Health Equity
Articles tagged with Health Equity
Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network expands to 62 centers
Rapid tests linked to better management of chronic diseases
UofL breaks ground on $280-million facility for health education and collaboration
The Health Sciences Building will serve as a nexus of learning, engagement, and research for UofL's four health sciences schools and the community. The building features extensive medical simulation facilities, dedicated spaces for learning, research, and work.
Hormone health climbs the policy agenda as endocrine leaders meet for European Society of Endocrinology’s first Summit of the Presidents
The summit brought together endocrine leaders to identify opportunities to work closely together on increasing the visibility of endocrine health in policy decisions. Early findings from a workforce survey revealed challenges including long patient waiting times and retention concerns among early-career clinicians.
Children in poorer countries face almost sixfold higher risk of dying after emergency surgery
National Institutes of Health Grant terminations disproportionately impact minority scientists
A recent NIH grant termination survey found that BIPOC and LGBTQ+ researchers faced higher odds of termination, with disparities extending beyond representation. The study highlights concerns about the long-term impacts on the US scientific workforce.
Study finds major gaps in dementia care across Mississippi
A new study by University of Mississippi researchers finds significant shortages in adult day services across the state, leaving thousands without daily support. The state would need an additional 910 centers to meet demand, with funding being a primary cause of shortages.
Study finds regional differences in sickle cell disease in New York state
A new study reveals significant variation in sickle cell disease hospitalizations and costs across New York State, with regional differences in access to specialized care and treatment impacting outcomes. Long Island and New York City show high costs and complex cases, while Central New York has the longest average length of stay.
Novel study maps changes in US immigration policy landscape since 9/11
A comprehensive analysis of US state and local sanctuary and anti-sanctuary policies reveals associations with immigrants' health outcomes. Sanctuary policies are linked to improved community trust, reduced crime, and higher employment rates, while anti-sanctuary policies increase deportation risk and negatively impact mental health.
Study looks to Africa to best support Aussies living with chronic conditions
The study aims to implement skills-based mental health and substance use training for community health workers, embedded with peer recovery coaches. Over 5000 patients will be followed to measure the approach's effectiveness in re-engaging patients with care.
Canadian nephrologist shares common-sense, patient-centered solutions to transplant inequities
A Canadian nephrologist shared common-sense, patient-centered solutions to address inequities in organ transplantation. His team co-developed practical approaches, including culturally safe spaces, navigation support, and storytelling through videos featuring Indigenous patients.
Physicians pay the price for taking parental leave, increasing their workload in early pregnancy and returning soon after childbirth
A study found that physicians' workload increases in early pregnancy, with surgeons returning to work sooner after childbirth. The study suggests that stronger workplace supports can improve physician well-being and retention.
Reimagining heart transplant allocation worldwide
A new global allocation system is being proposed to address inequities in organ allocation for heart transplants. The proposal aims to reduce disparities and ensure no viable donor heart goes unused globally.
Millions suffering needlessly with curable hepatitis C, new analysis reveals
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.
JMIR report: Why mental health tech needs systems, not just tools
The report highlights a critical implementation gap in digital mental health tools, which struggle to reach the masses due to inadequate infrastructure. The industry has excelled in creating evidence-based tools and AI systems, but fails to deliver them at population scale without proper systems in place.
Waiting to enter primary school may improve educational outcomes in low-income countries, with health benefits into adulthood and the next generation
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.
New partnership broadens reach of Pennington generation study
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.
Opioid use stigma may underlie clinician biases towards patients with sickle cell disease
Research at UChicago Medicine found that clinicians who perceive patients with sickle cell disease as opioid users are more likely to experience bias and provide lower quality care. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and education on overcoming biases related to chronic pain management.
New study reveals why some Chinese immigrants in the US may turn to China-based telehealth apps
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.
Quitting tobacco could give major economic uplift to 20 million + households in India
A study estimates that quitting tobacco could give a major economic uplift to over 20 million households in India, with the greatest impact felt in rural areas and among the poorest households. The analysis suggests that these households would receive a significant boost in income, potentially moving up one or two economic classes.
Study: How a new approach in community clinics helped low-income patients address high blood pressure
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.
Artificial intelligence could transform patient education in eye care, new research shows
A new AI chatbot helps patients access retinal detachment advice through personalized, real-time, clinically grounded conversations. The system outperformed leading large language models and includes accessibility features for people with low vision or limited English proficiency.
Extreme heat from climate change linked to smaller babies
A study published in BMC Medicine found that extreme heat exposure is associated with low birth weight, affecting 18% of babies. Climate change is projected to increase this burden by 8-10% by the 2060s.
Placing fruit and veg near store entrances can improve sales and diet quality
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.
AstraZeneca joins Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program as Funding Partner
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.
Study: An Oregon policy required hospitals to offer more financial assistance. Medical debt plummeted
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.
Global maternal deaths fell to 240,000 in 2023, but more than 100 countries still fall short of the global maternal mortality target as progress slows worldwide
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.
Transportation noise: An overlooked risk to heart health
Research suggests living in areas with high levels of transportation noise is associated with a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiac events. Loud road, aviation, and rail noises were linked to increased risks of heart attack, stroke, or coronary revascularization. Different types of noise may come with unique health risks...
Family medicine practice redesigns patient dismissal process
A family medicine practice in upstate New York revised its patient dismissal process, shifting from expedited dismissals to a structured review process that prioritizes patient engagement and collaborative planning. This redesign led to a significant decline in behavior-concern referrals and eliminated racial disproportionality.
For the first time, Robert A. Winn Career Development Award opens to neuropsychiatry investigator-physicians
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.
Can spending time in nature improve your diet?
A new study from Drexel University found that individuals who spent more time in nature reported better dietary behaviors, such as eating more fruits and vegetables. Participants who spent more time in nature also experienced improved mental health, including reduced depression, anxiety, and stress.
PsyMetRiC – a new tool to predict physical health risks in young people with psychosis
PsyMetRiC, a new web-based risk prediction tool, forecasts cardiometabolic disorders in young people with psychosis. The algorithm predicts significant weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes within specific time frames, enabling meaningful discussions and interventions.
Telemedicine remains popular, but who uses it varies widely
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.
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology highlights new and open colorectal cancer trials in March
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.
Digital transformation of food retail is reshaping food access for consumers
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior highlights the impact of digital transformation on food access, emphasizing opportunities for innovative interventions and policy approaches to promote health equity.
Newcomer children show lower rates of emergency department use for non‑urgent conditions, study finds
A study found that refugee and immigrant children have lower rates of emergency department visits for minor illnesses compared to their Ontario-born peers. The researchers attribute this to the healthcare-navigation support they receive during early settlement.
THRIVE: Transforming health: Reclaiming intrinsic vitality for everyone
The THRIVE team is developing a PROSPR Intrinsic Capacity score to predict 20-year health outcomes, using wearable data, blood-based biomarkers, and health surveys. The score aims to enable accessible, scalable monitoring of aging and improve interventions.
Upcoming Alliance webinar highlights latest cancer treatment advances
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.
How well are international guidelines followed for certain medications for high-risk pregnancies?
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.
As health care goes digital, patients are being left behind
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.
More financial support needed for mental health patients
A new study reveals that Australia's mental health system inadequately protects patients from high healthcare costs, leading to financial burden. The research emphasizes the need for increased rebates for mental health services to address this inequity.
Understanding the rising suicide risk among Black youth
A new study sheds light on the complex factors driving rising suicide rates among Black youth, identifying protective factors such as anxiety and religiosity that may help mitigate this risk. Timely assessment and follow-up after deliberate self-harm are also crucial in decreasing suicide risk.
Barriers to mental health care leave many children behind, new data cautions
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.
Merck Foundation grant supports heart care for formerly incarcerated Black men
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.
UCLA report reveals a significant global palliative care gap among children
A new report published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health highlights the significant global palliative care gap among children, with 96% of those in need living in low- and middle-income countries. The study estimates that $1 million per year is sufficient to cover pain medications for all children ages 0-14 years in need who live...
New resource supports trauma survivors, health professionals
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.
Opioid use dropped in states that legalized recreational cannabis
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.
Impact of the 2010 World Health Organization Code on global physician migration
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.
When specialization creates exclusion: the dangers of a compartmentalized medical system
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.
UBC study finds research in exercise physiology still fails women
A UBC study found that exercise physiology research predominantly focuses on male bodies and voices, while women are underrepresented as participants and researchers. The study highlights the need for greater equity in exercise physiology research to improve understanding of sex-based differences in physiology and treatment.
Kraft Center at Mass General Brigham launches 2nd Annual Kraft Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Community Health
The Kraft Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Community Health recognizes organizations driving measurable improvements in community health. The prize recipient will receive $100,000 and tailored support from the Kraft Center.
UC San Diego study cites link between mental health and long COVID in older women
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.
The ISSCR addresses access and affordability in cell and gene therapies; convenes summit on 20 March 2026
The ISSCR is hosting a summit on access and affordability in cell and gene therapies to explore pricing, manufacturing, regulation, and reimbursement strategies. Experts will examine key barriers and emerging solutions across the access landscape.
University of Oklahoma researcher awarded NIH grant to advance tribally defined approaches to genomic research
A University of Oklahoma researcher has been awarded a competitive NIH grant to advance tribally defined genomic research approaches. The project, called Partnerships for Indigenous-led ELSI Research (PIER), will strengthen meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities and promote Indigenous-driven approaches to genomic research.
Continuous care from community-based midwives reduces risk of preterm birth by 45%
A study published in BJOG found that continuous care from community-based midwives significantly reduced the risk of preterm birth among Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority backgrounds and socially deprived areas. Women who received this care had a lower risk of preterm birth, increased spontaneous vaginal delivery rates, and bette...
Research spotlight: Preventive HIV drugs under prescribed to young women at increased risk
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.
ACCESS-AD: a new European initiative to accelerate timely and equitable AD diagnosis, treatment and care
ACCESS-AD aims to address Alzheimer's disease challenges with a coordinated framework for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. The project combines advanced neuroimaging with digital biomarkers to support early patient identification and personalized treatment pathways.
Study links low lycopene intake to higher risk of severe gum disease in older adults
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.
AI-assisted device can improve autism care access
A new AI-assisted device, CanvasDx, has been shown to improve autism care access in rural Missouri communities. By reducing travel distances and processing times, families can receive diagnoses up to 5-7 months earlier.