aims to provide integrated, comprehensive care that addresses high blood pressure and reduces the risk for heart attacks and strokes.
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
A new study found that removing legal barriers to cannabis use may reduce daily opioid use and lower the risk of opioid-related overdoses among people who inject drugs. US states that legalized recreational cannabis saw a 9-to-11-percentage-point decline in daily opioid use among this population.
A new study finds that the 2010 WHO Code initially reduced physician migration from World Health Organization-designated shortage countries, but did not improve their physician supply. The code showed promise in reducing physician emigration by approximately 2,600 fewer physicians each year, but its effects diminished over time.
A new study found that providing financial vouchers to offset medication costs can significantly improve glycemic control among patients with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes. After six months, participants receiving performance-based incentives saw a clinically substantial reduction in HbA1c levels.
A recent study highlights the dangers of a compartmentalized medical system and proposes three essential reforms to promote inclusive care. Patients with multiple conditions face difficulties in accessing care due to fragmented services, while interdisciplinary care ultimately leads to positive outcomes.
A UC San Diego study found that older women with a history of depression and anxiety had a 78% higher risk of developing long COVID. The researchers analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative and hope to inform preventative measures for public health officials and policymakers.
Research reveals disparities in access to PrEP among young cisgender females and males, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve HIV prevention. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 visits to a Boston-based clinic, finding that only 17% of visits received PrEP for under-age females.
A machine learning model has identified the most important drivers of cancer survival in nearly all countries, highlighting factors such as national wealth, access to radiotherapy and universal health coverage. The model provides data-driven roadmaps for policymakers to prioritize resources and close survival gaps.
A study found that insufficient dietary lycopene is associated with a higher risk of severe periodontitis among U.S. adults ages 65-79. Adequate lycopene intake was linked to reduced likelihood of severe gum disease, with notable racial and sex disparities observed.
A new study from the University of Chicago finds that every 1% increase in eviction rate is associated with 2.66 more shootings in Chicago neighborhoods. Eviction rates disrupt collective efficacy, a neighborhood's shared belief in working together to prevent gun violence.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that older adults living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods spend significantly fewer days at home after a hip fracture. The researchers analyzed Medicare data and found that people in the most deprived areas spent about 23 fewer days at home compared to those in less disadvanta...
Research found that early childhood exposure to childcare tax credits affects children's physical and mental health outcomes differently based on their mothers' educational level. Children of more-educated mothers experienced worse health outcomes, while those of less-educated mothers showed improvements.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that Black patients with aggressive leukemia have lower survival rates and are more likely to die from the disease compared to white patients. The disparity is attributed to younger age at diagnosis rather than genetic differences, according to Dr. Shella Saint Fleur-Lominy.
The UN has pledged to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects 480 million people worldwide. Inhaled medicines can reduce health and economic costs associated with COPD, but only 7% of pharmacies in low- and middle-income countries currently offer them.
A study found that only 6% of FDA-approved drugs reflect the US racial and ethnic makeup, with a decline in Black and Hispanic enrollment between 2021 and 2023. The researchers recommend setting diversity goals at preclinical stages and collecting biological samples to understand how people's bodies react to medications.
A new study found that adults hospitalized with RSV often struggle with breathlessness, reduced ability to perform everyday activities, and lower quality of life six to 12 months after their hospitalization. The study also showed that younger adults can experience serious RSV infections requiring hospitalization, similar to older adults.
A recent study found that home-delivered groceries can significantly improve blood sugar control among adults with type 2 diabetes who experience food insecurity. The program provided culturally relevant, medically tailored groceries and education materials, leading to a clinically meaningful reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels.
Researchers measured dyadic alliance in support groups using computational algorithms and found verbal and nonverbal communication features, such as head poses and facial expressions, to be strong predictors of connection. The study suggests that AI can potentially identify behavioral markers of alliance and may have a role in mental h...
Black patients with acute myeloid leukemia are diagnosed at younger ages and have worse outcomes compared to white patients, according to a study analyzing data from 10 clinical trials over 34 years. The study found that Black patients had a higher risk of dying from AML and any cause, even when treated with similar mutations.
The program provides financial aid and unique clinical experiences to medical students, encouraging them to become community physicians. UCF College of Medicine hopes the program can be used as a national model to address the nation's primary care physician shortage.
A new series of case studies by The Lancet highlights the social and cultural forces contributing to global health inequities. Medical anthropologist Carlos Martinez's study focuses on asylum seekers' access to healthcare, citing the need for clinicians to partner with community-based organizations to overcome challenges.
A new study suggests that genetic differences passed down from ancient human ancestors and exposure to common chemicals could explain why some women are more likely to develop endometriosis. Researchers identified six genetic variants linked to the condition, which also occur in genes sensitive to modern pollutants.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that only 13% of US adults with cardiovascular disease met optimal LDL-C management, highlighting significant gaps between guideline recommendations and clinical care. The study suggests actionable steps to improve adherence, including increased use of non-...
The UCF Health Mobile Health Clinic provides free high-quality healthcare services to underserved communities, serving as a real-world classroom for medical and nursing students. The clinic aims to reduce preventable conditions and improve long-term health through comprehensive screenings, chronic disease monitoring, and education.