Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
Researchers found that African American boys have higher levels of angiotensin II, a hormone that contributes to high blood pressure, while African American girls have lower levels of protective angiotensin (1-7). These findings suggest that changes in hormone metabolism may occur before blood pressure changes, potentially leading to p...
Research at University of Toronto Scarborough found that the human brain is more reactive to people of one's own race, producing significantly more motor-cortex activity, whereas observing others from a different race results in reduced activity. The study suggests that this phenomenon may contribute to prejudice and limited empathy.
A new study reveals that Caucasian teenagers are more likely to experience negative outcomes from family changes, including delinquent behavior and early sexual activity. African-American peers are less affected by economic hardship, which can mitigate the trauma caused by family changes.
The current BMI standards misclassify many reproductive-age women as 'not obese', particularly whites and Hispanics. The study recommends ethnic-specific BMI cutoff values to produce proper diagnosis of obesity, especially for Hispanic women.
A study found that healthy children from South Asian and African-Caribbean groups in the UK showed increased precursors of diabetes risk, similar to adult disparities. Researchers observed these patterns in children as young as 9 and 10 years old, suggesting ethnic differences persist into childhood.
A new study published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health found that Inuit preschoolers in Nunavut are heavier but just as tall as their US counterparts. The study, which surveyed 26% of three to five year olds in 16 Nunavut communities, shows a remarkable change from previous work on Inuit infants.
A new study finds that ethnic groups in Ontario have distinct cardiovascular risk profiles, with Chinese having the lowest prevalence of heart disease (3.2%) and South Asians having the highest (5.2%). Smoking and obesity are more prevalent among white populations, while diabetes and hypertension affect South Asians and black populatio...
A new study led by Ohio University scientists suggests that early Native Americans left a bigger carbon footprint than previously thought. By analyzing chemical composition of stalagmites, the researchers found evidence of greenhouse gas emissions due to land use practices such as burning trees for nut production.
A case-control study found that chronic upper GI symptoms are linked to poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients. The study suggests that tight glucose control may reverse these symptoms.
A new study reveals that Hispanics living in areas with low endoscopy capacity are less likely to undergo colorectal cancer screening. The study found a modest increase in screening rates as endoscopy capacity improved, suggesting that addressing local capacity constraints could help reduce disparities in screening.
Researchers are combining indigenous environmental knowledge with modern science to learn new things about the Arctic climate. Studies have found that weather patterns in the Arctic are becoming more unpredictable, which is not matching up with scientific measurements.
Researchers found that gene duplication events led to functional diversity in sunflower genes, including a gene variant that lengthened flower growth periods. This trait may have been favored by early Native Americans for domestication purposes.
A study of over 1000 people aged 65+ in Britain found that having a large number of supportive relatives increases the fear of dying, particularly among those from ethnic minority groups. This runs counter to the common perception that a network of supportive family carers eases fears around death.
A study found that Mexican Americans are 40% less likely than non-Hispanic whites to call 9-1-1 and be taken to the hospital via ambulance for stroke, leading to delayed medical treatment. Women, particularly those from the Hispanic community, were also more likely to experience delays in receiving timely care.
A study of UK schoolchildren found that Black Africans, Indians, and Bangladeshis have a similar or lower prevalence of asthma than White children. A family history of asthma and psychological well-being were consistent correlates for asthma regardless of ethnicity.
A study found that black patients were less likely than white and Hispanic patients to receive evidence-based stroke care, but hospital improvements narrowed the gap. Despite lower treatment rates, black patients had better hospital mortality rates than whites and Hispanics.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital found that African American children with asthma have significantly lower levels of vitamin D than healthy counterparts. The study suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and increased rates of asthma in this population.
Research from Queen's University Belfast reveals that Ireland's ethnic minorities want more autonomy to express their cultures in future events. The study highlights the differences in experiences between those born in Ireland and new ethnic minority communities.
A recent study found that racial disparities in access to high-quality surgical care for brain tumors have increased over time. Patients of color are less likely than white patients to receive treatment at high-volume hospitals, which can lead to poorer outcomes.
The National Sleep Foundation's Annual Sleep in America poll explores sleep issues among Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and whites, revealing significant differences in sleep habits and attitudes. Blacks/African-Americans report the busiest bedtime routines, while Asians get the best sleep and infrequently use sleep aids.
A growing trend in vacation travel, genealogical tourism provides authentic experiences, allowing individuals to feel connected to their past and explore their identities. The study highlights the importance of this movement, driven by contemporary tourists' preference for meaningful experiences over relaxation.
A new study published in Oxford Economic Papers reveals that ethnic minorities in Britain are better educated than their white peers, but face lower employment probabilities. The research shows significant wage disparities between British-born ethnic minority individuals and their white peers, particularly for men.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found sociodemographic characteristics significantly influence a patient's willingness to participate in cancer screenings. Lower education and income levels are associated with lower rates of cancer screenings, leading to potential disparities in mortality rates.
The AcademyHealth Minority Scholars Program offers scholarships, methods training, and mentoring to underrepresented minorities in the field of health services research (HSR) and disparities research. The program aims to build a pipeline of disparities researchers to address health care access, cost, and quality issues.
The National Institutes of Health panel concludes that eliminating dairy from the diet due to lactose intolerance may impact diet and health. People with lactose intolerance can tolerate at least 12 grams of lactose with no or minor symptoms, and gradually reintroducing dairy into their diet can help manage symptoms.
A new survey finds that African Americans are more likely to hold misconceptions about lung cancer, which could interfere with prevention and treatment. The study suggests that tailored public health messages are needed to address these disparities.
A study by Kansas State University researchers found that independently owned ethnic restaurants had significantly more food safety violations, including time and temperature control, hand washing, and proper use of utensils. The research aims to help restaurant owners improve their food handling and safety records.
A recent study found that family influence remains key to one's ethnic identity after age 18, with families teaching cultural customs and traditions leading to a greater sense of attachment to their ethnic group. This study suggests that parents play an important role in shaping young adults' exploration of their ethnicity.
A study of 388 Inuit children aged 3-5 years found that 70% lived in households with insufficient food, contributing to high rates of obesity and overweight. The researchers emphasize the need for strengthened support systems for Inuit families with young children.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that longer intervals between symptom onset and antiviral treatment were associated with more severe H1N1 disease necessitating ICU admission. People of First Nations ethnicity were also at a higher risk of severe H1N1 infection compared to other ethnic groups.
A new analysis by UCSF researchers found that African Americans account for over 8% of smoking-attributable healthcare expenditures and 13% of smoking-attributable mortality costs in California. The study aimed to provide an objective picture of the economic burden of tobacco use on African American Californians.
Research found that UK prisoners formed groups along ethnic lines for protection and shared interests, yet experienced racist tensions. Prisons lacked gangs, but minority ethnic prisoners faced harsh treatment from staff, sparking fears of institutional racism.
Research finds that African-American patients with type 1 diabetes who consume more calories and sodium are more likely to develop vision-threatening retinopathy. Low caloric and sodium intakes may have a beneficial effect on the progression of diabetic retinopathy in this population.
A study found that many Americans with major depression do not receive adequate treatment, with racial and ethnic groups facing disparities. Psychotherapy is more commonly used than pharmacotherapy, but individuals with specific ethnic backgrounds have lower odds of receiving concordant care.
A national survey found that only 21% of Americans with clinical depression receive adequate treatment, while half go untreated. Disparities in mental healthcare access persist, particularly for African Americans and Mexican Americans, who face significant barriers to care.
A recent study developed a straightforward technique to determine the ethnic origin of stem cells, finding that Caucasian and East Asian populations are overrepresented in current cell lines. The team created a new stem cell line with a West African Yoruba genetic profile, which could lead to more diverse research and safer therapies.
A new study found that 25% of Arab Americans in Greater Detroit experienced abuse due to race or religion since 9/11, leading to increased psychological distress and poorer perceptions of health. The study highlights the need for partnerships with community organizations to encourage mental health services among this population.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 16,000 women in Hawaii found that Korean-American and Chinese-American women are at one-third higher risk for gestational diabetes. Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and Puerto Ricans also face a higher risk compared to Caucasian and African-American women.
A study of 73 Southeast Asian and East Asian populations reveals a high correlation between genetic ancestry and ethnic groups, contradicting previous theories. Genetic diversity increases from northern to southern latitudes, suggesting a single major migration route from Southeast Asia.
A recent study at the University of Illinois found that much of rural America is prosperous, particularly in the Midwest and Plains. Prosperous communities have higher education rates, lower unemployment and poverty rates, and better housing conditions than other rural areas.
A new study by Northwestern University found that ethnic pride is crucial for the mental well-being of young African-American adolescents. The research discovered that increased feelings of ethnic pride are associated with reduced depressive symptoms in both male and female students.
Research suggests that young people's feelings of ethnic pride rise during the 7th-8th grade years, improving their mental health regardless of self-esteem levels. A sense of pride in one's ethnic group serves as a buffer against certain mental health problems, especially for boys.
A new study found that children develop an awareness of racial stereotypes early on, leading to damaging biases in social interactions and academic performance. Awareness of these biases can negatively impact standardized test results, particularly for African American and Latino youths.
A special issue of a medical journal examines Latino health disparities, including chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. It also highlights the lack of access to primary care services and patient-centered medical homes among Latinos.
African Americans are less likely to receive kidney/pancreas transplants than similar patients in other racial groups, despite increased Medicare coverage. Physician bias may be a contributing factor, with doctors assuming African Americans have type 2 diabetes when they may actually qualify for type 1 diabetes.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found nearly 1 in 4 patients with OSA suffers from nighttime teeth grinding, especially in men and Caucasians. Untreated bruxism can lead to excessive tooth wear, jaw pain, and sleep disturbances.
A University of Pittsburgh study finds a connection between adolescent girls' weight and their participation in risky sexual behaviors. The research suggests that ethnicity, actual weight, or perceived weight may influence decision-making around sex.
A nationwide study of 13,000 Americans found that nearly 60% of the elevated risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in African Americans may be attributed to low vitamin D levels. Researchers also discovered that vitamin D deficiency contributes significantly to the increased risk of ESRD among African Americans compared to whites.
Researchers found that African Americans who participated in culturally specific weight loss programs with frequent partner attendance had greater weight loss success. The study suggested that the involvement of a supportive partner was linked to improved weight loss outcomes, regardless of whether they attended sessions together or not.
Studies highlight racial disparities in gastrointestinal disease, particularly colon cancer and Barrett's Esophagus, among African Americans, Latinos, and women. These disparities underscore the importance of education, early screenings, and potentially more aggressive screening tactics for these populations.
Research reveals that Caucasian college women are more likely to exhibit binge eating behaviors than African American women. The study found that African-American students were less likely to meet criteria for binge eating and had less severe symptoms, but shared similar predictors such as depressed mood and feelings of fat. This dispa...
Despite high risk, older African Americans are less likely to get the flu vaccine due to lack of accurate information and lingering distrust from the infamous Tuskegee syphilis studies. This results in lower vaccination rates among this age group, with only 48% vaccinated compared to 65% for non-Hispanic white seniors.
A recent study published in the American Heart Journal found that more than half of randomized clinical trials for cardiovascular disease fail to report vital information about patient race or ethnicity. Only 15% of trials had sufficient diversity, highlighting the need for better representation of minority groups in RCTs.
A study found that US researchers are more positive about including ethnic minorities in health research than their UK counterparts. The UK researchers were often reticent about the need, citing concerns over scientific importance and practical difficulties.
Research found racial differences in individual behaviors do not fully explain marked disparities in HIV infection prevalence. Social factors such as exposure to the virus through racially segregated mixing patterns and poverty contribute to these differences. The US response to the epidemic has failed to control the spread of HIV amon...
A new study found that South Asians are more likely to develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes due to their body composition, specifically higher total body fat and lower muscle mass. Researchers measured insulin levels in four ethnic groups and discovered a strong association between body fat distribution and diabetes risk.
A recent study found that African Americans and whites with similar incomes and living environments have similar diabetes rates, contradicting national trends. Environmental factors are thought to contribute to racial disparities in diabetes prevalence.
Interaction between education and a polymorphism of the reward gene contribute to severe alcoholism among Mexican Americans. Researchers found that individuals with less than or up to 12 years of education are at high risk for severe alcoholism when combined with the OPRM1 A/A genotype.
A longitudinal study of low-income parents and their 1-year-old children found that spanking leads to more aggressive behaviors and less sophisticated cognitive development. Verbal punishment, however, is not associated with such negative effects when accompanied by emotional support from mothers.
Researchers discovered that genetic differences exist more within Central Asian ethnic groups than between them, indicating a constructed social system rather than common ancestry. This challenges traditional notions of ethnicity and highlights the importance of analyzing genetic data in understanding ethnological issues.