Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
A Yale University study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in sleep duration, with Black people persistently reporting shorter sleep durations. The study highlights the need for renewed efforts to eliminate socioeconomic and health conditions that prevent minoritized individuals from achieving adequate sleep.
Despite increasing racial and ethnic diversity, US academic medical programs have underrepresented minority groups, with only modest increases in representation over the past four decades. Female representation has increased significantly, but progress in promoting diversity at leadership levels remains stagnant.
A study found that the proportion of socially diverse students in European universities increased between 1950-1964 and 2005, but stagnated from 2010 onwards. The research suggests that societal factors such as ethnicity and socio-economic background continue to influence educational outcomes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that non-white Americans and those with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have severe strokes, long-term disability, and shorter life expectancy compared to their white counterparts. The study suggests that hospitals may be disincentivized to tre...
A new study finds that lung cancer screening is less common among those with poor health, with racial and ethnic disparities evident despite potential benefits. Non-Hispanic Black individuals are nearly half as likely to report lung cancer screening as non-Hispanic White individuals.
A new University of Houston study finds racial and ethnic disparities in diabetic eye care, with Whites more likely to receive regular exams than minorities. The study also reveals that Hispanics have the highest prevalence of diabetic eye complications.
A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.
A University at Buffalo-led study recommends culturally relevant policies and practices to promote a safe environment for Black students. Interventions include co-creating school rules, mindfulness programs, and anti-bias training to address discipline disparities and bias.
Research reveals stark inequalities in long-term health outcomes for Black and South Asian women with a history of gestational diabetes. The study found that these women are up to three times more likely to develop certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
New research provides recommendations for quantitative health sciences to better understand the impact of racism on adverse health outcomes. The paper suggests applying theoretical frameworks, community consults, and elevating Black, Indigenous, and Latine scholars to leadership positions.
Researchers have identified a blood biomarker called glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) that may uniquely aid prediction of dementia in Mexican Americans. The study analyzed 745 participants over four years, finding that higher levels of GFAP predicted increased risk of developing dementia.
A new study reveals that Latine children who prefer speaking Spanish are more likely to visit a community health center for their acute asthma symptoms than non-Hispanic white peers. Non-Hispanic Black children are also more likely to receive asthma-related care in emergency departments.
A new study from George Mason University found that African Americans have lower breastfeeding rates (39.9%) compared to Black immigrants (69.6%), highlighting health disparities within the Black population. The research highlights the importance of nuanced data collection to address these disparities and improve breastfeeding outcomes.
A study found that female principal investigators led fewer trials and those funded by industry sponsors, but more trials led by women were associated with higher enrollment of female subjects. This highlights the need for increased female representation in clinical trial leadership.
Researchers found that women are less likely to undergo common heart procedures and more likely to die in the hospital after receiving them. The study analyzed data from over 2 million hospitalizations for heart procedures between 2016 and 2019, revealing significant disparities in treatment and outcomes based on sex and race.
The proportion of US pediatric clinical trials reporting participant race and ethnicity increased from 2011 to 2020, with significant disparities still present according to this analysis. Despite the improvement, underreporting of racial and ethnic diversity remained a concern in published pediatric clinical trials.
Researchers found that genetic ancestry is associated with differences in biology of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is an independent factor contributing to treatment outcomes. Children from East Asian and South Asian backgrounds had better survival rates than Caucasian children, with Indian children having the best outcomes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health-related emergency department visits surged, revealing persistent racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
A recent survey of over 3,200 NHS healthcare workers found that most preferred education and support as a solution to boost vaccination uptake. The study suggests that mandatory vaccinations may actually worsen trust and lead to thousands of staff leaving the profession.
A recent commentary by Dartmouth College's Bala Chaudhary highlights the challenges faced by women researchers who choose to get married and change their last names. The lack of a consistent way to update publication records can lead to biases in grant and tenure applications, potentially affecting career advancement.
Researchers identify two genes, GLI1 and Notch1, responsible for aggressive growth and spread of triple negative breast cancers in African American women. A combination approach using inhibitors and chemotherapy agents significantly inhibits tumor growth and metastasis.
Researchers assessed risk factors associated with mortality and neurologic disability three months after intracerebral hemorrhage, finding a link between certain comorbidities and poor outcomes. The study used a racially and ethnically diverse cohort to identify key risk factors for death and disability.
The Southeastern Consortium for Lung Cancer Health Equity aims to address disparities in lung cancer screening among racially and ethnically diverse populations. Researchers will develop more precise methods for identifying those at highest risk of lung cancer diagnoses.
Research reveals significant socioeconomic disparities among US medical students, with high-income students overrepresented across racial and ethnic groups. Low-income students remain underrepresented, despite efforts to address this issue.
A pioneering study of LGBT+ experiences in physics finds that women, trans people, and those from marginalized groups face high rates of harassment and exclusionary behaviors. The study highlights the need for support and equity across institutions to retain LGBT+ physicists.
Scientists developed a powerful new tool called Giraffe to improve genomic research by leveraging global genetic diversity. The tool allows for the use of a diverse pangenome reference point, enabling faster and more sensitive comparisons of short-read human genome sequences.
Despite an overall decline in stillbirth rates across the UK, black and South Asian communities continue to experience higher rates of stillbirths compared to the rest of the population. Placental issues and birth defects are key causes of stillbirths in these groups, but the underlying cause remains unknown in more than half of cases.
Researchers examined spatial and racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates during the pandemic. County-level data revealed notable differences in mortality rates among different racial groups.
Researchers found that a community-based approach to reporting APOL1 genetic test results resulted in lower blood pressure readings among hypertensive patients. This trial suggests that involving communities in genetic testing could be beneficial for reducing the risks of chronic kidney disease.
A study of nearly 40,000 Medicare beneficiaries found racial disparities in the use of MRI among Black and white patients with new prostate cancer diagnoses. The study identified factors such as insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, and geographic location that contribute to these disparities.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that feeling inclusive in the classroom is key to promoting STEM education and student engagement. Students who felt their classrooms were inclusive were more likely to feel like they belonged and engage with their STEM classes.
A recent study explores how individuals rethink nationalist ideology during uncertainty and disruptive social change. Researchers found that people's conflicted thinking affects their understanding of national identity, with tensions arising from the clash of nationalist principles and real-life experiences.
The US overdose death rate exceeded the white rate for the first time in 20 years, driven by synthetic opioids and highly toxic drugs. Black Americans and Native Americans had the highest overdose death rates, highlighting deep-seated inequalities in access to treatment and services.
Researchers found significant increases in drug overdose mortality rates among racial and ethnic minority groups before the pandemic, which worsened during COVID-19. These disparities highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address opioid abuse and promote equitable access to healthcare services.
The study found that White people are more than twice as likely to get some types of cancer, including melanoma skin cancer and oesophageal bladder cancers, compared to Black, Asian or Mixed ethnic backgrounds. Black people are also more likely to get certain types of cancer, such as myeloma and prostate cancer.
A new study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found higher mortality rates among older adults with cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed a 24% increase in mortality for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and a 36% increase for nursing home residents with ADRD.
A study examining online reviews on Yelp found that healthcare consumers frequently report experiencing and witnessing discrimination during hospital care. The analysis of 100 randomly selected US hospitals revealed a significant proportion of negative experiences due to racism, sexism, and homophobia.
A study of 53.6 million Medicare enrollees found COVID-19 associated increased mortality in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, especially in nursing homes and minority populations. The results suggest a potential association between the pandemic and accelerated mortality rates for these vulnerable groups.
A new study has found that research participation is associated with greater use of and adherence to medications for dementia, while also revealing significant racial/ethnic disparities. The research suggests that Black and Latino participants had lower rates of medication uptake and persistent use compared to White participants.
Researchers studied 384 African American women aged 30-46 with 48-hour blood pressure monitoring. Being in debt was linked to higher daytime and nighttime blood pressure and increased risk of sustained hypertension.
LaTrice Montgomery, a University of Cincinnati researcher, emphasizes the need for more specific data on cannabis use among different racial and ethnic groups. Her research focuses on cannabis addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder (CUD), which is listed in industry standard handbooks alongside other stimulants.
Firearm deaths have overtaken car crashes as the leading cause of premature US trauma deaths, with firearm suicides highest in older white men and firearm homicides highest in young black men. Firearm-related deaths increased steadily over the past decade, accounting for 12.6 million years of potential life lost between 2009 and 2018.
A Kaiser Permanente study published in Nature Medicine found that three doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were highly effective against hospitalization caused by infection from either the omicron or delta variant. The research suggests that third doses may be needed sooner than previously thought to protect against omicron infectio...
A study of vaginal births in New York State hospitals found that labor neuraxial analgesia – having an epidural or combined spinal and epidural – was associated with a decreased risk of severe maternal morbidity. The use of epidural anesthesia was linked to a 14% reduction in the risk of severe maternal morbidity, with racial and ethni...
A study found that COVID-19 patients from high-vulnerability neighborhoods presented with more severe illness and required intensive care, but did not experience higher mortality rates. Researchers suggest policies targeting socially vulnerable neighborhoods to improve access to testing, treatment, and vaccination.
Research from six countries highlights social media's importance for migrant and ethnic minority populations seeking COVID-19 information, particularly in cases of language barriers or limited access to official sources. Positive social media experiences can increase vaccine uptake by sharing personalized and culturally tailored public...
A new study by University of Houston sociologist Kathryn Freeman Anderson reveals significant disparities in the initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout in five urban Texas counties. The research found that Black and Latino neighborhoods were less likely to receive vaccines due to existing healthcare resource shortages.
A University of Kansas study analyzed 451 news articles from major publications and found that media worldwide reported on the pandemic as a racial threat, often blaming China or Asia. The study highlights the importance of responsible language in media coverage to avoid perpetuating xenophobia and discrimination.
Researchers analyzed general surgery residency application and graduation rates for Black trainees compared to their peers, finding significant disparities in matriculation and graduation rates. The study highlights the need for improved diversity and inclusion initiatives in general surgery training programs.
A new study finds that hospitals in predominantly Black and Hispanic areas have lower rates of offering programs addressing opioid use disorder. The researchers analyzed 446 nonprofit hospitals across the US, finding gaps in hospital-based services that contribute to racial disparities.
A Cleveland Clinic study found that standardizing care led to more equitable COVID-19 outcomes in the ICU, despite existing health disparities among racial and ethnic groups. The study revealed Black patients had a higher prevalence of asthma, diabetes, and hypertension, increasing their risk of severe COVID-19 cases.
A recent study reveals that Black and Latinx men are severely underrepresented in online prostate cancer resources. The study found that only 9% of people depicted in online content were Black or Latinx, highlighting the need for greater representation and diversity in health education.
A strong association exists between COVID-19 deaths and obesity in Black, South Asian, and other ethnic minority groups. The risk of death increases with BMI levels, highlighting the need for tailored plans to protect these individuals.
A study published in Nature Communications found that racial and ethnic minorities in the US were up to three times more likely to be unsure or unwilling to get vaccinated compared to whites. Despite lower willingness, minority populations faced unequal access to vaccines in the US due to a fragmented distribution system.
A study published in European Respiratory Journal found pulse oximeters give false readings of up to 7% higher in patients with Mixed, Black, and Asian ethnicities compared to White patients. This can delay timely treatment for Covid-19 pneumonia, leading to poorer outcomes.
USC researchers will use $18.5 million funding to study colorectal cancer in Hispanic patients, aiming to close the gap in understanding the disease and developing effective treatments. The project aims to improve patient engagement in genomic research and develop culturally relevant educational materials.
Researchers found that Asian American individuals are at higher risk for skin cancer due to genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The study emphasizes the need for targeted screening among this population to prevent skin cancer deaths.
A review of 392 clinical trials found increased representation of diverse groups in dermatology trials for common skin conditions. The study also highlighted persistent disparities in clinical trial participation among underrepresented populations.
A new study by Georgia State University reveals that COVID-19 traumatic stress may predict post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, especially in individuals with a history of past trauma. The findings showed a positive association between COVID-19 traumatic stress and PTSD symptoms across racial groups, except for Asian Americans.
The CHAMPS program, a multi-year quality improvement initiative in Mississippi, increased breastfeeding rates by 10 percentage points overall, with significant gains among Black mother-baby dyads. Rooming-in practices also improved, leading to reduced infant mortality and morbidity.