Articles tagged with Health Equity
A major European study published in PLOS One found that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to die from congenital anomalies, with the risk increasing after infancy. The research highlights the influence of social and economic factors on health outcomes, particularly in countries with lower GDP per capita.
A new study found that only 13 low-and middle-income countries offer full support for smokers to quit, leaving billions without access. Researchers recommend tailored quitting programmes and low-cost strategies like national quitlines, mobile health apps, and community health workers to expand support in resource-limited settings.
A recent study found that nearly half of the US internal medicine workforce consists of doctors born outside the United States, with significant implications for patient care in underserved communities. These foreign-born physicians provide essential care to patients from diverse backgrounds, including Black and Latino populations, and...
Dr. Amoako's evidence-driven services improve early diagnosis, expand access to treatment, and advance locally led research in Ghana. Her work aims to strengthen childhood cancer care across the country.
A study by Texas A&M University finds that generational shifts are reshaping the healthcare workforce, with different needs and perspectives among five distinct generations of clinicians. This is complicated by staffing shortages, burnout and changing expectations about work-life balance and mental health.
A new study published in BMJ Public Health found that people who live by the coast in midlife are more likely to have two or more diagnosed chronic conditions. The researchers attribute this to higher deprivation and selective migration patterns, where individuals with worse health tend to remain in or move to coastal areas.
The US government's withdrawal of funding for global HIV programs led to a sharp reduction in the number of people entering HIV care across East Africa. New patient enrollment dropped by 59% and viral load testing declined by 33% within weeks, according to findings from researchers at UC San Francisco.
New national standards recommend earlier screening and lifelong monitoring for development and cognition in individuals with SCD, aiming to reduce variability in care. The guidance, developed in collaboration with Children's Colorado, provides a tiered approach to care, including surveillance and evaluation.
The new series, developed through meaningful community partnership, provides a comprehensive synthesis of evidence on sex workers' health and offers a contemporary approach to inform future research, policy, and practice. It emphasizes the need to address structural barriers alongside individual-level interventions.
A cross-sectional study of 172 venture capital-backed maternal health startups identified significant gaps in pregnancy care delivery, particularly for low-income populations. The study found that while startups have the potential to facilitate innovation, few address health equity concerns.
A retrospective cohort study found that language-concordant physician care significantly reduces all-cause mortality in both Francophone and Allophone patients. The study suggests prioritizing patient-physician linguistic matching and evidence-based interpretation services to improve long-term survival in Canada's increasingly linguist...
The American College of Cardiology introduces a new cardiogenic shock designation to address deadly gaps in heart attack care. The new designation aims to standardize protocols and improve outcomes for patients with life-threatening complications of a heart attack, particularly in underserved areas.
A new Global Burden of Disease study found that people are spending more years living with chronic disease and disability as global life expectancy increases. The analysis revealed that high-income countries face the widest morbidity gaps, while women consistently live longer but spend more years in poor health.
A new review of current research highlights the importance of culturally grounded approaches to food systems literacy in addressing global hunger and malnutrition. The study suggests that Indigenous knowledge and participatory methods can improve food systems resilience and support communities to maintain traditional food practices.
A global monitoring platform reveals that antimicrobial resistance in children is rising, driven largely by Gram-negative bacteria. The platform forecasts that last-line carbapenem antibiotics will be highly resistant to these pathogens by 2035, posing a significant threat to children's health.
A long-term study of 1,200 women in eastern Massachusetts found that those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods faced faster declines in heart health and worse cardiovascular risk before menopause. The research highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors in preventing heart disease.
A new study found that simple weekly electronic symptom check-ins with care teams significantly improves the quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. The benefits were notable among patient groups that historically faced barriers to care, including Black patients and those with less formal education.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease estimates that dementia-related costs across 30 high-income European countries total €221 billion annually. Family caregivers carry a significant portion of this burden, providing an estimated €128 billion in unpaid care.
A new five-year, $2.5 million grant will support a street medicine program serving unsheltered populations in urban and rural areas of southcentral Pennsylvania. The program aims to break down healthcare barriers and provide primary care within community settings.
The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program is training a new generation of physicians to solve healthcare's representation challenge through immersive education and mentorship. The program has grown rapidly, drawing hundreds of applicants annually from medical schools across the country.
A new study finds that higher education and income have varying health benefits across different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. For non-Hispanic Black participants, higher educational attainment was only associated with a 4% reduction in type 2 diabetes prevalence, while higher income was linked to increased obesity rates.
A systematic review found that transmasculine people have pregnancy rates ranging from 6-9%, while postnatal depression rates are unknown. Testosterone use before pregnancy is associated with lower conception rates and higher miscarriage rates.
Hospital admissions for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy have increased in England over the past two decades, with persistent socioeconomic inequalities observed. Deliveries declined significantly during this period.
A landmark international study found that halving patient out-of-pocket costs for fertility treatment significantly increased births achieved through ART, with a 2.67-fold increase reported. Countries with lower cost-to-baby metrics consistently achieved higher levels of ART utilisation, highlighting the importance of affordability in ...
Researchers have identified high rates of overweight/obesity (82%) and hypertension (higher than statewide average) in Franklin Parish, with income levels linked to lower hypertension rates. Older residents are also more likely to have undiagnosed high cholesterol and diabetes.
A study revealed persistent disparities in cancer care for LGBTQ+ populations, particularly transgender individuals, who face significant challenges accessing breast and cervical cancer screenings. The research highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to bridge these gaps and ensure equitable care.
Researchers developed a low-cost AI tool to forecast demand and optimize medicine allocation in Sierra Leone. The tool increased consumption of allocated medical products by 19% and improved access to essential medicines for over two million women and children under five, with no additional workforce costs.
A new study shows that a telehealth navigator program can significantly improve blood pressure control among Black patients with hypertension cared for at federally qualified health centers. The program was associated with a 31.4 percentage point increase in the likelihood of having controlled blood pressure.
A study of three Canadian cities found that children and older adults are less likely to live near bike lanes. Montreal made significant progress in closing the gap, while Vancouver and Victoria had more concentrated expansions in downtown areas.
Digital innovations and AI can address chronic pain management gaps, while mitigating online misinformation threats. However, concerns surround equitable access to longevity medicine due to high costs and health literacy barriers. Equitable AI design is crucial for inclusive care delivery.
The collaboration aims to eliminate barriers to screening and access for medically underserved women, leveraging data science and community-based research to develop targeted solutions. By listening to residents' experiences and challenges, USC and Novartis will create lasting improvements in breast cancer care.
The Robert A. Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program is launching its fifth cohort, welcoming 80 medical students from across the US and Puerto Rico for a six-week immersion in clinical research, community engagement, and improving clinical trial participation. Students will gain hands-on experience at leading institutions nationwide.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
A new study reveals that improving one element of a healthcare system can lead to worse patient outcomes in low- and middle-income countries due to systemic interconnectedness. Enhancing trust in the healthcare system had the greatest impact on clinical outcomes, but increased demand from more patients can quickly overwhelm services.
A new study by NYU Langone Health researchers found that nearly half of Americans with kidney failure who are referred for transplantation never begin the process required to be considered for a new organ. The study analyzed data from over 720,000 patients and found that those who were unmarried, had severe obesity, or lived in rural a...
Despite an increase in federally funded residency slots, a new study finds that physician shortages persist, particularly in primary care and rural communities. The expansion of Medicare-funded residency positions was intended to support shortage specialties and underserved areas, but most positions were allocated to non-rural areas.
A cross-sectional study found that colorectal cancer screening participation increased after an organized population screening program, but socioeconomic disparities remained. Younger age groups, single households, and lower-income individuals still lag behind in screening uptake.
Keck Medicine of USC hospitals and USC Student Health have received the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader 2026 designation, earning a perfect score in five criteria. The healthcare system demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and equity through various initiatives and programs supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Eighty medical students from across the US and Puerto Rico are selected for a six-week summer experience to introduce them to clinical research early in their careers. The program aims to develop the next generation of clinical investigators equipped to engage communities and improve participation in clinical trials.
A novel study utilizing sharing circles reveals the need for holistic strategies that blend Indigenous and Western approaches to overcome systemic barriers. Key findings include the central role of humor as a culturally grounded mode of communication and the importance of storytelling in traditional teachings.
FemTech has expanded over the past decade to become a major force for women's health worldwide, tackling issues like reproductive health, cardiovascular disease, and chronic conditions. International funding bodies are creating opportunities for innovation, enabling researchers to redefine how women access and experience medical care.
A new study found that one in three middle-aged American adults can't consistently read prescription instructions correctly or recall details from doctor visits involving chronic conditions. The researchers recommend simplifying health information using plain language to improve patient outcomes and reduce harm.
A study from Tokyo University of Science found that public preferences for immigrants shift towards high-income individuals when their participation in the welfare system is highlighted. The researchers also discovered a joint interaction between concerns about welfare systems and job security on attitudes toward immigration.
A pilot study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that a culturally adapted health program helped low-income Latina and Indigenous Mexican women make healthier changes in their daily lives. The program, led by trusted community health workers called promotoras, focused on nutrition education, healthy cooking...
A pilot study of the Participant Engagement Portal (PEP) tool shows that 84% of participants had a positive experience, with high usability and satisfaction rates. PEP facilitates two-way communication between patients and clinicians, allowing for self-reporting of social risk factors and future research opportunities.
A new study finds that immigrants who are socially integrated on some dimensions but not others experience worse health, particularly among minority groups. The 'acculturative discordance' phenomenon is associated with higher disability risks after age 65, affecting one in four adults aged 65 and older.
A new study found that demand for abortion and miscarriage hotlines increased by double digits before the Dobbs decision, with states later enacting abortion bans seeing a significant surge. The hotline saw a 210% spike in use from June 2022 to June 2023.
A difference-in-differences analysis found that Georgia's Pathways to Coverage program worsened mental health among low-income adults. This suggests that work requirements may create barriers to coverage and care access, affecting population health and equity.
LGBTQ+ adults over 50 face disparities in health care, mental health, and social connections compared to non-LGBTQ+ peers. They are more likely to experience discrimination and feel isolated from others.
A recent study analyzing 670,000 patients found a higher frequency of advanced disease among non-white men and differences in access to modern therapies. The study also revealed significant racial inequalities in treatment costs, with white patients receiving 16.2% more funding.
A study found that 14 million workdays are lost annually due to menopause, while women rely on online misinformation for medical advice. The authors advocate for open conversation and inclusive approaches to combat stigma and support women's health during this transition.
Researchers propose a new conceptual framework called Health Elements, which integrates technological factors alongside traditional domains as core drivers of health. The framework highlights the increasingly important role of digital infrastructures in shaping health behaviors and outcomes.
Two projects, BOOST-HP and BIONIC, use machine learning to analyze large datasets of medication exposure and outcomes. The findings highlight the need for more data and cautious design of machine learning models to accurately assess potential links between medications and pregnant women.
A review of nearly 50,000 patients found significantly higher mortality rates for community-acquired pneumonia in intensive care units of middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. The study highlights major inequalities in outcomes and underscores the need for improved healthcare access and quality.
The Journal of Medical Internet Research publishes a theme issue on digital inclusion in the Global South, examining access, agency, and impact. The focus areas include measuring digital access, gendered digital realities, and digital innovations across health and livelihoods.
The American College of Cardiology has issued a new Expert Consensus Decision Pathway to guide postpartum cardiovascular care, emphasizing comprehensive visits and effective management of CV emergencies. The guideline aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by optimizing cardiometabolic outcomes.
Research in regional Australia found nearly a third of rural siblings experience low wellbeing due to insufficient access to formal mental health services. Resilience, community support, and understanding from local communities are critical for improving sibling outcomes and addressing emotional strain.
A recent trial in Japan found community-based ultrasound screening detected 8.7% of infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip, including those without clinical signs or known risk factors. The study suggests that comprehensive ultrasound screening could help catch missed cases without requiring hospital resources.
The Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network now spans 62 centers across the US, offering specialized care and support for individuals with bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease. The network aims to improve quality of life for those affected by these conditions.
A new study estimates the value-based prices of lecanemab and donanemab across 174 countries, finding that current market prices exceed cost-effective prices by significant margins. The research highlights a global equity issue, where patients in low- and middle-income countries may face delayed or no access to these treatments.