Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
A study by Princeton University researchers found that altitude sickness influences ethnic demographics in nations with steep terrain. The Han Chinese population tends to settle lower than 8,900 feet above sea level, while Tibetan settlements only begin at higher elevations, suggesting a direct effect of altitude on settlement patterns.
A new study found that ethnic differences significantly impact insulin response, with East Asians showing improved insulin sensitivity but poorer insulin release. Healthy individuals of all ethnicities maintained normal glucose levels but did so differently, with some groups releasing more or less insulin in response to changes.
A recent study by Brown University found that Asian Americans' neighborhoods tend to be highly segregated and affluent, unlike other minority groups. Despite this, there is little incentive for Asians to assimilate into white neighborhoods due to their own socioeconomic advantages.
Researchers found that work provides emotional support and extra financial resources for women with HIV, enabling them to better self-manage daily tasks. The study also highlights the importance of job training programs and microenterprises in improving the lives of these women.
A University of Iowa study reveals significant disparities between minority and white clients in completing substance abuse treatment programs. Successful completion predicts greater likelihood of getting off drugs, abstinence from alcohol, and employment six and 12 months after treatment completion.
A new study examines the influence of genetics versus environment on alcohol-related problems in European-American (EA) and African-American (AA) women. Environmental factors play a larger role in EA, particularly parenting and school influences.
A study of 1,500 women reveals that hot flashes and night sweats can occur before menopause, particularly among white women, Asian women, and those with certain dietary habits. The findings shed light on the complex factors influencing midlife symptoms and provide reassurance for women experiencing unexpected hot flashes.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker that can improve the predictability of warfarin dosing in African Americans, with potential benefits for patient safety. The study found that individuals carrying a specific polymorphism may require lower doses of the blood-thinning medication.
Scientists have identified a mutant gene responsible for Native American myopathy, a rare hereditary muscle disease. The discovery of the Stac3 gene may lead to the development of drugs to treat the condition and other related muscle diseases.
A new study finds that Mexican American children of authorized immigrant mothers have a 2-year advantage in educational attainment compared to those whose mothers entered the country illegally. The legacy effects of grandparents' unauthorized status contribute to this gap.
A recent study published in Cancer found that African American men with prostate cancer face longer treatment delays than their Caucasian counterparts. The analysis of SEER-Medicare registry data revealed an average delay of 7 days for African American patients, compared to 4 days for Caucasians. Additionally, African Americans were mo...
A recent study found that mild hypothyroidism can have a higher mortality risk among patients with heart failure, especially in African-American populations. The research suggests that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach may not be suitable for assessing risk and determining treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism.
A study of over 1.2 million patients found racial disparities in the initial treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, with African-Americans less likely to undergo surgery and Hispanics more likely to receive treatment. The disparities may contribute to recognized racial differences in cancer patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a new way to characterize relationships among communities defined by language, religion, and ethnicity. They used cell phone data to map connections among 1216 towers for five months, revealing strong associations between geographic divisions.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, highlights racial disparities in heat vulnerability. The findings show that areas with no tree canopy and high heat-absorbing surfaces disproportionately affect African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics.
African Americans receive more kidney transplants than other minority groups, but they have fewer live donors, according to a new study. The disparity in live donation may be due to lower numbers of potential donors among African Americans due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.
The MetLife Foundation Journalists in Aging Fellows Program will continue its fourth year, supporting journalists in covering aging issues. The program provides valuable insight into the complex challenges facing seniors, particularly those from under-served ethnic communities.
Researchers will conduct community-based trials and analyze decades of data to identify effective stroke prevention interventions for underserved minorities. The goal is to reduce stroke risk through lifestyle changes, medication, and access to healthcare, with the potential to improve outcomes across the US.
A Moffitt Cancer Center study found that minority groups, including blacks, Asians, and Hispanics, hold differing beliefs about cancer prevention and feel they are less likely to get cancer. The researchers concluded that more culturally relevant information is needed to reach these populations.
A new study suggests that company social events can have a negative impact on building relationships between workers of different racial backgrounds. Researchers found that social interaction was less likely to help workers feel closer to their colleagues when they were dissimilar from the majority.
Researchers found that the APOE gene and ABCA7 gene were significant risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer's disease in African Americans. The study also suggests that these genes may be shared with Caucasians, but with different variants. Further studies are needed to understand the biologic implications of these findings.
A study found a significant association between the ABCA7 gene variation and increased late-onset Alzheimer disease risk among African Americans, with a twofold increase in risk compared to European American populations. The research also highlights unique genetic risk levels for African Americans.
A study published in JAMA Network identifies genetic variants associated with Alzheimer's disease in African Americans, including ABCA7 and APOE genes. The findings suggest that these variants may also be relevant for individuals of European ancestry.
A recent survey of over 150,000 people reveals a seven-class structure in the UK, with an elite class and a precariat class marked by economic disadvantage. The traditional working class has fallen to 14% of the population, while new classes such as 'new affluent workers' and 'emergent service worker' have emerged.
A new study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that Asian-American students, particularly males, excel in math and science, while Latino and African American males underperform. The research also shows that female students' perceptions of their abilities in STEM fields are influenced by societal stereotypes.
African Americans with HPV-positive throat cancer have better outcomes than those without HPV. The study found that HPV has a substantial impact on overall survival in this population. African Americans who are HPV-negative face poorer survival rates compared to Caucasians with or without HPV.
A study of 1.2 million dialysis patients found Hispanics lived the longest, followed by Blacks, with Whites having the shortest survival time. The disparity may be due to differences in health status before kidney failure.
A recent study found that African Americans with kidney disease who experience large fluctuations in blood pressure are nearly three times more likely to die prematurely. Monitoring and addressing these day-to-day changes may improve health outcomes.
A new study found that infants of African ancestry are more likely to be born prematurely and have low birth weights, compared to those with European-only ancestry. The researchers attribute these disparities to differences in geographic location and access to prenatal care.
A new UCLA study reveals that primary hyperparathyroidism is the leading cause of high blood-calcium levels, affecting mainly women and the elderly, particularly African American women over 50. The condition can lead to bone loss, depression, fatigue, and increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Researchers found higher stillbirth rates among Inuit and First Nations women in Quebec, particularly at term, with rates 2 times those of non-Aboriginal populations. The study suggests that reducing smoking and managing weight may help prevent stillbirths.
A new study found that a commonly used breast cancer risk prediction model developed for African Americans tends to underestimate risk in certain subgroups, particularly those who first gave birth at an older age. The researchers conclude that a better risk model is needed for estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, a subtype disprop...
A new study reveals that American black newspapers predominantly report on obesity in a negative light, emphasizing individual responsibility rather than socio-economic factors. This framing may discourage African Americans from taking action to address their weight issues.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that American Indians are at much greater risk of suicide following acute alcohol intoxication. The study analyzed data from the National Violent Death Reporting System and showed that alcohol-related prevention strategies should focus on suicide as a conseq...
A new report from the American Cancer Society finds that cancer death rates are narrowing for African Americans, with nearly 200,000 deaths avoided since 1990. However, racial disparities remain for certain cancers, including colorectal and female breast cancer, highlighting the need for improved access to healthcare and screening.
Research reveals African American women exhibit higher risk for HIV/AIDS due to lower condom use expectations. The study suggests tailored interventions addressing mediators like self-esteem and coping are crucial in increasing condom use, particularly in high-risk casual relationships.
A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that African Americans and individuals without private insurance are less likely to receive a kidney transplant before needing dialysis. The study examined data from over 11,000 adult first-time deceased donor kidney transplant recipients in th...
A systematic review of medical literature on metabolic syndrome in children found that obesity, male sex, and increasing age are significant risk factors. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased substantially when comparing groups of overweight or obese children to whole populations of youths.
African Americans had more accurate knowledge of historically documented racism compared to European Americans. This difference in historical knowledge partially accounted for group differences in perceptions of racism, both at a systemic and an incident-specific level.
A new study reveals cultural and social factors that hinder minority participation in stem cell donation, leading to lower patient success rates. Minority donors are more likely to opt-out due to concerns about health complications and mistrust of the medical system.
A new study found that ethnically and religiously diverse countries tend to underinvest in environmental protection, even when controlling for income and industrial activity. Social fragmentation can lower collective action and reduce public spending on environmental protection.
Researchers found that feeling inferior in social status leads people of all races to crave expensive products. Whites who imagined themselves in low-status positions rated high-status goods more positively than those in higher positions.
A University of Pittsburgh study published in Child Development found that African American adolescents with a sense of racial pride tend to have more success in school and are less vulnerable to the effects of racial discrimination. The study suggests that racially conscious parenting strategies can be a key factor in student success.
A study found that disordered mineral metabolism worsens with progressive chronic kidney disease and is linked to a higher risk of kidney failure among African Americans. Measuring mineral metabolites may be a useful way to determine CKD patient prognosis, while targeting these metabolites could help slow disease progression.
The new feature uses DNA inherited from all ancestors on both sides of the family to indicate an individual's ancestral origins. Ancestry Composition offers state-of-the-art detail for people with European ancestry and accurate breakdowns for individuals of mixed ancestry.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who went hungry as children had slower cognitive decline than those who always had enough food to eat. The study involved over 6,000 participants and found a significant association between childhood hunger and reduced cognitive decline.
African American women with early-stage invasive breast cancer were 12% less likely to receive the minimally invasive axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to Caucasian women. The study found higher rates of lymphedema among African American women who underwent the older, more invasive procedure.
African Americans experience faster progression of chronic kidney disease in later stages compared to other races. Screening for microalbuminuria is cost-effective for African Americans with diabetes or hypertension, improving care and reducing kidney failure risk.
A study found that Asian-Indian American children have the lowest rate of overweight or obesity (15.6%), while Vietnamese-American children have the highest rate (34.7%). This contrasts with other ethnic groups, highlighting the variability in obesity risk among different Asian-American communities.
Researchers found that African-American patients with coronary artery disease have significantly less fat around their hearts compared to Caucasian patients. The study suggests that epicardial adipose tissue may act as a protective buffer, contributing to lower risk of acute coronary events.
Researchers analyzed 80 Norse skeletons to find that they mainly consumed seals, which made up 50-80% of their diet. This challenges the prevailing view of Norse as farmers and suggests a more adapted and flexible way of life.
Research linked health, housing, benefits, and education data for over 12,000 children, finding no detrimental effect of asthma on educational performance. Social adversity, mental health problems, and special educational needs were significantly linked to poorer test scores.
African Americans who practiced Transcendental Meditation regularly had a 48% lower risk of heart attack, stroke or death compared to those in a health education class. Regular meditation also lowered blood pressure and reduced stress and anger.
A study found that plus-sized consumers create a collective identity as 'fatshionistas' and mobilize for greater inclusion by identifying influential designers and retailers. The authors identify institutional entrepreneurs like Beth Ditto who inspire the movement.
A comprehensive report reveals that incarceration rates for African American males are a major contributor to health problems, substance abuse, and economic disparities. The study suggests that investing more resources in education and treatment could significantly reduce these costs and improve lives.
Researchers assessed genetic ancestry's impact on asthma in African Americans. The study found that African ancestry was linked to increased severe asthma attacks among males but not females. This suggests a potential genetic factor contributing to the higher risk of severe asthma in this population.
A new study published in Hepatology found that African American women co-infected with HIV and HCV have lower liver-related mortality rates compared to Caucasian and Hispanic women. This finding suggests that racial disparities in liver disease may be influenced by other factors beyond just the presence of the virus.
A recent study by University of Illinois professor Gail M. Ferguson reveals that Jamaican teen immigrants who retain strong ties to their Jamaican background excel academically and behaviorally, often outperforming American peers.
A new paper by a Michigan State University professor argues that medical organizations should consider the varying degrees of health risk within racial groups when making recommendations. He suggests adding phrases to dietary guidelines and screening recommendations to be more specific and socially responsible.
Two studies explored racial disparities in IBD symptoms and therapy, finding that African Americans are more likely to have extra-intestinal manifestations, joint symptoms, and pyoderma gangrenosum. Researchers also reported a higher prevalence of severe fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease among African Americans compared to Caucasians.