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Connection to racial identity may boost body image in Black youth

A new Penn State study found that Black youth with high BMIs reported fewer weight concerns when they had a strong sense of racial identity. Fathers also played a role in shaping their daughters' body image, particularly when involved in teaching about Black culture. The findings suggest that services promoting youth racial identity an...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022

Moffitt researchers analyze VA data to study prostate cancer disparities

A recent study by Moffitt researchers found that African American veterans had a significantly higher incidence of prostate cancer compared to European American men. The study also revealed that timely treatment and clear documentation are crucial in reducing the risk of metastasis among African American men.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2022

Telemedicine may increase surgical care for historically underrepresented patient groups

Researchers found that telemedicine usage increased among Black patients and women during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, disparities persisted, with older patients and those with lower education levels less likely to use video consultations. The study highlights the need for improved digital access and resources to bridge the gap.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 14, 2022

ACA Medicaid expansion significantly improves insurance coverage for pregnant people: Implications for the Build Back Better Act

The ACA Medicaid expansion significantly improved preconception and postpartum insurance coverage for pregnant people, leading to reduced uninsurance and insurance churn. However, the study found limited evidence that it improved overall perinatal healthcare use or infant birth outcomes.

Association of imprisonment with mortality by race

A study of nearly 8,000 people found incarceration to be linked to a higher mortality rate among Black individuals, whereas non-Black participants did not experience this association. The research suggests that racial disparities may play a role in the relationship between imprisonment and mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 23, 2021

Racial discrimination may affect whether people respond to email

Researchers found that Americans were less likely to respond to an email survey from a person believed to be Black than from a person believed to be white. The study, which analyzed responses from over 250,000 people, suggests that racial bias can influence everyday communication behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Policy analyses severely underestimate impact of air pollution on racial minorities

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University estimates that current regulatory analyses of air pollution significantly understate mortality costs among racial minorities. The study found that using race- and ethnicity-specific data increases premature mortality estimates related to PM2.5 from pollution exposure, with a $100 billion annual...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 20, 2021

Drinking in Mexico by Whites and Hispanics on California’s Border

A new study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation found that those living near the border, Hispanic, and regular drinkers are more prone to heavy drinking in Mexico. Exposure to riskier environments increases heavy drinking, alcohol intoxication, and related problems like aggression and injuries.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalJournal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2021

Inequities in use of diabetes medications

A study of 1.1 million patients with type 2 diabetes found disparities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists by racial and ethnic groups, as well as by sex and socioeconomic status. The findings highlight concerns about unequal access to effective diabetes care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 17, 2021

Heart disease-protective diabetes drug not used equitably, study finds

A recent study found significant inequities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), a medication typically used for treating diabetes, among different racial and ethnic groups. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, showed that Black patients were 19% less likely to have a GLP-1 RA prescription compared to white patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 17, 2021

Welsh kids' self-reported wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic differed by gender, ethnicity and deprivation, with younger children reporting the need for playing with friends and older students wanting support with anxiety and educational pressures

Younger children report need for social interaction, while older students seek support for anxiety and educational pressures. The study surveyed 6291 young people in Wales to understand factors influencing their wellbeing during the pandemic.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 15, 2021

Women, older adults with college degrees more likely to feel socially isolated during COVID-19

A new study suggests that women and older adults with college degrees are more likely to report feeling socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive initiatives to mitigate social isolation in vulnerable populations, including Hispanic and African American communities.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 10, 2021

Afghan refugees face discrimination, employment and social challenges in Australia

New Edith Cowan University research reveals Afghan refugees value Australia's security, but face barriers to employment, discrimination, and socio-religious challenges. Many struggle with job recognition, workplace discrimination, and cultural identity issues, affecting their integration into Australian society.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 8, 2021

New study finds COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated anxiety and depression in racial and ethnic minority children

A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·DateDec 8, 2021

1 in 10 cardiology trainee doctors in UK say they have been bullied

A survey of UK cardiology trainees reveals that bullying is a pervasive problem, with 1 in 10 reporting being subjected to abusive behavior. Women and those who qualified outside the UK are disproportionately affected, highlighting a need for targeted measures to address workplace bullying in medicine.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021

Language used by researchers to describe human populations has evolved over the last 70 years

Researchers studied the usage of population terms in a 70-year publication history of the American Journal of Human Genetics, finding changes in word usage and associations between terms. The study suggests that structural racism, social trends, and changing views on social constructs may be linked to these changes.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 2, 2021

Better public health messaging is needed to improve vitamin D intake and status within the black community, says a new study

Researchers found that over 37% of African Caribbean individuals in the UK Biobank had vitamin D deficiency, with insufficient levels prevalent among more than 95% of the black community population. Public health messaging is needed to promote vitamin D supplementation and intake of food rich in vitamin D.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNutrients·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

Allergic conditions linked to lower COVID-19 infection risk

A large UK study found that individuals with atopic diseases like eczema or hay fever had a 23% lower risk of developing COVID-19. In contrast, people of Asian/Asian British ethnicity and those in crowded households faced a higher risk. The study suggests that some risk factors for severe disease may differ from those for infection.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

Study finds relationship between immune pathway response to influenza and genetic ancestry

A new study at the University of Chicago has found that individuals of European and African genetic ancestry respond differently to influenza infection, with a stronger type I interferon pathway activation in those of European ancestry. This variation in immune response may contribute to disparities in influenza outcomes between differ...

Measuring inequality in COVID-19 mortality

The study found significant disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates among racial and ethnic groups and those with different levels of educational attainment. The researchers analyzed data from 219 million adults aged 25 or older to identify these inequalities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 23, 2021

Requests for anti-racism classroom curricula increased following recent police brutality events

A study found a significant increase in requests for anti-racism books and materials following police brutality events and BLM protests, particularly among teachers of younger students. The demand for inclusive curriculum materials also rose sharply, with over $3.4 million worth of books acquired for half a million students.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 22, 2021