Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
Researchers found a genetic connection between Native Americans and southern Altaians, suggesting the Altai region as the potential source of the earliest Native Americans. The study analyzed mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome DNA markers to define the founding lineages of Native American populations.
A new study led by Patricia Coogan found that cumulative levels of nitrogen oxides increase the risks of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in African-American women. Exposure to particulate matter also showed a significant association with increased risk, but evidence was weaker.
A new study found that while colorectal cancer mortality rates decreased in both African Americans and whites over the past two decades, the rate of decrease was smaller among African Americans. For distant stage disease, the decline was 32.6% for African Americans versus 4.6% for whites.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that Scots of Pakistani origin are 50% more likely to be admitted to hospital with chest pain and angina. Chinese people in Scotland have lower rates of hospital admissions for these conditions, suggesting lifestyle factors may play a role.
A Rutgers study found significant disparities in depression diagnosis and treatment among the elderly, with African Americans less likely to receive a diagnosis or be treated. The researchers identify barriers such as stigma, lack of access to therapists, and financial factors contributing to these disparities.
African-American men do not reap the same career benefits from mentoring and networking as Caucasians, a new University of Georgia study reveals. Despite this, it emphasizes the need for women and minorities to think broadly about their mentors and networks.
Researchers found that obstetric conditions, genetic abnormalities, and infections were common causes of stillbirth. The study also identified racial disparities in stillbirth rates, with black women more likely to experience stillbirths during pregnancy or childbirth.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that national pride is linked to greater personal well-being, but only for those who prioritize civic nationalism over ethnic identity. The research found that civic nationalists were on average happier than both ethnic and low-civic nationalists, challenging popular theories abou...
Researchers found that high levels of inflammation significantly shorten white dialysis patients' lives, but African Americans with similar inflammation levels survive similarly. A new study aims to understand and possibly mitigate this survival difference.
A new study shows that Indian and Vietnamese immigrants in Texas develop a unique American identity through community participation and civic engagement. They deepen their American identity by engaging in various activities such as festivals, banquets, and volunteer work, without losing their cultural heritage.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that racial disparities in diet, exercise, and weight are more closely related to differences in socioeconomic status than nutrition knowledge. People with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be overweight, regardless of racial background.
Monica Perales' book 'Smeltertown' is an extraordinary study of industrial might, labor exploitation, and human resilience on the US-Mexico border. The award recognizes her gift for oral history and its exploration of the intersection of work, city, and community building.
A new study shows a 20-percentage point jump in colonoscopy screenings among New Yorkers ages 50 and older, erasing disparities across several demographic populations. The campaign aimed to address growing disparities in colon cancer mortality rates, particularly among blacks, Hispanics, and women.
A new study shows that giving stroke patients and their families control over their recovery process can significantly improve physical health scores and reduce disability. The 'Take Charge' session improved patients' quality of life by six points, while the inspirational DVD upped the result by one point.
A new study finds that White and Hispanic teens are more likely to abuse drugs than African-American teens, with marijuana being the most heavily used substance among teenagers. The study also reveals significant disparities in substance use disorders across racial and ethnic groups.
The city of Detroit has been found to have one of the highest mortality rates in the US for non-small cell lung cancer, with significantly lower survival rates compared to other cities. The study, presented at CHEST 2011, suggests that differences in healthcare access and tumor stage may be contributing factors.
Research suggests African Americans have a higher burden of multiple large-joint osteoarthritis, with significant racial differences in OA phenotypes. The study found that African Americans are more likely to have knee OA and have a greater risk of joint involvement, particularly hip and spine OA.
Researchers have pushed back the timeline of North America's first known hunters to at least 14,000 years ago, revealing a longer period of large mammal hunting and potentially contributing to their extinction. The discovery was made through DNA analysis of a spearhead found in a mastodon remains.
A study published in Diabetologia found that African American women with gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy have a 52% increased risk of developing overt diabetes in the future. These women are also at almost 10 times greater risk if they had developed GDM in a past pregnancy.
A study by U-M-led researchers found that internet message boards are increasingly used by women to cope with pregnancy loss, revealing significant disparities in support. The study revealed that only half of the women surveyed had experienced a recent loss, and those from African American backgrounds were underrepresented online.
A new study found that African-American women were more likely to continue a counseling approach to treating substance abuse, but their issues continued. The study suggests that Motivational Enhancement Therapy may be effective in reducing drug abuse, particularly among African-American men.
Research reveals racial/ethnic disparities in car seatbelt use among pediatric patients. The study found that black, Hispanic, and Native American children were less likely to be restrained, leading to higher injury severity scores.
New research reveals that APOL1 gene variants are a major risk factor for two forms of kidney disease, with African Americans having a significantly higher risk due to genetic predisposition. Early screening and treatment could potentially safeguard against kidney failure and early death for millions of individuals.
A study by UCLA researchers found that primary care physicians who treat Latino patients are less likely to believe they can provide high-quality care. The challenges include inadequate time with patients, lack of affordability, non-adherence to treatments, and difficulties in communication. Implementing the Affordable Care Act may add...
Researchers found that racially integrated neighborhoods with similar socioeconomic and environmental conditions showed reduced health disparities among black and white Americans. The study suggests that addressing neighborhood resources and underlying health conditions can help close racial gaps in health outcomes.
A MU study found that 5% of online housing ads are problematic or illegal, with 91% posted by private parties seeking roommates. The majority discriminate based on familial status, such as children, not race or ethnicity.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that watching a person from a different race perform actions reduces implicit prejudice. By mimicking these movements, individuals can activate brain mechanisms contributing to empathy and lower their levels of prejudice.
The MetLife Foundation Journalists in Aging Fellows Program will develop major aging-focused stories or series, covering concerns such as seniors drowning in debt and the struggles of Iraqi and Afghan refugees. The program aims to cultivate public awareness of these issues, which affect all generations and cultures.
Native American communities have the highest alcohol-related death rates, but how and why this is prevalent remains unclear. The new five-year MERIT award will investigate early underage drinking's impact on risk for alcoholism and develop culturally relevant treatment programs.
Researchers explore how 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' has been referenced and reinterpreted in over 100 films, plays, and musicals, revealing shifts in attitudes towards African Americans. Sharon Dean's research highlights the evolution of representations, from demeaning stereotypes to more sympathetic portrayals of diverse groups.
A new study published in Autism Research found that parental age, maternal ethnicity, and paternal age are associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID), while household income has no significant link. The research also identified demographic risk factors such as male gender and...
Marriages between African Americans and whites increased rapidly between 1980 and 2008, but the total number remains smaller than those between whites and other groups. The study found that education played a key role in bridging racial gaps, with highly educated blacks and whites more likely to intermarry.
Marriages between black and white populations have continued to increase, outpacing unions between whites and other ethnic groups. The study reveals that highly educated blacks and whites are more likely to intermarry, indicating a blurring of racial boundaries.
A study introduces ethnicity-specific reference genome sequences to analyze whole-genome sequencing data, improving disease risk assessment. The approach was demonstrated in a four-person family and showed increased accuracy in detecting rare variants and reducing errors.
Research finds racial differences in head and neck cancer disparities can be traced to access to care barriers, including insurance and socioeconomic factors. African Americans are more likely to receive radiation therapy and have worse five-year survival rates than Caucasians.
A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research found that African American patients are less likely to be admitted to high-volume hospitals for total knee replacement surgery, receiving instead lower-quality care. This racial disparity affects access to high-quality arthroplasty care.
A study analyzing hundreds of millions of names reveals global 'naming networks' that bind people to cultural, ethnic and linguistic communities. The researchers used forenames and surnames to create a representation of population structure around the world.
Research reveals significant differences in patient experience of primary care among different age groups, health statuses, and ethnicities. Minority ethnic patients report lower satisfaction rates due to poorer practice performance, but internal factors also contribute to the disparities.
A study found that MLB umpires call strikes more often for white pitchers than minority pitchers, leading to a decrease in performance and pay. Minority pitchers responded by playing it safe with their pitches, resulting in decreased performance.
Researchers found that second-grade students from diverse backgrounds are aware of ethnicity-based stigma and experience higher academic anxiety. However, strong social connections at school can mitigate these effects and boost interest in academics.
New research finds that even elementary school children from ethnic-minority backgrounds are aware of stigma and experience higher levels of academic anxiety. However, surprisingly, these students also report high interest in school, with close connections to peers playing a key role in maintaining this interest.
A new study reveals that bullying negatively affects GPA for students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, but particularly harms high achieving black and Latino students. The research found a .049 points decrease in 12th grade GPAs among bullied students compared to non-bullied peers.
A recent study published in American Political Research found that English language ads had a greater impact on Latino voter turnout compared to Spanish language ads. The study also showed that English language materials drew in a broader voter demographic and were effective across all levels of Latino voters.
A recent NIH-commissioned study found that black applicants were 10 percentage points less likely than white applicants to receive research project grants after controlling for factors such as education and affiliation. The study highlights the need for action to address racial disparities in the biomedical workforce.
A study by Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center found that high parity was associated with a 50% increase in the incidence of estrogen-receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer, but only among women who had not breastfed. Breastfeeding was also linked to a reduced risk of ER- breast cancer, particularly in African-American women.
A comprehensive survey of American Muslims found that religious beliefs significantly influence their health care attitudes and behaviors. The study highlights the importance of assigning responsibility to God for health and disease, as well as a holistic view of healing involving spiritual and medical agents.
Researchers found that HIV detection odds differ by method, with social networks and partner services outperforming alternative venue testing. The study suggests a multi-faceted approach to HIV prevention is needed, acknowledging individual differences within the demographic.
Research presented at the Era of Hope conference explores genes that contribute to breast cancer risk in African Americans and the possibility of mitigating it through vitamin D intake. Additionally, studies examine how daughters of BRCA mutation carriers manage their own risk of breast cancer.
Researchers identify gaps in care for underserved older adults with diabetes and propose treatment models incorporating telehealth, geo-mapping, and community-based education. Better data are needed to evaluate access to care by minority groups.
Diabetes rates are higher in Aboriginal adults in Alberta, but the increase is less pronounced compared to the general population. Mortality rates for status Aboriginals with and without diabetes have remained relatively unchanged over 12 years, despite overall improvements in mortality rates among people with diabetes.
The Gerontological Society of America recommends including ethnically diverse populations in aging research. Minority participants are key to developing recruitment and retention methods that address unique cultural and sociopolitical challenges.
The study provides a detailed map of genetic recombination in African Americans, revealing distinct differences from European populations. The researchers identified over two million recombination events, shedding light on the genetic origins of congenital diseases more common in African Americans.
David J. Friedman, MD, a clinician and researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has received a three-year Clinical Scientist Development Award from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The award will support his research into the genetic factors that lead to kidney disease in African Americans.
A new study reveals distinct experiences of female engineering students from different racial backgrounds, highlighting the need for tailored support to retain underrepresented groups.
Research from Psychology of Women Quarterly found that using incense or lighting a candle may increase racial tension among African-American women. The study suggests that certain coping strategies employed by these women may not be effective in alleviating stress.
A UK study examining ethnicity and health found that men from most minority groups and women from Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups are more likely to eat the recommended five portions of fruit or vegetables daily. However, these groups also tend to be less physically active. The research suggests that policies targeting physical activi...
A study by North Carolina State University found that organized sports can bring people together and provide hope in the wake of disasters like Hurricane Katrina. The research highlighted both the positive and negative impacts of sports on community recovery.
A recent genomics study has received a $10,000 prize for its work on addressing racial and ethnic stereotypes in genetic research. The study examined the 2005 Admixture Mapping project, which looked for risk factors for Multiple Sclerosis in African Americans and European Americans.
Researchers discovered that CT angiography can detect heart disease in African Americans more effectively than calcium scoring, revealing higher levels of non-calcified plaque. The study suggests reevaluating the use of calcium scoring as a screening tool for African Americans.
A study by Concordia University researchers found that Asian-Canadian and French-Canadian preschoolers tend to interact more with children of their own ethnic group. The children were observed to be more competitive when playing with peers of the same ethnicity.