Articles tagged with Health Equity
A study published in the British Medical Journal Open found that government-owned and not-for-profit nursing homes had lower hospitalization rates compared to for-profit homes. The research, which analyzed over 200,000 long-term care facility residents, suggests that privatization may compromise resident health outcomes.
Researchers found that lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and living environment contribute to faster biological ageing in early adulthood. Childhood and adolescent lifestyle and environmental exposures explained approximately 28% of the variation in biological age at the age of 22.
A new study from IHME found that chewing tobacco use contributed to an estimated 251,000 deaths globally in 2023, with health loss concentrated in South Asia. Chewing tobacco use was more common among males than females, with significant variations by age and sex.
Love Your Lungs Day draws attention to the critical importance of respiratory health in Phoenix residents, with over 410,000 cases of adult asthma and 187,000 cases of COPD in Maricopa County. The event aims to promote education, research, prevention, and access to quality respiratory care.
A multidisciplinary team will integrate existing data to develop a computational framework predicting how vaginal tissue changes in response to hormones. The project aims to identify relationships between hormone dynamics and tissue microstructure and mechanics, ultimately improving women's health outcomes.
A new study reveals metabolic-associated kidney disease among young girls and women, and those without heat exposure in Nicaragua. The research found a greater prevalence of poor kidney health among young girls and women than previously known, and risk factors for kidney disease are present at younger ages.
The Momentum conference brings together European cancer research leaders to discuss ways to accelerate the adoption of new cancer research advances and strengthen cross-border collaboration. The event aims to shorten the path from scientific discovery to clinical practice, ultimately benefiting patients sooner.
State policies aimed at reducing discrimination and increasing social acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals are more effective among white adults in using HIV prevention measures, but their impact is weaker among Black and Latino populations. Practical steps to expand resources and community-based prevention services may be necessary to add...
Research analysis of 22 years of US mortality data reveals a widening disparity in infant mortality rates between white and Black populations, with sudden unexpected infant deaths accounting for a significant increase, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic and social and economic consequences.
Analysis of 20 years and 194 countries reveals epidemic disasters disproportionately affect health workforce equality in low- and middle-income countries. Global losses in human resources for health are estimated due to infectious disease epidemics, with significant impacts on healthcare systems.
The study reveals that sari-sari stores serve as community pharmacies, providing common medicines and adapting to community needs. Despite being illegal, the researchers argue for policies that account for economic and geographical barriers, recognizing the value of these stores in the healthcare system.
A new US Medicare pricing policy could reshape global pharmaceutical markets, potentially driving up prices and delaying medicine launches worldwide. The study estimates that Medicare could save $5.2 billion under its initial phase, with savings rising to $21 billion if expanded to all Medicare beneficiaries.
The American College of Cardiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions released a joint statement on TAVR national coverage determination. The statement aims to preserve the quality framework that contributed to TAVR's success, emphasizing the importance of collaborations, registrie...
A new study finds that Medicaid ACOs in Massachusetts improved maternal healthcare quality and equity by incorporating maternal metrics and initiatives, but faced challenges in meeting metrics and implementing new initiatives. The researchers offer recommendations to overcome barriers in maternal healthcare delivery.
The ACC Latin America 2026 conference will bring together experts and cardiovascular clinicians to examine emerging cardiovascular science and evidence-based strategies for improving global heart health. The conference will also recognize individuals who have earned the distinguished Fellow of the ACC (FACC) designation.
A new Cochrane review of 8 randomized controlled trials involving over 500 adults found little to no benefit from widely-used back braces in managing chronic low back pain. The research suggested that the use of lumbar supports may be more common in lower-income countries where active treatment alternatives are less accessible.
Researchers analyzed 8.1 million emergency department visits to identify the most at-risk patients during heat waves, offering a near-real-time opportunity to implement protective measures. The study suggests that delays in identifying those most at-risk are no longer necessary, and timely evidence is increasingly essential for effecti...
A new study reveals that Parkinson's disease costs Europe €22.8 billion annually, with direct medical and non-medical costs, informal care, and lost productivity contributing to the total burden. The condition's prevalence in Europe has nearly doubled since 1990, with Germany recording the highest national costs at €5.7 billion.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior found that adults with visual impairment have medium to high culinary skills, but still face barriers to independent meal preparation, underscoring the need for accessible cooking education and support. The study identified factors associated with culinary skill levels,...
A review published in the journal CANCER reveals that cost-effective interventions such as single-dose HPV vaccination, screen-and-treat strategies, and workforce development can substantially improve outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. These interventions can bridge the survival gap between LMICs and wealthier nations.
The Brexit referendum led to a sustained decline in EU-origin health care worker immigration to the UK, despite recruitment from non-EU countries. Policymakers should consider the impact of policy uncertainty, substitution dynamics, and global health equity when making decisions.
The global health workforce nearly tripled between 1990 and 2023, with women driving most of the growth, yet remaining concentrated in lower-paying professions. An additional 34.4 million health workers are needed to achieve moderate universal health coverage, with shortages greatest in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Research shows a link between dollar store food quality and higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Traditional grocery store access is associated with better health metrics, according to a new study published in BMC Public Health.
A new study found that 23% of emergency department boarding patients wait at least 4 hours before receiving inpatient-quality care, with some patients waiting 12 or 24 hours. The study highlights the importance of efficient handoffs from emergency to inpatient care, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.