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Study: Black prosecutors are more punitive toward Black and Latinx defendants than toward similarly situated white defendants

A recent study by Florida International University researchers found that Black prosecutors' decisions are more punitive towards Black and Latinx defendants, while being less punitive towards White and Asian defendants. The study aimed to understand the extent of racial disparities in prosecutorial decision-making.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateOct 4, 2022

Obesity prevalence varies significantly for Asian American subgroups

A cross-sectional study of over 70,000 Asian Americans found significant variation in obesity prevalence among subgroups, with Filipino Americans having the highest rate at 28.7% and Chinese Americans the lowest at 13.2%. The study highlights the need for tailored strategies to address obesity disparities among Asian American populations.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

Race and ethnicity influence end-of-life care for Medicare patients with dementia

A Rutgers study found that racial and ethnic minorities with dementia receive more intensive end-of-life care. This disparity may be attributed to systemic racism, discrimination, or poor physician communication. The researchers suggest improving end-of-life care and outcomes for people with dementia through initiatives like advance ca...

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2022

Substance use disorder treatment during COVID-19

Researchers analyzed changes in substance use disorder treatment admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing significant disparities by sex and ethnicity. The study highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches to address these inequities and ensure equitable access to care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 22, 2022

Drug overdose deaths during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened racial disparities in drug overdose death rates in the United States, with Hispanic and American Indian populations bearing the greatest burden. Researchers analyzed data from 2020 to 2021 and found that these groups experienced significantly higher overdose death rates compared to non-Hispanic whites.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 20, 2022

Diet could play a role in cognitive function across diverse races and ethnicities

Researchers found that blood metabolites related to sugars were linked to older adults' global cognitive health, while a Mediterranean diet was associated with higher levels of beta-cryptoxanthin. This study expands on previous work and highlights the importance of diet in safeguarding cognitive function across different populations.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateSep 16, 2022

COVID-19 took serious toll on Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander mental and physical health

Two UC Riverside-led studies found 30% of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders diagnosed with COVID-19 and nearly 1 in 5 reported a close family member's death due to the virus. The research also highlighted high levels of substance use, depression, anxiety, and unmet treatment need among NH/PIs during COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPublic Health Reports·TypeSurvey·DateSep 16, 2022

New study reveals a widening gap in diabetes-related mortality between urban and rural areas in the USA

A new study reveals a widening gap in diabetes-related mortality between urban and rural areas in the USA, with significant disparities seen in male and younger patients. The study found that reductions in mortality rates in urban areas were mainly limited to female and older patients, while outcomes worsened for male and younger indiv...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 10, 2022

Analysis of gestational weight gain during pandemic

The study found that pregnant individuals younger than 25 years, non-Hispanic Black individuals, unmarried individuals, and those with obesity before pregnancy experienced higher gestational weight gain. The pandemic also led to a higher risk of excessive gestational weight gain among these groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 9, 2022

Study: Minority, immigrant populations faced misinformation, hostility when seeking COVID-19 information online

A new study from the University of Kansas found that racial and ethnic minority populations in the US faced unique challenges while seeking COVID-19 information online, including misinformation, harassment, and hostility. Younger and healthier individuals were more resistant to vaccination due to lower perceived risk and benefit.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalConvergence The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies·TypeSurvey·DateSep 8, 2022

Growing numbers of Native American households in Nevada face plumbing poverty, water quality problems

A new study found that Native American households in Nevada lack complete indoor plumbing, with an average of 0.67% households affected between 1990-2019. The study also revealed a significant increase in Safe Drinking Water Act violations, with over 20,000 people impacted in 2019.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2022

New study finds racial and ethnic differences in perception and use of ‘red flag’ laws

A new study from the University of California - Davis Health found racial and ethnic differences in how extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) are perceived and used in California. Black Californians were less willing to ask a judge for an ERPO, citing lack of knowledge and mistrust of the system as their top reasons.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 6, 2022

Ethnicity, poverty, low community involvement linked to lasting loneliness

A study of 641 participants found that midlife and older Hispanic/Latinx adults were more likely to experience prolonged loneliness, with 16% persistently lonely. The researchers suggest that culturally important familism was disrupted by social distancing, and reduced access to transportation and community activities may contribute to...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 30, 2022

Study reveals flaws in popular genetic method

A new study from Lund University reveals that the most common analytical method in population genetics is deeply flawed, leading to incorrect results and misconceptions about ethnicity and genetic relationships. The method has been used in hundreds of thousands of studies, including medical genetics and commercial ancestry tests.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2022

Religious practices, spirituality associated with higher levels of heart health among African Americans

A research study of African Americans with cardiovascular disease found that higher levels of religious practices and spirituality are associated with greater likelihood of intermediate or ideal levels of heart health. Specifically, private prayer was linked to better diet and smoking habits, while nontheistic spirituality was associat...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 24, 2022

Steepest annual rise in advanced cervical cancer in US among White women

Advanced cervical cancer rates have been rising in the US, with a significant increase among White women and higher prevalence among Black women, particularly those in their mid-to-late 50s. The study found that obesity and older age at first birth may contribute to the rise in this type of cervical cancer.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022

Health inequalities among ethnic groups have increased since pandemic, evidence shows

A new study published in Diabetes Care has reported an increase in health inequalities among ethnic minorities with diabetes since the COVID-19 pandemic. The review highlighted structural barriers such as housing, education, and employment opportunities that put these individuals at greater risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 11, 2022

Minorities bore disproportionate mental health impact of pandemic

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that racial and ethnic minorities bore a disproportionate mental health burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling for various factors, Black participants were 1.16 times more likely to screen positive for depression, while Hispanic participants were 1.23 times more likely to do so.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 10, 2022

Social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of death from heart attack, stroke

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association finds that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 30% increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Younger adults, including Gen Z, experience increased social isolation and loneliness due to higher social media use and less in-person engagement.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 4, 2022

SARS-CoV-2 and vaccine uptake among First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in urban areas

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that vaccine uptake was low among First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Toronto and London, Ontario. The rate for 2-dose vaccination among First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Toronto was 58%, compared to 79% for the overall population.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2022

New in Ethics & Human Research, July-August 2022

The article discusses new guidelines for big data research, including the potential for group harm. It also explores biobank research from an African American community's perspective and the implementation of electronic consent procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Discrimination took a toll on the mental health of racial and ethnic minority groups during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research found that everyday discrimination during COVID-19 led to increased odds of moderate to severe depression and suicidal ideation, particularly among Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander participants. The study highlights the need for clinicians and society to address the toll of discrimination on mental health.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateJul 27, 2022

Implicit bias and concern about appearing racist predict teachers’ reluctance to discuss race and racism in the classroom

A new study by Linda Tropp found that teachers' implicit racial biases and concerns about being perceived as racist independently contribute to their lower intentions to discuss race with students. Recent teacher training programs have focused on addressing implicit biases, but not conscious concerns about being seen as racist.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 25, 2022

Researchers look to find why the Dutch are still holding to the traditional image of Black Pete despite the criticism

A recent study by Leiden University researchers explores the cultural significance of Black Pete in the Netherlands. The findings indicate that acceptance of minority groups' unequal treatment is linked to resistance against changing Black Pete's appearance, highlighting a complex social hierarchy.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateJul 25, 2022

New Hampshire and Northeast U.S. region’s high childhood cancer rates re-examined

A new study from Dartmouth Cancer Center re-examines claims of high pediatric cancer rates in New Hampshire, revealing the Northeast region has a statistically significantly higher incidence of cancer compared to all other U.S. regions. Within the Northeastern states, no single state is an outlier, with significant variations in incide...

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 21, 2022

Diverse nurse workforce linked to better maternal health outcomes in childbirth

A study by Columbia University found that diverse nurse workforces are associated with reduced risk of life-threatening complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period. Racial and ethnic minorities face higher risks, with Native American mothers having the highest incidence of severe adverse maternal outcomes.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 19, 2022

Proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed the pounds in England nearly tripled

The proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed pounds in England has nearly tripled from around 1 in 20 to nearly 1 in 7 over 20 years. Reported slimming attempts among all children, particularly those who are overweight and obese, have shot up, surpassing the rise in excess weight gain and service provision.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022