Articles tagged with Health Equity
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Research found that early childhood exposure to childcare tax credits affects children's physical and mental health outcomes differently based on their mothers' educational level. Children of more-educated mothers experienced worse health outcomes, while those of less-educated mothers showed improvements.
Researchers have launched a new multimodal medical dataset, Observer, capturing anonymized, real-time interactions between patients and clinicians. The dataset links video, audio, transcripts, and electronic health records to study subtleties like body language and environmental factors affecting care.
A new study warns that AI is racing ahead of safety checks in GP clinics, putting patients at risk. The research found that many GPs use AI tools without thorough evaluation or regulatory oversight, carrying risks like automation bias and loss of important social details.
The UN has pledged to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects 480 million people worldwide. Inhaled medicines can reduce health and economic costs associated with COPD, but only 7% of pharmacies in low- and middle-income countries currently offer them.
A study found that only 6% of FDA-approved drugs reflect the US racial and ethnic makeup, with a decline in Black and Hispanic enrollment between 2021 and 2023. The researchers recommend setting diversity goals at preclinical stages and collecting biological samples to understand how people's bodies react to medications.
A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.
A University of Arizona-led study finds that PFAS contamination in drinking water costs the US at least $8 billion annually in social costs, with negative impacts on infant health and long-term economic benefits from cleanup and regulation.
A new series of case studies by The Lancet highlights the social and cultural forces contributing to global health inequities. Medical anthropologist Carlos Martinez's study focuses on asylum seekers' access to healthcare, citing the need for clinicians to partner with community-based organizations to overcome challenges.
The program provides financial aid and unique clinical experiences to medical students, encouraging them to become community physicians. UCF College of Medicine hopes the program can be used as a national model to address the nation's primary care physician shortage.
The UCF Health Mobile Health Clinic provides free high-quality healthcare services to underserved communities, serving as a real-world classroom for medical and nursing students. The clinic aims to reduce preventable conditions and improve long-term health through comprehensive screenings, chronic disease monitoring, and education.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that only 13% of US adults with cardiovascular disease met optimal LDL-C management, highlighting significant gaps between guideline recommendations and clinical care. The study suggests actionable steps to improve adherence, including increased use of non-...
A special issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology highlights the transformation of lung cancer from a feared and stigmatized disease to one that is increasingly understood as chronic and treatable. Advances in screening, therapeutics, and survivorship have improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers developed a revolutionary AI platform to assess the fairness and accuracy of commercial algorithms in detecting diabetic eye disease. The platform was tested on 1.2 million images from diverse ethnic groups, achieving high accuracy rates compared to human grading.
Researchers investigate how adjacent cities exacerbate each other's heat island effects. A study also highlights the need for improved hindcasting infrastructure in climate science. Additionally, a campaign monitors pinned clouds over industrial sources of heat and finds that trees are more reliable against heat stress than buildings.
A UCSF study found that a combination of outreach methods, including texts and live phone calls, significantly improves follow-up care for hard-to-reach patients. The integrated approach increased engagement among African American patients to 76.4% and improved overall reach rate by 3.5%, supporting their recovery and treatment outcomes.
A new report warns that AI can worsen health disparities in brain disease diagnoses if proper safeguards are not implemented. Researchers call for diverse perspectives, AI education, and strong governance to ensure equitable implementation.
The 2025 European Scientific Conference on Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology (ESCAIDE) brings together over 3,000 participants to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration in infectious disease prevention and control. The conference highlights urgent priorities such as building trust in science, demonstrating science-based ...
A qualitative study found that physician responses to patient expectations contribute to pay gaps among Canadian physicians, particularly women, racialized, and immigrant physicians. Researchers suggest adjusting compensation models for extra time required for certain care types and examining fee schedules for underpaid services.
Despite national policy, palliative care is often not equally accessible to all, with most people dying in hospitals or nursing homes rather than at home. The researchers emphasize the need for systematic implementation and integration of person-centred palliative care across different care settings.
A study by Brown University and Harvard University found that premature deaths among adults aged 18-64 increased by 27% from 2012 to 2022, with Black Americans facing a 38% higher rate. This trend prevents many from accessing Medicare benefits, highlighting the inequities in the social safety net.
A study analyzing US birth records found that a cap-and-trade initiative to reduce ozone pollution significantly improved infant health outcomes, including higher birth weight and lower rates of low birth weight and very preterm birth.
The G20 science academies recommend measures to address climate change consequences in health, ecology, and technology. The One Health approach is highlighted as a strategy to mitigate climate change, emphasizing sustainable land, water, and energy resource use.
The Family Heart Foundation has launched the Lp(a) AW(a)RE initiative to educate primary care clinicians, healthcare insurance providers, and policymakers about high lipoprotein(a). The program aims to increase awareness, screening, and diagnosis of this genetic risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Harolyn Belcher is recognized for her significant contributions to advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity through quality improvement, advocacy, practice, or research. Her work has had a far-reaching impact on the lives of marginalized communities.
A study of almost 10 million patients in Ontario found that those living over 30 km from their family physician were more likely to visit the emergency department for nonurgent reasons and had fewer visits with a family physician. The distance also negatively impacted preventive screening for certain cancers.
A University of Michigan study found that Medicaid coverage is linked to employment gains among low-income adults with serious health problems. Employment nearly doubled among enrollees who experienced improved health, from 26% to 47%. This suggests that Medicaid expansion may actually help individuals participate in the workforce.
A new framework harnesses generative AI to create personalized mental health treatment plans, addressing common barriers and improving outcomes for diverse individuals. The study uses a simulated client to explore pathways to mental health care and demographic disparities.
The journal is launching a new section to popularize evidence-based strategic planning in digital health and provide comprehensive guidelines for its application. Papers can explore topics such as strategic planning frameworks, case studies of successful implementations, and stakeholder engagement.
A new national study suggests that strengthening screening programs at community-based federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) could significantly increase cervical cancer screening rates and ultimately save thousands of lives. Currently, only about 55% of women seen at FQHCs are up to date on cervical cancer screening, far below th...
A new poll reveals that 19% of people age 50 and over identify as a person with a disability, while half may be entitled to protections and accommodations due to physical or mental conditions. Despite this, only 18% receive accommodations for healthcare visits.
A study measuring the impact of a data-driven health strengthening project in Madagascar demonstrates success with a 30% reduction in child deaths. The project provides universal access to basic healthcare, improving outcomes despite challenging conditions.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and UCL found that living in a safe neighborhood with high personal trust reduces psychosis risk among Swedish or European origin residents, but increases it for North African or Middle Eastern origin individuals. The researchers emphasize the need for inclusive environments to promote mental heal...
The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.
A recent study by the University of Michigan highlights the issue of limited language accessibility in patient portals, which can prevent vulnerable patients from accessing vital healthcare services. The study found that 29% of hospitals only offer access to their patient portal in English, and fewer than 5% offer it in the most common...
A new RNA-based therapy targeting Marfan syndrome shows promise in treating the genetic disorder, which can lead to aortic aneurysms and be fatal. The therapy, developed by Mizzou researcher Dunpeng Cai, aims to correct mutated RNA for those with Marfan syndrome.
A new study warns that dental shame can lead to lower self-worth and unfavourable oral health care behaviours, exacerbating existing oral health inequalities. Researchers emphasize the need for non-judgmental environments where patients feel empowered to prioritize their oral health.
Researchers found that Medicaid accountable care organizations (ACOs) can improve some maternal health outcomes if designed thoughtfully. The study highlights the importance of value-based care delivery design within Medicaid programs to support low-income women before, during, and after pregnancy.
A recent analysis found that former inmates report worse health than non-incarcerated peers, even years after release. The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that clinicians consider screening for incarceration history and connecting patients to supportive services.