Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that nearly 60% of low-income, middle-aged African-American women with uncontrolled hypertension screened positive for depression. The researchers emphasize the need for routine screening and treatment for these women.
The study found significant racial and ethnic differences in deceased organ donation rates, with African Americans having lower rates of registration and procurement compared to whites. Additionally, the researchers identified a growing disparity between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white donors.
A Kaiser Permanente study found racial and ethnic disparities in the likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19, with Latino patients nearly 4 times as likely to become infected as white patients. The study also found that Black patients were 2 times as likely to get COVID-19 as white patients.
Linda Teplin's 15-year study examines the psychosocial outcomes of incarcerated youth, finding disproportionate effects on African Americans and Hispanics. The research highlights the need for public health and criminal justice reform to address these inequities.
African American mothers experience lower breastfeeding initiation rates compared to the general population. The study reveals that cultural stereotypes, disparities in care approaches, and limited access to resources contribute to these disparities.
Pharmacologist Namandje Bumpus outlines a four-part plan to improve the equity of drug development, emphasizing the need for increased diversity in clinical trials. The plan includes implementing diversity requirements for funding agencies and research institutions, as well as genetic engineering of animal models to reflect ethnic vari...
A study by Florida Atlantic University found a deep digital health divide among older adults of African American, Afro-Caribbean, Hispanic American, and European American backgrounds. Factors contributing to this disparity include age, education level, income, and ethnic group affiliation. The researchers emphasize the need for univers...
Research suggests that communicating openly about group differences in power can motivate advantaged racial groups to join historically disadvantaged racial minority groups to strive for racial equality and social justice. A UMass Amherst study tested this proposition, supporting the idea that greater communication about power differen...
Researchers discovered racial and ethnic differences in diagnostic imaging for children at pediatric emergency departments in the United States. The study found that these disparities are not solely due to patient factors, but also reflect biases in healthcare providers' decision-making.
A new study finds that ethnic health disparities among older adults in England are significant, with certain groups experiencing worse quality of life than White British people. The study highlights the need for policy reform and long-term research to address structural and institutional racism.
A new study suggests that daily commuting patterns may explain the disproportionately high Covid-19 infection rates observed in Black Americans. The research found that increased exposure to other ethnic groups through commuting can result in an 'infection gap' in the population.
A recent study found that people from racial minorities are more likely to become severely unwell or die from COVID-19 compared to those of white ethnicity. The research aims to investigate the causes of this disparity through interviews and questionnaires with East London residents.
A large study published in BMJ Open found that patients of Asian and black backgrounds suffered disproportionately high rates of premature death from COVID-19. Patients from these groups were more likely to be admitted to ICU, receive invasive ventilation, and die compared to white patients, according to the study.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that food insecurity increased by nearly 80% in two predominantly African American neighborhoods during the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a reversal of decade-long trends, with disparities between these areas and the general US population reaching their highest levels.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has been awarded a three-year, $5 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to develop a transformative community-based project advancing racial justice. Through the Democratizing Racial Justice initiative, selected fellows and faculty will collaborate on public-facing projects, facilitat...
A recent survey found that 30% of Black adults and 13% of Hispanic adults experienced health care discrimination due to race or ethnicity. Adults with a consistent primary care physician reported less medical mistrust, highlighting the need for addressing systemic bias in the medical system.
A study by University of Exeter researcher Dr. Patrick English found that minority candidates are less likely to be fielded in areas with lower tolerance for diversity. Only 65 out of 650 potential BAME MPs needed to reflect the UK's minority-ethnic population, highlighting a systemic barrier to representation.
A team of Penn Medicine researchers identified five categories of curriculum that misrepresented race in class discussions, presentations, and assessments. They recommend medical schools standardize language, contextualize racial differences, and generate evidence-based medical knowledge to dismantle structural racism.
A UK survey conducted before and during the pandemic reveals that women and ethnic minorities experienced a significant increase in average mental distress, with BAME men experiencing a greater average increase than White British men. The study suggests that the pandemic may have particularly affected the mental wellbeing of these groups.
A study found racial/ethnic and socioeconomic differences in telemedicine access during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting vulnerable populations. These disparities may compound existing health inequities if not addressed.
A survey by North Carolina State University researchers found that parents from diverse backgrounds prioritize park safety, green spaces, and amenities like playgrounds. The study aimed to pinpoint the most attractive park features for parents of different races and ethnicities in low-income communities.
Research finds that goal striving stress is linked to progressive kidney disease in African Americans, with higher levels of stress increasing the risk. The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine, suggests that traditional risk factors only partially explain this disparity.
A new longitudinal study published in Child Development found that African American youth who receive positive messages about their racial group in school achieve better grades one to two years later. The study suggests that a positive sense of community and interdependence is key to success for these students.
A third of all newborns and half of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) babies are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D levels vary by ethnicity, season, and deprivation indices.
Researchers found a significant increase in suicidal behaviors, including ideation, planning, and attempts, between 2015-2018. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental health issues and developing effective coping skills to prevent suicide. Key risk factors include African Americans, younger adults, sexual min...
A new special issue of Innovation in Aging explores the psychosocial factors influencing mental health status in racial and ethnic minority populations. The research sheds light on protective factors such as religion and social support, while highlighting risk factors like obesity and stress.
A large-scale population study found over 50% of Asians and a third of Black Africans in the UK have severe vitamin D deficiency, increasing risk of respiratory infections and musculoskeletal disorders. The study emphasizes the need for targeted public health measures to mitigate deficiency risk in affected populations.
Researchers found that listeners in Gainesville perceived increased accentedness with a South Asian face, whereas Montreal listeners did not exhibit the same effect. Exposure to linguistic diversity may impact accentedness judgments.
A recent study found that a new program for African American couples can lead to stronger relationships and improved health outcomes. The program, Protecting Strong African American Families (ProSAAF), uses a cognitive behavioral approach to improve couple interaction patterns and ways of thinking.
A new study by LSU Health found that neighborhoods with higher levels of deprivation have a significantly higher risk of COVID-19 cases. The researchers used the Area Deprivation Index to examine the relationship between neighborhood poverty, education, and housing conditions on COVID-19 transmission.
A recent study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in the effectiveness of anti-smoking measures. Non-Hispanic white smokers have seen a higher reduction in cigarette use, highlighting the need for targeted public health efforts to address disparities.
A systematic review of COVID-19 data in the US reveals disproportionately higher rates of infection and mortality among African American/Black and Hispanic populations. The authors call for urgent interventions to mitigate these disparities. Read the full text to learn more about the findings.
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified barriers to healthcare access for ethnic minority and migrant women, exacerbating existing inequalities. Research highlights the intersectional challenges they face, including racialized medical perceptions and stigma, which can impact healthcare outcomes and treatment.
A national survey of nearly 4,000 people found that 51% of Americans support paying college athletes more than the cost of tuition, with race and traditionalism being key factors. The study also found that Black adults were 2.5 times more likely to agree with athlete pay.
A recent study found that Black and Hispanic adolescents are more likely to die from police-related shootings compared to non-Hispanic white adolescents. The study highlights the need for interventions and policies to mitigate racial disparities in policing.
African American cancer survivors in Detroit reported common social needs, including food insecurity and housing instability, which were associated with lower health-related quality of life. The study highlights the need for a social safety net to address these disparities.
Experts advocate for a new framework that embeds social factors, is guided by antiracist principles and considers contextual factors like race and ethnicity. The goal is to move beyond biological explanations and address structural racism and other societal issues.
Research found Afro-Caribbean patients with end stage kidney disease have a four-fold increased risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to other ethnicities. The study also showed that patients with ESKD are vulnerable to severe COVID-19 infection and require integrated multidisciplinary care.
A machine learning framework developed by University of Alberta researcher Kai On Wong fills a gap in Canadian public health data by predicting ethnicity from names and locations. The tool has shown improved accuracy for Aboriginal classification when geographic information is included.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that pod e-cigarettes are significantly safer than combustible cigarettes, with reduced levels of carcinogens and respiratory symptoms. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may be a viable harm-reduction option for smokers who struggle to quit or reduce their smoking habit.
A recent study challenges the UK's current guidance on treating high blood pressure with medication, suggesting that it may not be necessary to consider age and ethnicity when choosing a treatment. The researchers found similar reductions in blood pressure for three major drug types in people of all ages and ethnicities.
A study found that Black and Hispanic patients made up 53% of inpatient deaths from COVID-19, despite being underrepresented in the general population. The researchers attributed this disparity to a higher rate of hospitalization among these groups, rather than racial or ethnic differences in mortality rates.
New research reveals significant racial disparities in murder victimisation rates, with Black people facing over five times the risk of White British people. Researchers call for more accurate crime data to inform policing strategies and promote fact-informed dialogue with communities.
Research found that people of Black ethnicity are twice as likely to contract COVID-19 as those of White ethnicity, while those from Asian backgrounds face a 1.5 times higher risk. The study also highlights increased risks of hospitalization and death for these groups.
A recent study published in Demography found that Black homeowners are twice as likely to lose their homes compared to white homeowners, with kin network wealth and poverty accounting for a significant portion of the gap. The researchers examined the impact of trigger events and found that having impoverished relatives can be a burden,...
Racially diverse congregations have more than tripled in the United States over the past 20 years, with approximately a quarter of evangelical and Catholic churches now multiracial. However, despite these increases, difficulties persist in achieving racial desegregation within American religion.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that African Americans who attended HBCUs had a 35% lower probability of developing metabolic syndrome by midlife. The benefit was more pronounced in those who grew up in segregated environments. Attending an HBCU may offer long-term health benefits for individuals who spent formative ...
A study of over 11,000 middle-aged male African American veterans found that higher fitness levels reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation by 30-50%. The research suggests engaging in physical activity can be an effective preventive measure for cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found that Black and non-white heart patients experience significant disparities in care and outcomes compared to their white counterparts. These disparities include lower rates of early treatment methods, longer hospital stays, and higher death rates.
A home-visiting program delivered by trained Native American family health coaches improved healthy growth and feeding practices in babies of mothers on the Navajo Nation. The intervention lowered infant weights and reduced sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, supporting a healthier growth trajectory.
Researchers found lower utilization and higher complication rates among African American patients for unilateral knee replacement, but no significant differences for bilateral knee replacement. The study suggests physicians may offer bilateral procedures less often to African American patients or they may choose not to have the procedure.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that patient-provider racial concordance significantly affects patient experience. Physicians who share the same racial or ethnic background as their patients receive higher ratings for maximum patient experience scores.
African American men with low-risk prostate cancer can safely undergo active surveillance without increased risk of disease progression, metastasis, or death. The study found that African Americans experienced higher rates of disease progression and treatment compared to white men, but comparable mortality rates.
African American men with low-risk prostate cancer treated under active surveillance have a higher risk of disease progression and mortality compared to non-African American patients. The study's findings suggest that racial disparities exist in the clinical outcomes of prostate cancer treatment with active surveillance.
A study from Scotland found that healthcare workers and their families are responsible for 17% of hospital admissions for Covid-19 in the working age population. Those in front door patient-facing roles, such as paramedics and A&E department staff, were at the highest risk of hospital admission.
A new study finds that Hispanic Black individuals have the worst COVID-19 outcomes, including higher hospitalization and death rates, compared to Hispanic multiracial and white individuals. The study highlights the need for more accurate demographic data collection to address these disparities.
The rate of fatal police shootings of unarmed Black people in the US is significantly higher than among White people. Researchers found that the total numbers of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) killed in police shootings have not budged over the past 5 years.
Researchers investigated state-imposed stay-at-home orders and African American population proportion in relation to COVID-19 cases from March to May 2020. The study found a significant association between these factors and state-level COVID-19 cases.
African American men are more susceptible to prostate cancer due to immune-oncologic differences, which can be exploited for personalized treatment options. The study found elevated immune pathways and higher expression of T lymphocytes in African American prostate tumors, suggesting better responses to radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
The study aims to examine the effects of gestational exposure to endocrine disruptors on fetal development in African American and white mothers. It will also explore health disparities in fetal developmental outcomes by race, with the goal of addressing significant gaps in understanding the impact of these chemicals.