Articles tagged with Health Disparity
Cassie, a digital-human assistant developed by Texas A&M University, is transforming the way patients interact with healthcare providers. With facial recognition and emotional intelligence, Cassie offers a two-way interaction that feels like a conversation.
A survey of 261 new fathers found that 64% took less than two weeks of leave, while 36% took more than two weeks. The main barrier was fear of losing their job. Paid leave would reduce barriers and increase take-up. Involving dads in childcare from the start is crucial for healthy outcomes.
Researchers used geospatial neighborhood and housing data to predict lung function among children with asthma living in homes with more roaches and rodents. The study highlights the impact of environmental exposures on asthma health disparities among Black and Latino children.
A new study finds pregnant women in abortion-ban states have worse access to routine medical care and pregnancy coverage due to skimpy Medicaid programs. The researchers identified three Medicaid policies driving this disparity, highlighting the need for Congress to expand coverage and ensure all women can get needed care.
A new study found that obesity can lead to feelings of judgment, isolation, and stigma in older adults when seeking social care. The research highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to address unmet needs and increase awareness among healthcare professionals.
A new USC-led study finds that a focused intervention combining storytelling, peer support, and provider incentives can reduce provider bias in family planning clinics and improve care for young women. The intervention expanded contraceptive access for the most marginalized groups.
A new FAU study analyzing 16 years of national data reveals the most common reasons why people with cannabis problems don't seek help, including lack of knowledge, cost, stigma, and fear of job impacts. The study also identifies consistent predictors of access to treatment, highlighting an urgent need for targeted outreach and improved...
The new residency program will train 16 psychiatry residents to strengthen mental health resources in Imperial County, addressing a significant shortage of mental health professionals. The program is designed to provide high-quality behavioral health treatment, innovation, and research, with medical leadership from UC San Diego Health.
Researchers analyzed trends in healthcare utilization among Japan's oldest-old population aged 75 years and above during the extended COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis revealed a modest drop in medical services and outpatient visits, while healthcare costs remained stable despite decreased patient volumes.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that global refractive correction rates are at 65.8%, six percentage points lower than in 2010, and urge urgent action to meet the WHO's target of a 40% increase by 2030.
A leading cardiovascular disease researcher from Simon Fraser University is ringing the alarm on universal recommendations intended to improve heart health around the globe. The review paper examined the causes behind the causes of CVD, using data from the ongoing collaborative Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study.
A new study by Queen Mary University of London found significant ethnic differences in breast cancer development and outcomes among women of African and South Asian genetic ancestry. Women from these backgrounds were diagnosed earlier and died younger than European-ancestry women, highlighting the need for tailored care approaches.
A new computational model shows that structural inequalities, including wealth inequality and social segregation, accelerate the spread of infectious diseases through society. In a hypothetical 'ideal' scenario without segregation, infection rates were lower in most metropolitan areas.
A prospective cross-sectional study in Kenya used an AI-enabled ECG-based algorithm to detect left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) with high sensitivity and specificity. The study found that nearly 1 in 5 participants were at risk of heart failure, highlighting the need for early detection and evidence-based therapies.
Research found that workforce participation among people with diabetes remains low, despite significant health improvements, due to factors like health complications and workplace barriers. The study suggests expanded access to anti-obesity medications could have positive effects on the labor market.
The study found that patients who used lecanemab were more likely to be male, white, from urban areas, and with higher socioeconomic status than those who did not. Uptake rates of lecanemab were also significantly higher for patients with these characteristics.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is joining forces with global organizations to address gaps in cancer control plans, promoting data-driven decision-making and comprehensive implementation. The Cancer Planners Forum aims to optimize care for people touched by cancer globally.
A new international collaboration by the University of Exeter found that people living in greenest neighbourhoods are 13% less likely to smoke and 31% less likely to drink daily. Intentional visits to nature also have benefits, reducing smoking rates.
The University of Texas at Arlington offers pre-health students valuable hands-on experience through an innovative collaboration. Students in SCIE 4304 participate in immersive clinical simulation lab at the UTA Smart Hospital, developing rudimentary clinical skills and overcoming imposter syndrome.
A study analyzing clinical notes found stigmatizing language was more common in Black patients' charts, with 54.9% experiencing bias. Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander patients also showed disparities in documentation, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive practices in perinatal care.
This study examines associations between structural and social determinants of health with mortality in Black adults, finding that African genetic ancestry persists as a factor despite adjustment. The findings support the hypothesis that addressing these factors is crucial for eliminating health disparities.
Between February and April 2025, 694 NIH grants were terminated across 24 institutes, affecting over $1.8 billion in funding. The terminations disproportionately impacted the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, accounting for 30% of all funding.
A new study reveals a significant increase in ischemic heart disease prevalence across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania between 1990-2021. The regions experience distinct risk factors, including air pollution, dietary patterns, and high blood pressure.
A University of California, Riverside-led research team adapted an intervention for childhood obesity prevention to better serve Latina mothers, non-maternal caregivers, and families of low-income backgrounds. The study emphasizes the importance of involving non-maternal caregivers in the adaptation process.
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are rising rapidly in China due to population growth and high-risk factors like high blood sugar, smoking, and obesity. The study projects continued rise unless effective interventions are implemented.
The Pediatric Pandemic Network will now have a hub site in all 10 federal regions, with Oklahoma Children's Hospital leading efforts in Region 6. The hospital will enhance pediatric preparedness and readiness in urban and rural areas, focusing on rural and Native populations.
The American College of Chest Physicians has released a new clinical guideline on the transfusion of fresh frozen plasma and platelets in critically ill adults. The guideline contains seven evidence-based recommendations to reduce unnecessary transfusions, which are rarely needed prior to bedside procedures.
A new analysis of population surveys estimates that exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) contributed to 356,238 global heart disease deaths in 2018, accounting for 13% of all global mortality. The study also found higher death risks in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and Pacific regions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and magnified the mental health vulnerabilities of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Research highlights the surge in anxiety, stunted social development, and loneliness, potentially leading to lifelong psychological wounds.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that reducing socioeconomic disparities can significantly alleviate adverse birth outcomes, with 48% of low-weight births and 15% of premature births possibly avoiding if all women had the same risk level as White British women living in less deprived areas.
A recent study found that ischemic stroke mortality rates have increased in the US over the past two decades, particularly among racial minorities and rural residents. The majority of these deaths now occur at home, rather than in hospitals or medical facilities.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that using race-neutral lung function equations can identify more Black children with reduced lung function and increase asthma diagnosis rates. This is crucial as under-diagnosis can lead to delayed treatment and long-term health issues.
A cross-sectional study found that perceived stress, inadequate social support, racial discrimination, and neighborhood deprivation negatively impacted systemic and tumor immunity in Black women. These findings may inform prevention and public health interventions for cancer health disparities.
A Michigan Medicine-led study suggests that living in disadvantaged communities may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by up to 37%. The study found that patients from more resourced areas tended to live longer, possibly due to better access to care and reduced caregiver burnout. T...
The American Heart Association reports that Black communities face disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension, leading to poorer survival outcomes. Hands-Only CPR training and heart health education are critical to addressing these disparities and advancing equitable health solutions.
A global 'sisterhood' of citizen scientists sheds light on the complex vaginal microbiome, highlighting associations between microbial composition and clinical conditions like preterm birth and urinary tract infections. The study emphasizes the importance of considering whole complexity and continuity in vaginal microbiota composition ...
A study by Texas A&M University found that most people in the US are not in favor of detaining sick undocumented immigrants who reach interior border checkpoints. However, they do support detention after medical treatment is complete. The survey also found broad public support for expanding existing policies to allow undocumented indiv...
A four-year study on eating disorders in older Hispanic women, funded by the NIH, aims to reduce multimorbidity and pioneer scalable interventions. Researchers will assess the impact of binge eating disorders on mental and physical health.
A polypill containing a statin and three half-standard dose antihypertensives could significantly reduce health disparities in low-income, majority Black populations with limited access to healthcare. The study suggests that this treatment approach may be a high-value intervention for preventing cardiovascular disease.
A new study found significant disparities in the use of obesity-management medications among different racial and ethnic groups. People of Asian, Black, and Hispanic descent were significantly less likely to use these medications compared to whites, even after adjusting for income, education, health insurance coverage, and clinical need.
A new UK study analyzed data from three generations of adolescents and young adults to assess preconception health trends. The study found that while some unhealthy behaviors like smoking and soda consumption decreased over time, rates of overweight and obesity increased across the generations.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that closing underperforming hospitals can exacerbate health inequalities in rural areas. Patients who rely on closed facilities face increased travel distances for treatment, resulting in significant welfare losses.
Ochsner Health has been chosen as a site for the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program, a study aimed at identifying genetic links to Parkinson’s disease in underrepresented populations. The study will genotype over 150,000 individuals from around the world, providing population-specific insights into the basis of PD.
Life expectancy in the USA varies by more than 20 years depending on an individual's race and ethnicity and where they live. Researchers found that marginalized groups already had lower life expectancy, and the pandemic further increased the gap.
A large cohort study found that young adults with type 2 diabetes ages 20-39 who had low incomes were more likely to die prematurely. The study highlights the need for socioeconomic support to address income-related health disparities among younger individuals.
The American Heart Association has awarded $75,000 to local entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions addressing health inequities in their communities. The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator program supports social entrepreneurs and organizations focused on improving health outcomes.
Researchers are using historical, qualitative, and statistical methods to investigate the needs of over 70 million people in the US who self-identify as having a disability. The study aims to measure specific dimensions of structural ableism and create ways to address its impact on healthcare disparities.
The TTUHSC team will conduct a needs assessment and create an action plan to strengthen clinical and community-based research, guided by strategic translational research themes. The goal is to address health disparities in the region through community-based participatory research.
A new study from the University of Washington found that lower-income households decreased their purchases of sweetened beverages by nearly 50%, while higher-income households reduced purchases by 18%. The tax was implemented in four U.S. cities and resulted in a significant decline in consumption among lower-income households.
A groundbreaking initiative in Prince George's County, Maryland, has successfully combated COVID-19 vaccine disparities by leveraging community health workers to promote health literacy and vaccine equity. The Health Literacy Enhancement and Advancement Program (Health LEAP) reached over 14,800 residents, particularly Black and Hispani...
Early-stage HR+ breast cancer survivors experience weight gain, particularly those with healthy BMI or overweight at diagnosis. Black women have higher rates of obesity and related comorbidities compared to White women, leading to a 40% higher breast cancer mortality rate.
The Affordable Care Act has led to increased guideline-concordant care for non-white patients, rural residents, and those from the most deprived neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. This improvement is associated with better cancer outcomes, including survival rates.
A recent study found that Black patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) received immunotherapy at significantly lower rates than white patients. However, when they did receive immunotherapy, their overall survival rate was similar to that of white patients. The study suggests that socioeconomic factors may be the main barrie...
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examines the connection between food insecurity and gestational diabetes risk among young American Indian and Alaska Native females. The research highlights how targeted risk reduction methods could significantly improve diabetes health outcomes for this popula...
A new study found that Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts increased prenatal and postpartum office visits, postpartum depression screenings, and timely postpartum care. This value-based model of care addressed inequities in healthcare access for pregnant and postpartum people covered by Medicaid.