Articles tagged with Health Disparity
A study led by Lancaster University found that social and environmental factors impact a patient's physical readiness for surgery. Patients from socioeconomically deprived areas tend to have lower cardiorespiratory fitness, which can lead to poorer surgical outcomes.
A new study analyzing over 13 million electronic health records found that clinicians are more likely to doubt the sincerity or competence of Black patients. This bias may contribute to ongoing disparities in healthcare and be addressed through medical training and AI-powered language tools.
A national study calls for increased vaccine screening in emergency departments to address health inequities. The study found that nearly a third of the US population lacks primary care access and rarely receives vaccination screenings.
Dr. Adekemi Adeniyan's innovative solutions to tackle oral health disparities in underserved communities have earned her the IHME's 2025 Roux Prize. Her work, using local data and community feedback, has expanded access to dental care for over 100,000 people.
Researchers found a 9% increased risk of death from all causes for those living in flood-affected zip codes, with higher risks in Connecticut and New York City. The study highlights the importance of considering long-term health impacts of hurricane-related flooding on older adults.
The study found that only 16% of newly diagnosed patients with MDS on Medicare received HMAs during the period analyzed, with women and non-white patients being less likely to start treatment. The analysis suggests that making changes with existing therapies and administration can have a huge impact on improving outcomes in high-risk MDS.
The TREE Center's innovative work highlights the importance of community-engaged, equity-focused research in addressing health disparities. The center's participatory team science model aligns with the NIMHD framework and has mobilized over 300 community partners.
A recent study found that children adopted internationally by non-US citizens living in the US have the highest uninsured rate at 30.7%. This group also had lower rates of private and public health insurance compared to other adoptee groups, highlighting the need for tailored policies to address these disparities.
A US study found that young adults with hearing difficulties have lower educational attainment, are less likely to be employed, and earn less than their peers. The effects are particularly pronounced among Black and Hispanic individuals. Hearing loss can limit job opportunities due to communication challenges.
Researchers found that people who experienced malnutrition early in life may have survived threats like plague at greater rates until young adulthood. However, this survival advantage could drop significantly when entering middle and late adult years.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that high levels of social infrastructure are associated with healthier communities. Communities with higher levels of social, human, and cultural capital also had better health outcomes.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A prospective observational cohort study found that people with economic instability and food insecurity were at greater risk for long COVID. The results suggest policy efforts are essential to address the disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study by University of California, Santa Cruz researchers found that pandemic-period relative excess mortality was twice as high among potentially undocumented immigrants as among those who appeared to be documented immigrants. The study also revealed a staggering 91% increase in deaths among Latino essential workers who were potenti...
Colorectal cancer claims more lives in Black communities than any other racial group, with incidence and mortality rates about 20% and 30% higher respectively. A new review by UCLA researchers highlights the need for equal access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment to eliminate these disparities.
A global research team developed an AI model that can predict the death risk of hospitalized liver patients with cirrhosis, outperforming older methods. The model uses advanced machine learning tools to identify key risk factors, allowing healthcare providers to intensify care and make informed decisions.
A new study reveals that at least 160 million patients annually are unable to receive surgery, with LMICs bearing the brunt of the crisis. The report emphasizes the need for urgent investment and highlights key recommendations to strengthen essential services for tomorrow's needs.
Researchers developed a lyophilized open-source RT-LAMP assay for pathogen detection, making diagnostics more accessible and affordable globally. The assay is heat stable, requires no cold chain, and can detect various pathogens with high sensitivity.
A new Ontario study reveals socioeconomic disparities in concussion-related emergency department visits among children and youth. The study found that children from higher socioeconomic status groups had significantly more concussions requiring ED visits compared to those from lower socioeconomic status groups.
Recent studies reveal disparities in access to hepatitis C treatment for children and recently pregnant women, with significant racial and geographic disparities. The studies highlight the need for targeted resources to reach these vulnerable populations.
A new study from the University at Albany's Oral Health Workforce Research Center analyzed data on Federally Qualified Health Centers and found that capacity-building steps such as investing in skilled providers and improving infrastructure enable more people to access essential health services. The study identified three leading facto...
A new study found that the expanded child tax credit reduced anxiety and improved food security and housing stability among young children. However, it excluded many eligible low-income and immigrant families due to minimum income requirements.
A new study reveals persistent inequalities in children's access to life-saving kidney transplants across the UK. Early disparities in ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender persist even after being placed on the waitlist.
SURGhub has transformed surgical education in low-resource and conflict-affected regions by reaching over 19,000 healthcare workers with high-quality training. The platform's accessibility and culturally relevant content are bridging a gap that has left millions without access to safe surgical care when needed.
Eliminating the fee increased overall usage by 7.8 percentage points, particularly benefiting underserved populations, including non-English speakers and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Despite gains, some disparities persisted, highlighting the need for additional strategies to ensure equitable access.
A new book written by an international team from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Oxford argues that data-driven decision-making can improve healthcare outcomes. The authors explain how analytics can be used to optimize hospital operations, manage bed allocation, and improve treatment efficiency.
A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.
A new brain imaging benchmark may improve how researchers classify biologically meaningful changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found a tau cut-point that distinguished individuals with cognitive impairment from those aging normally, but its effectiveness was limited in non-Hispanic Black participants.
A new study by the University of Birmingham highlights critical gaps in safeguarding and support for children placed under Special Guardianship Orders or adoption, particularly those with traumatic early life experiences. The report outlines 15 key recommendations to improve long-term outcomes for these families.
The American College of Cardiology hosts a Health Equity Summit to address cardiovascular health disparities. Young Indigenous scholars from the NNAYI participate in interactive cardiology workshops to promote equitable healthcare.
A new poll reveals significant variation in older adults' preparations to age in place, with 46% having taken steps to make their home more age-friendly. However, differences persist based on health, disability, and home ownership status, highlighting opportunities for policymakers and families.
A new study reveals that cancer survivors experiencing food insecurity have a 28% increased risk of death compared to those who are food secure. The research, published in JAMA Health Forum, analyzed data from over 5,000 respondents and found that food insecurity was linked to higher all-cause mortality rates.
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 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 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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.