A new study found that 21.3% of respondents used skin lightening agents, often for conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation, but most users were unaware of potential toxic ingredients and risks. The study highlights the need for cultural mindfulness in dermatology care to ensure safe and effective treatment across all communities.
Current diagnosis of COPD using fixed-ratio spirometry may fail to diagnose the disease in African American patients due to flawed methods. The study found that 21% more results for African Americans were classified as non-COPD, despite showing clear symptoms of COPD.
A new study found critical gaps and disparities in access to Parkinson's disease care among Medicare beneficiaries. Only 9% of people with Parkinson's disease receive care from movement disorder specialists.
A cross-sectional study found that over one-fourth of children experienced delayed or missed preventive care during the pandemic. Targeted interventions may be necessary to address these disparities in timely pediatric care.
The Hastings Center's Institutional Review Board (IRB) has implemented an evidence-based intervention to address racism and promote equity in biomedical research. The IRB now requires researchers to define racial and ethnic classifications, state whether they are describing or explaining differences between groups, and provide justific...
The latest issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature articles on social determinants of health, youth mental health screening, and AI in psychotherapy. Journalists can access publications by emailing press@psych.org.
A new study using mass spectrometry analyzed hand scent compounds from 60 individuals and achieved a 96.67% accuracy rate in predicting sex. The analysis can be used to uncover details about a potential perpetrator, such as age and racial or ethnic group, when other evidence is lacking.
A new study by George Washington University researchers reveals that Mexican Americans and other Latinos face significant barriers to occupations in the healthcare field that require an advanced degree. The study found that despite being the largest Latino subpopulation, Mexican Americans represent one-quarter or less of the professions.
A new study found that maternal mortality rates have worsened from 1999 to 2019, with the highest rates seen in Black women. The study used data from 1999 to 2019 and found significant disparities in maternal mortality rates across states and racial/ethnic groups.
A study of US state-level maternal mortality from 1999 to 2019 found increased risk among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Black individuals. The study highlights persistent disparities in maternal health care, with limited impact on prevention efforts.
A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.
A new study has created the world's largest map of normal breast tissue, highlighting 12 major cell types and 58 biological cell states. The atlas also identifies differences based on ethnicity, age, and menopause status, providing a powerful resource for researchers studying breast cancer and other diseases.
A new study found that school suspensions increase the likelihood of arrest for Black and Hispanic students, but not White students. Suspension labels can perpetuate stereotypes linked to each racial group, with Blackness associated with criminality and Hispanic people with illegality.
Collecting self-reported racial and Indigenous identity data on health card applications and renewals could facilitate the measurement of racial inequities in healthcare. This approach could aid in tracking progress and ensuring accountability, particularly for Indigenous and Black patients who face significant barriers to care.
A study by Penn State researchers found that minority communities bore the brunt of the opioid crisis, with Black men and American Indian/Native Alaskan men and women disproportionately affected. The researchers suggest that race- and gender-specific interventions may be more effective in preventing overdose deaths.
New analysis reveals that irony is a key medium for the spread of toxic ideas online, particularly in contemporary politics and radical online communities. Irony helps people navigate major political and economic changes, mobilize people around unclear or contradictory ideologies.
Researchers aim to identify best practices for increasing viral suppression in low-income populations with HIV. They will examine state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs to understand disparities in care and outcomes.
A study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that race-neutral lung function interpretation could lead to more equitable access to lung transplants for Black patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 8,900 patients and discovered that a race-specific approach resulted in lower Lung Allocation Scores (LAS) ...
US delivery-related hospital mortality decreased for all groups between 2008 and 2021, while severe maternal morbidity increased, particularly among older women and minority patients with comorbidities
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients face substantial burden of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, leading to increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Modifiable CV risk factor control is crucial in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and death among these patients.
A new study revealed significant racial and ethnic disparities in US alcohol-related deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic. American Indian and Alaska Native populations saw a more than doubling of alcohol-related deaths, while Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans experienced substantial increases as well.
Researchers found female babies with CDH have a 32% higher risk of dying within 30 to 60 days of birth compared to males. The study, using medical records from an international registry, suggests that lower birth weights for females may be linked to the disparity in survival rates.
A recent study reveals lower lung cancer screening rates among Black veterans, underscoring the need for further research into barriers to screening and evidence-based interventions. The findings suggest that demographics alone do not fully explain these disparities.
A new study by University College London found that Latin Americans with greater Native American ancestry are at a higher risk of developing severe liver failure and associated high risk of short-term mortality. The study suggests that genetic ancestry and race may determine the outcome of advanced liver disease in patients.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) disproportionately affects Black adults, with higher rates of diagnosis and poor outcomes. Low-cost, routine testing can help reduce disparities and health care costs by identifying individuals at risk and providing preventive measures.
A retrospective cohort study reveals that racial disparities in tooth decay among children are significantly influenced by insurance type and dental procedure types. The study's findings suggest targeted strategies can be developed to reduce oral health disparities.
HaoSheng Sun, assistant professor at University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been selected as a Freeman Hrabowski scholar by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He will receive up to $8.6 million over 10 years to advance his research on neural development and plasticity.
A new study found that food allergy affects all racial and ethnic groups, but is most prevalent among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and Asian individuals. Food allergy rates are also lower in households with higher incomes.
The study found that food allergies were highest among Asian, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Black individuals compared to non-Hispanic white individuals. Socioeconomic factors and environmental exposures may contribute to the disparity in food allergy prevalence.
The Better Together trial partners with community organizations and sites to provide buprenorphine treatment, reducing distance for patients and offering peer support in familiar environments. Researchers aim to address barriers such as stigma, misunderstandings about addiction, and bias against certain treatments.
Many physicians and scientists reported being harassed on social media due to their advocacy, often based on gender, race, or disability. The study highlights the need for greater protection and support for individuals facing online abuse.
The NHS struggles to address ethnic inequalities in healthcare until better ethnicity data is available. Analysis reveals stark disparities across various measures, including stillbirths, infant mortality, and mental health outcomes.
Four state policies associated with increased telehealth access for mental health care in U.S. facilities, but disparities found in counties with higher Black resident populations and Medicaid acceptance. The expansion has improved mental health care accessibility during the pandemic.
A new UK survey study led by Lancaster University found that 6.6% of the population aged 16 and over changed their reported sexual identity over a six-year period. The research challenges the assumption that sexual identity mobility declines with age, revealing that it is as prevalent among over-65s as young people.
Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that Black and Hispanic female breast cancer survivors have higher death rates from second cancers compared to other ethnic groups. The risk of death from a second cancer is 12% higher among non-Hispanic Black survivors and 8% higher among Hispanic survivors.
The study found that taking home methadone doses increased deaths of black and hispanic men but had little effect on the other demographic groups. Relaxing methadone restrictions may help certain at-risk groups, addressing the heterogeneity in treatment.
A new study found that most adults with Type 2 diabetes in Alabama Medicaid did not receive follow-up healthcare within the recommended two-week period after a heart failure hospitalization. African American and Hispanic adults were particularly affected, with worse follow-up care compared to white adults.
A network meta-analysis of 10 studies found expert panel-based and computer-based aesthetic outcome evaluation scored lower than patient-perceived outcomes. Standardization of tools with racially and culturally inclusive patient-reported measures is needed to improve clinical assessment of breast cancer patients.
A recent study found that germline genetic testing after cancer diagnosis is underutilized, with rates significantly lower among Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study, published in JAMA, suggests disparities in access to genetic testing by race.
The initiative aims to improve data collection methods on researchers' racial and ethnic dimensions. It seeks to overcome obstacles, including sensitive data that may be leaked, to promote structural changes and impact in the research ecosystem.
Leaders of research funding agencies from four countries discussed initiatives to promote equality and inclusion in academia. FAPESP's quota system has increased diversity among USP students, while UKRI emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in driving research forward.
Funding agencies emphasized the need for reciprocal collaborations, equal access to research data, and clear intellectual property standards. The discussion aimed to promote responsible internationalization and address concerns about politics and security issues among countries.
A study of 8,269 pediatric patients reveals persistent disparities in central line–associated bloodstream infection rates for Black patients and those who speak a language other than English. Stratifying outcomes to assess for disparities may inform targeted interventions to improve equity.
Metabolic and bariatric surgery use among US youth increased significantly from 2020 to 2021, rising by 50% compared to pre-pandemic years. Adults saw a decline in MBS rates during the same period, highlighting shifts in healthcare access and utilization.
An observational study of 329,000 Medicare admissions found that older persons receiving hospital care from allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physicians experience similar quality and cost of care. Researchers also highlight systemic health inequities faced by persons with sickle cell disease.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 enfranchised a new section of society in the US South, resulting in increased Black turnout and election of Black politicians. Studies found that the act promoted tangible improvements in policy changes, including increased spending on public infrastructure.
A nationwide VR research project is working to create diverse groups of participants to reflect real-world social dynamics. The Virtual Experience Research Accelerator (VERA) aims to provide researchers with access to large, reliable, and diverse groups for various VR research projects.
Women with short or long menstrual cycles are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attack or AFib. The study analyzed data from over 58,000 women and found that irregular menstrual cycle length was associated with higher risks of CVD, independent of other factors.
Research suggests that pulse oximeters used in obstructive sleep apnea tests may underestimating the severity of OSA in Black patients. This is because people with darker skin tones tend to have lower oxygen levels during breathing pauses, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
A study of nearly 67,200 postmenopausal women found that the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) was inadequate for identifying osteoporotic fracture risk across racial/ethnic categories. However, the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) was excellent for detecting osteoporosis within each category.
The study found that medication for chronic conditions was relatively stable during the first 2 years of COVID-19, with no significant disparities by race or ethnicity. This stability holds lessons for outpatient services during future pandemics.
A new study reveals significant economic burden of racial and ethnic health inequities in the US, with minority populations facing $421-$451 billion in healthcare costs annually. The findings emphasize the urgent need for policy interventions to address these disparities and improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.
The statement highlights enormous inequities in stroke care, leading to significant gaps in functional outcomes for historically disenfranchised groups. Upstream interventions, such as policy changes and place-based initiatives, are crucial to address these disparities.
A national cohort study found that multiple sclerosis (MS) distribution has become more diverse, with white individuals having the highest prevalence, followed by Black and Hispanic populations. The study's results highlight the need for tailored healthcare approaches for diverse patient groups.
A new study from the University of Illinois explores how romantic relationships, neighborhood quality, and mental health intersect among Black Americans. The research reveals significant effects of neighborhood quality on mental wellbeing, with a notable interaction between relationship functioning and neighborhood quality for Black men.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found significant racial inequalities in treatment for opioid use disorder, with White patients receiving medication up to 80% more frequently than Black and Hispanic patients. Despite similar numbers of healthcare visits, disparities persist.
Researchers studied systematic variation in AAE speech production, including final consonant reduction, to prevent misdiagnosis of speech disorders. The study highlights the importance of accepting variation in human language without penalizing users.
A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center found that immigrant adults with liver cancer have a significantly higher five-year survival rate compared to those born in the US. The study identified disparities in survival rates across different racial and ethnic groups, with immigrants demonstrating better outcomes.
Research highlights unique effects of Asian American subgroups on heart disease and Type 2 diabetes risk. Variations in cardiovascular risk among Asian Americans indicate the need for individual subgroup data to better understand health risks.
A study found that declines in racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates were largely due to increases in mortality among White individuals, rather than decreases in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. The shift from urban to rural areas also contributed to the decline.