Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
A new study explores how immigrant adolescents navigate their ethnic identities during high school. Most choose hyphenated labels and change them over time, highlighting the importance of this period in shaping their identities.
Difficulty sleeping and waking up early are more common in certain ethnic groups during menopause. The study found that Caucasian women were more likely to experience difficulty staying asleep, while Hispanic women were less likely to wake up frequently at night.
Uninsured Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to report experiencing racial bias in healthcare, with language impacting reporting rates. Good communication between doctors and patients protects against perceptions of racial discrimination.
A study analyzing national surveys found racial disparities in colon cancer screening rates, with blacks and Hispanics having lower rates than whites. The findings suggest that culturally targeted interventions and improved access to healthcare may help address these disparities.
A study found Mexican Americans and women are more likely to experience subarachnoid hemorrhage due to differences in tobacco use and hypertension treatment. Researchers identified 107 cases over seven years among 29,907 people in southeast Texas.
A new study from the University of Michigan Stroke Program reveals that women and Mexican-Americans are at a higher risk of suffering a type of stroke related to a ruptured brain aneurysm. Women had a 74% greater chance, while Mexican-Americans had a 67% greater chance, compared to non-Hispanic white men.
A new study found that African Americans with a family history of colorectal cancer are less likely to be screened, contrary to expectations. Regular screening is crucial for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which affects African Americans disproportionately due to their high incidence and mortality rates.
Research at UCLA found that interventions addressing early life experiences, including childhood sexual abuse, can reduce high-risk sex and depressive symptoms among HIV-positive African American and Hispanic men. Social support within the groups played a significant role in these positive changes.
A USC study found that pre-menopausal women with metastatic colorectal cancer lived longer than younger men, while older women had significantly worse overall survival. The study also showed ethnic differences in survival rates, with Hispanics and Asians having better outcomes than Caucasians and African-Americans.
Research findings suggest that high-volume surgeons at high-volume centers have improved in-hospital mortality rates for liver resections. Additionally, hospitals with a high annual volume of IBD patients experience lower mortality rates among hospitalized patients who undergo surgery.
Research finds that most ethnic minority teens avoid ethnically-oriented crowds in high school, despite potential benefits for identity and pride. However, certain factors such as friendship groups, socioeconomic status, and experiences with discrimination can lead to association with these crowds.
A study of 600 teenage girls from diverse backgrounds found that they continue to experience sexism, with 90% reporting sexual harassment. Girls' attitudes towards themselves and society influenced their perceptions of sexism, while learning about feminism and feeling pressure to conform to gender stereotypes also played a role.
A new study by the University of Michigan found no evidence of racial bias in the firing of NBA coaches. The research showed that African-American coaches were fired at the same rate as their white counterparts, and that technical efficiency had no difference between the two groups.
The premier issue of Environmental Justice explores adverse environmental burdens on marginalized populations, legal challenges, and activism. The journal aims to provide a balanced assessment of environmental inequalities locally, nationally, and globally.
A national study of Asian adults found that strong ties to ethnicity can both protect against and worsen the negative effects of racism. For those born in the US, a strong ethnic identity in their 40s can counteract discrimination's impact, while those above 50 may experience increased distress due to stress management.
A new Northwestern University study found people in African American communities on Chicago's South and West Side have a five times higher rate of lower limb amputations than predominantly white suburbs. The high rate is linked to lack of access to primary care, diabetes management programs, and specialty care.
A new study from the American Cancer Society finds racial disparities in smoking cessation treatment, with black and Hispanic smokers less likely to receive advice and aids. The study also reveals that men and those without a usual source of medical care are less likely to be screened for tobacco use and receive advice to quit.
A new study by the American Cancer Society found that female African American patients tend to overestimate their level of cancer screening. The study compared self-reported data with medical records and found significant discrepancies for some procedures, affecting estimates of screening rates.
A recent study by the University of Chicago found that happiness in America increases with age, with older adults reporting higher levels of contentment. The research also discovered that baby boomers are less happy than other generations, while economic fluctuations can impact national happiness levels.
Breast cancer incidence rates in US women over 50 declined sharply in 2002 and 2003, but only among Caucasians. For African Americans, there was virtually no change in invasive breast cancer rates. The study suspects genetic variations in estrogen metabolism may play a role in how women of African ancestry respond to hormonal therapies.
Research suggests that young people who dress according to their own ethnic group are less likely to have subsequent mental health problems than those who don't. Cultural identity expressed through clothing is found to be a healthier option for adolescents in multicultural societies.
Research by Louisiana State University sheds light on positive, long-lasting African American marriages, challenging the 'deficit perspective' that emphasizes problems. The study reveals four key themes: overcoming external challenges, resolving intramarital conflict, and maintaining unity through shared values.
Researchers found that poor neighborhoods with high concentrations of African Americans had significantly more off-premise alcohol outlets and lower prices for 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor. Malt liquor is a concern due to its association with heavy drinking and public safety issues, particularly among inner-city youth.
A study examining suicide rates among ethnic groups in England found that young black men aged 13-24 were at highest risk. The research suggests symptoms commonly associated with suicide vary across ethnic groups, making it harder to predict suicidal behavior.
A study by UCLA researchers found significant disparities in healthcare quality for African Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites in California's Medi-Cal program. The study suggests that efforts to improve services for minority populations could lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Despite having a family history of colon cancer, African Americans are less likely than whites to receive recommended colonoscopy screenings. The study found that only 27.3% of African Americans with a family history underwent the screening within the past five years.
In Kenya, ethnic violence linked to land tenure claims has led to a fierce situation of fire and fighting, particularly in the Rift Valley. The Majimbo ideology, built on regional homogeneity, justifies political supremacy and local land tenure, leading to xenophobic feelings.
A University of Oregon study reveals that Korean adoptees in the US often explore their ethnic identities through either social exposure with peers or cultural heritage. The research found that those who don't explore may assimilate into white culture, while those who do may develop a symbolic attachment to their international heritage.
A University of Maryland study of 1841 hospitals in 13 states found that when whites and minorities are admitted for the same reason, they receive the same quality care. However, the study also identified low-performing hospitals where minority patients face higher risks of mortality and complications.
A genetic marker for obesity has been refined to better understand its role in various human populations. The finding suggests an ancient mutation that first arose in Africa may be a key factor in the development of obesity.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Betty Winfield found that 19th century American journalism significantly influenced the nation's early history. By referencing certain people and events, journalists created a collective memory and gave meaning to current events.
Researchers found that college-age students quickly associate Blacks with apes than Whites, even without stated prejudices. This implicit linkage can impact judgments on African American suspects and defendants.
A University of Michigan study found significant achievement gaps within racial and ethnic groups, but also showed that substantial numbers of children catch up to high achievers in their groups over time. The study analyzed reading and math achievement data for a national sample of 8,060 students, revealing patterns of high achievers ...
Researchers at UCSF have developed a new model for estimating breast cancer risk, incorporating breast density and ethnicity, which is well-calibrated and reasonably accurate across risk factor subgroups. The model may one day be used to calculate a woman's risk for breast cancer during mammograms.
A new study from the American Cancer Society reveals that breast cancer death rates among African American women are decreasing in only 11 US states and remain flat or increase in at least half. The disparity is attributed to access issues, regional variations in treatment quality, and limited screening services.
Uninsured and Medicaid-insured US patients are more likely to present with advanced cancer at diagnosis than privately insured patients. The authors found that these disparities affect ethnic minorities and cancers with early detection potential, underscoring the need for adequate healthcare coverage.
A University of Alberta study analyzing over 275,000 individuals found that different factors influence participation in physical activity. Walking was the most common form of exercise, with older adults more likely to participate.
Carlos Castillo Chavez has been honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his efforts to help underrepresented students earn doctoral degrees in the sciences. Through his summer research program, he has mentored numerous Hispanic Americans and Native Americans to graduate programs.
A study published in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved found that elderly adults are more likely to deny smoking when asked. Researchers used biomarkers like cotinine to validate self-reported nicotine use, revealing a significant discrepancy between true smokers and those who denied it.
A study by Stanford University researchers found that Americans subconsciously associate blacks with apes, leading to a higher likelihood of condoning violence against black criminal suspects. The research also highlights the historical roots of this association, dating back to scientific racism in the US.
A nationwide survey of children's health shows significant disparities in healthcare for minority kids, including unequal access to medical services, higher rates of asthma, hearing and vision problems, diabetes, and dental care. These disparities may have long-term effects on the health of these populations.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that immigrants living in neighborhoods with a small proportion of their own ethnic group are at increased risk for psychotic disorders. The research confirms the importance of environmental and social experiences in contributing to these disorders.
Scientists have identified nine DNA variants that increase lupus risk in women, providing a potential diagnostic tool for early detection. The study, published in Nature Genetics, highlights the importance of genetic factors in lupus susceptibility and may lead to new treatments and a cure.
Research shows that families from non-English speaking ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) grants than those from white, English-speaking backgrounds. Despite having similar needs, 69% of ethnic minority parents were granted DLA compared to 96% of white parents.
The study found an annual bone fracture rate of 3.6% in the UK population, with men having a higher rate than women, and manual workers more prone to fractures. The lifetime fracture rate among white people was almost double that of black and minority ethnic people.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that lingering doubts and fears among African Americans are major obstacles to their participation in medical research. Blacks were only 60% as likely as whites to participate in a mock study, highlighting the need for improved communication and mutual respect between patients and physicians.
Researchers found a protective effect of the TT version of the MTHFR gene against colorectal cancer in Asian populations, but not in others. The study suggests genetics may play a role in understanding health disparities in minority groups.
A new risk prediction model for African American women has been developed and tested, providing more accurate estimates of breast cancer risk compared to the widely used Gail model. The model, known as CARE, accurately predicted the number of cancers observed in African American women in most subgroups.
Research suggests that Mexican Americans with the H6 haplotype of the CYP2E1 gene are more susceptible to developing alcoholism. The study also found associations between the H6 haplotype and late-age onset of drinking and heavy drinking habits.
Research suggests that male adolescents are more likely to practice weight control behaviors and develop eating disorder symptoms due to societal pressures. In contrast, black female adolescents appear to resist these pressures, but may be at risk of becoming overweight in a culture that emphasizes super-sized portions.
A Northwestern University study found that college students' choice of social networking sites is influenced by their race, ethnicity, and parents' education level. The research challenges the common assumption that all college students use Facebook, revealing differences in usage among various groups.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that teaching white children about historical racism significantly improved their positive attitudes toward African Americans. In contrast, African-American children who learned about racism did not experience changes in their racial attitudes.
A study published in Neurology found that Latinos and African Americans with Alzheimer's disease lived significantly longer than white individuals. The study involved nearly 31,000 participants and adjusted for various factors, including education level and age when symptoms began.
Researchers discovered that different ethnic groups living in California manifest the disease very differently, with African Americans and Caucasians developing tongue cancer at higher rates. Cultural habits such as cigarette smoking and areca nut chewing contribute to the prevalence of oral cancer in certain groups.
LA BioMed researchers found that African-Americans and Latinos responded less well to medication for depression than whites, with socioeconomic factors playing a key role. The study suggests these groups may need more treatment beyond medication, including talk therapy.
A study of British doctors and health professionals found they struggle with language barriers, cultural understanding, and uncertainty about how to care for patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. This uncertainty can lead to hesitancy and inertia in practice, contributing to inequalities in care.
A University of Illinois professor argues that the educational and psychosocial benefits of online communication for teenagers far outweigh potential dangers. Online discussions enable critical thinking, argumentation, and support from peer groups, while also providing a safe space to explore identity and sensitive issues.
Ralph L. Sacco, a Florida neurologist, received the American Heart Association's Chairman's Award for his leadership in creating Power To End Stroke, a nationwide educational campaign aimed at raising stroke awareness among African Americans. The program has reached every state in the continental US and made measurable progress in spre...
A genetic variant on chromosome 8q24 is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer in African Americans. The study found that common genetic variants are linked to elevated prostate cancer risk, particularly among this high-risk population.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic variant, rs7008482, strongly associated with increased prostate cancer risk in African-American men. This variation is located within a gene involved in DNA repair and may confer an inherited predisposition to genetic instability.