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Injuries to youth by law enforcement

A recent study found that Black youth in California have significantly higher rates of injuries caused by law enforcement than their non-Black peers. The researchers used California emergency department and hospitalization data to examine the overall rates of such incidents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 7, 2021

Research shows ethnic studies increases student engagement and high school graduation

New research from UMass Amherst found that enrolling academically struggling 9th graders in an ethnic studies course significantly increases their chances of graduating from high school and enrolling in college. The study, which analyzed nearly 1,400 students, also showed improvements in attendance and engagement.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Environmental pollution may contribute to racial/ethnic disparities In Alzheimer’s disease risk, says new study

A recent study found that fine particle pollution, specifically PM2.5, may contribute to the disproportionate number of African American women affected by dementia. Despite adjusting for various risk factors, Black women still had double the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to white women.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2021

Mount Sinai study identifies significant inequalities among low-risk births, finds higher rates of unexpected complications for Black and Hispanic infants

A Mount Sinai study found significant inequalities among low-risk births, with Black and Hispanic infants experiencing higher rates of unexpected complications. Hospital quality was identified as a key contributor to these disparities, with lower-quality hospitals serving more Black and Hispanic women.

Victims’ gender, race, and child status affected decisions about death penalty in Pennsylvania

A study examining Pennsylvania death penalty cases found that victim's gender and race affected every outcome. Cases with white female, male or black male victims were more likely to receive a death sentence than those with black female victims. The study also found that prosecutors were more likely to seek the death penalty in cases w...

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateAug 18, 2021

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health issue for the black community, finds new study from the University of Surrey

A new study published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people of African descent are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in countries with high latitudes. To address this issue, researchers recommend increasing consumption of vitamin D-rich foods and taking supplements, especially during winter months.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2021

Gestational diabetes by race, ethnicity in US

Gestational diabetes rates in the US have increased among certain racial and ethnic groups between 2011 and 2019, highlighting persistent health inequities. The study found that Hispanic women had significantly higher rates of gestational diabetes compared to non-Hispanic white, black, or Asian women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 17, 2021

US health care spending by race, ethnicity

Researchers estimated health care spending by race and ethnicity in the US from 2002 to 2016, finding that Hispanic patients faced the highest costs. The study suggests racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare spending are significant, affecting patient outcomes and access to care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 17, 2021

CDC’s “honor system” mask guidance threatened vulnerable communities

A CDC mask guidance update in May 2021 ignored realities that left vulnerable communities exposed to increased transmission of COVID-19. The guidance relied on the honor system to ensure unvaccinated individuals wore masks, but experts say this approach was flawed due to lack of verification methods.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 12, 2021

Residential mobility is key social determinant of health in people with spinal cord injury

Researchers found that one in four people with spinal cord injury relocated over a five-year period, often to high-poverty areas, increasing health risks. The study highlights the importance of considering residential mobility as a key social determinant of health for this population.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Street-based sex workers perform emotional labor to build customer loyalty

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that street-based sex workers invest considerable emotional effort into maintaining loyal customers. They use relational work activities such as friendly service, flexible payments, and scheduling to retain clients. This approach helps them avoid potentially violent or abusive clients and provi...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalWork Employment and Society·TypeSurvey·DateJul 27, 2021

Race, politics divide Americans on sports issues

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found sharp divisions among Americans on whether college athletes should be paid and whether it's acceptable for pro athletes to protest racial injustice during the national anthem. The study analyzed opinions from over 1,400 Americans, revealing strong links between race, ethnicity, and...

SourceOhio State University·JournalDu Bois Review Social Science Research on Race·DateJul 16, 2021

Language isolation affects health of Mexican Americans

A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that older Mexican Americans living in linguistically isolated neighborhoods face significant health risks, including higher mortality rates. The researchers found that language barriers hindered access to healthcare and social connections, leading to poorer health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Equity·DateJul 13, 2021

Mapping urban greenspace use with cellphone GPS data

A study published in PLOS ONE found that urban greenspace use is correlated with demographics, with women, older adults, and ethnic minority groups spending more time outdoors. The authors used GPS data from cell phone apps to track users' visits to local green spaces, revealing significant effects on trip duration and distance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 7, 2021

Early findings of Alzheimer's study in diverse populations now available to researchers

The research data provides insights into the biology of Alzheimer's disease among Mexican Americans, highlighting lower levels of beta amyloid protein and earlier onset of cognitive loss compared to non-Latino whites. This comprehensive study is a first-of-its-kind examination of health disparities and diagnostic opportunities for unde...

Race, ethnicity not a factor in recent weapon-carrying behaviors at US schools

A recent study by the University of Minnesota Medical School found that schools' social climates play a stronger role in weapon-carrying behaviors among US high school students than their racial or ethnic backgrounds. The study also discovered that males who experienced violence or felt unsafe at school were more likely to carry weapons.