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Living in ethnically homogenous area boosts health of minority seniors

A study by Columbia University researchers found that African-American and Mexican-American seniors living in predominantly ethnic neighborhoods had lower rates of heart disease and cancer compared to those living in more mixed areas. Cultural factors such as shared values and close-knit family structures may contribute to these findings.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 18, 2012

Taking race out of the equation in measuring women's risk of osteoporosis and fractures

A new approach for assessing fracture risk combines bone density measures with body size and bone size, predicting risk accurately regardless of race or ethnicity. The study found that this composite bone strength index performed just as well as traditional methods in a group of nearly 2,000 women.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 18, 2012

White construction workers in Illinois get higher workers' comp settlements: Study

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that white non-Hispanic construction workers in Illinois receive higher workers' compensation settlements compared to Hispanic or black workers with similar injuries and disabilities. The disparity amounted to approximately $6,000 more for white non-Hispanic claimants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 11, 2012

Study uncovers racial disparities in diabetic complications among underinsured

A recent study found that African American diabetic patients experienced higher rates of end-stage renal failure but lower rates of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke compared to white diabetic patients. The study also showed female diabetic patients had lower rates of complications than male patients.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 2, 2012

Asians reluctant to seek help for domestic violence

A study found Asian victims of domestic violence use mental health services only 5.3% of the time, compared to 14.6% of Latino victims. Cultural barriers and language limitations contribute to this trend. Researchers are calling for more outreach efforts to increase access to culturally sensitive services.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·DateJul 16, 2012

Racial make-up of community impacts obesity risk

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that community racial and ethnic composition affects obesity rates, with Hispanic communities associated with a 21% higher obesity rate and non-Hispanic whites with a 23% higher rate. In contrast, communities with high concentrations of non-Hispanic Asians saw lower obesi...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 27, 2012

Tale of 3 segregations

Researchers analyzed data from the 2000 census, finding that poor other-race neighbors disproportionately contribute to neighborhood poverty, especially among blacks and Hispanics. Concentrated poverty is attributed to three segregations: racial, poverty-status within race, and segregation from high-income members of other groups.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 13, 2012

Poorer quality of life for gay men and minorities after prostate cancer treatment: What are we missing?

A literature review highlights the need for a tailored approach to improving quality of life in subpopulations, including African Americans, Latin Americans, Asians, and men who have sex with men. The authors emphasize the importance of considering demographic, socioeconomic, and sexual preference factors in treatment decision-making.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Reviews Urology·DateApr 30, 2012

Penn researchers find mentoring provides health benefits for African American veterans with diabetes

A study by Penn researchers found that peer mentoring significantly improved glucose control in African American veterans with diabetes. The intervention, which included financial incentives, showed a statistically significant effect on improving HbA1c levels. The authors suggest that social support and camaraderie among veteran partic...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 19, 2012

Dieting with the denomination, determination

A recent study found that African American women starting a new group weight loss program are more successful if they meet in a church setting, especially those with less experience managing their weight. The study also shows that social support plays a crucial role in weight loss success.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Black Psychology·DateFeb 3, 2012