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Evaluating career service offices at schools of public health: Are programs servicing students equitably and delivering on the promise of a diversified public health workforce?

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health evaluated the career services programs and employment outcomes of its graduates. The study found that neither program usage nor employment outcomes were statistically different by race or ethnicity, with room for improvement in other areas.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPedagogy in Health Promotion·DateJan 6, 2025

Study links vaginal microbiome differences to higher cervical cancer rates in Native American women

Researchers found that protective Lactobacillus microorganisms were present at lower rates in Native American women compared to non-Native women. This disruption in the vaginal microbiome increased the risk of human papillomavirus infection, leading to higher cervical cancer rates among Native American women.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalCancer Prevention Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2024

People from some racial and ethnic groups may face barriers to obtaining obesity medications

A new study found significant disparities in the use of obesity-management medications among different racial and ethnic groups. People of Asian, Black, and Hispanic descent were significantly less likely to use these medications compared to whites, even after adjusting for income, education, health insurance coverage, and clinical need.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2024

Race, ethnicity, and sleep in us children

Racially and ethnically minoritized US children experience disparities in mean levels and variability of sleep compared to white peers. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing multiple sleep dimensions across diverse racial and ethnic groups to achieve equitable pediatric sleep health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 10, 2024

Using race and ethnicity to estimate disease risk improves prediction accuracy but may yield limited clinical net benefit

A cross-sectional study found that including race in disease risk models improves prediction accuracy, but the clinical net benefit is smaller than expected. The researchers provide a widely adaptable framework for deciding whether to include or exclude race from disease risk predictions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 2, 2024

Columbia Aging Center epidemiologist co-authors new report from National Academies on using race and ethnicity in biomedical research

The National Academies report outlines nine actionable recommendations to advance the responsible use of race and ethnicity in biomedical research, including community engagement and data inclusivity. The report aims to provide a key guide for researchers considering using race and ethnicity throughout their research process.

Unseen dementia: Study finds high rates of undiagnosed cognitive decline in vulnerable communities

A new study reveals that many older adults in low-income communities are living with undiagnosed cognitive impairments, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The study found significant racial disparities, with African American patients being more than twice as likely to have undiagnosed MCI or dementia.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateNov 12, 2024

Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) face barriers to medical school admission, study finds

A new study led by Dr. Jasmine Weiss found that HBCU students face three major themes in navigating medical school: complex institutional relationships, preferential treatment concerns, and the importance of a 'village mindset'. The study highlights opportunities for medical schools to engage with HBCUs and attract diverse student bodies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateOct 23, 2024

Uncovering pandemic inequities

A recent study found that non-white individuals were more likely to test positive for COVID-19, highlighting disparities in testing access and community-level factors. The research also identified differences in the prevalence of novel variants of concern among racial and ethnic minority groups.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateOct 9, 2024

Study finds minorities more likely to have ‘free’ preventive healthcare denied by insurers

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to have claims for free preventive care denied by insurance plans, leading to unexpected bills or lack of access. Healthcare providers also charge disadvantaged groups a higher amount for preventive services.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2024

Survival gap eliminated for Black cord blood recipients with blood cancers, study finds

A retrospective analysis of over 2,600 patients found that Black children were more likely to suffer severe graft-versus-host disease but overall survival rates improved across all racial groups. The study suggests that cord blood transplants are a vital lifeline for many patients and improve care for those without a matched donor.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalTransplantation and Cellular Therapy·DateOct 1, 2024