Research on ethnicity, identity, and health. Covers code-switching, traditional health practices, immigration and disease, and patient communication.
Researchers found that African-American college students reported poorer sleep quality, slept less time, and took longer to fall asleep compared to whites. These findings suggest that ethnic differences in sleep quality may be linked to higher blood pressure risk and 'blood pressure dipping',
African American women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age and have larger tumors than Caucasian women. The study found higher relapse rates in African American patients after treatment.
A team of researchers proposes a new hypothesis on human migration from Asia to the Americas, suggesting that ancestors remained isolated in Beringia for 15,000 years before entering the continent. The study's findings contradict previous theories and provide insights into the peopling of the New World.
New research highlights racial disparities in alcohol treatment completion, with African Americans and Hispanics facing lower enrollment rates in residential programs. Increasing access to intensive services may help reduce these disparities.
Research at Temple University found that obese and overweight children from diverse ethnic backgrounds experience similar levels of body dissatisfaction. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychological consequences of childhood obesity beyond weight management.
A new study reveals that elephants can categorize human ethnic groups into subclasses based on subtle cues such as scent and garment color. Elephants in Kenya reacted with greater fear when detecting the scent of garments worn by Maasai warriors, while also responding aggressively to red clothing traditionally worn by young Maasai men.
A USC Davis School of Gerontology study found that caregivers showed few negative mental or physical health effects, contrary to myths about caregiving. The research analyzed ethnic differences among caregivers tending to people with dementia and found unique health risks for African-American caregivers.
A weight-based dosage of ribavirin improved treatment outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C, particularly those who are African-American. The study found that response rates increased as body weight increased, suggesting a potential need to tailor dosing to individual patients.
A study of California adults with high blood pressure found that nearly half do not take medication, despite seeing a doctor. Regular doctor visits significantly improve medication adherence in those who do take pills.
The American Cancer Society report shows a decline in breast cancer mortality rates, but African American women and women of other racial and ethnic groups have benefited less from advances. The report highlights the importance of increased mammography screening and reduced obesity to combat breast cancer.
Middle-aged and older adults from African American and Latino backgrounds have poorer blood sugar control than their white counterparts, even when taking medications. The study identified medication adherence and emotional distress as key factors contributing to these disparities.
Experts discuss the pitfalls of racial profiling in medical research and practice, highlighting the importance of using race as a proxy for biological difference. Racial categories are social and historical, not biological or attributive, making them imprecise markers of genotypic and socio-cultural determinants of variation in health.
Researchers used computerized craniofacial anthropometry to diagnose patients with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in a diverse study population. The study found unique facial features that distinguished individuals with FAS from controls, suggesting that FAS differs across ethnic groups.
A three-year study found that children of first-generation immigrants develop a robust awareness of their ethnic heritage and identify with being both part of their parents' culture and American. The study also shows that older children demonstrate greater amounts of ethnic identification and exploration, indicating a positive connecti...
A recent study found that a specific genetic variant affects smoking cessation treatment outcomes, with 45% of individuals benefiting from bupropion treatment and maintaining abstinence longer compared to those without the variant.
Research reveals that Hispanic adolescents are less affected by parental divorce, but this is not due to a lack of resilience; instead, they start with more challenges. In contrast, European and Asian American teens face significant problems after family disruption, while African Americans show fewer issues before the breakup.
Researchers develop mathematical model to predict ethnic conflict based on global pattern formation, finding poorly defined boundaries and heterogeneous areas prone to violence. The study suggests that clear borders can prevent ethnic tension, echoing Robert Frost's poem 'good fences make good neighbors',
Non-Caucasian patients with primary biliary cirrhosis have more severe liver disease compared to Caucasian patients. Minority patients reported more limitation of activity, severe itching, and serious complications.
A recent study found that ethnic minority women can be persuaded to take part in research studies. The factors leading to high retention rates included financial compensation and close communication with researchers. Researchers should tailor their strategies to fit different target groups.
A Brown University study found that black representatives put more time and resources into developing policies and advocating for legislation of interest to African Americans. Black legislators were also more actively involved on legislation of all types, not just bills benefiting African American constituents.
A recent survey found that 86% of workers aged 65+ reported being satisfied at their jobs, while those earning over $110,000 per year had the highest level of satisfaction. Job satisfaction also varies by education level, occupation, and region.
Researchers found African Americans experiencing racial discrimination more likely to report current tobacco use, recent alcohol consumption, and lifetime use of marijuana and cocaine. This association was also seen in Whites, suggesting that substance use may be an unhealthy coping response to perceived unfair treatment.
A Tulane University study examines the relationship between alcohol consumption and stroke risk in a large sample of Chinese men, finding that heavy drinking increases the risk of stroke. The research reveals that even moderate levels of alcohol intake can lead to higher risk of death by stroke.
A recent study found that exercise did not lower aldosterone levels in African Americans, a hormone linked to hypertension. Despite this, researchers believe exercise still has potential benefits for reducing blood pressure. The study's findings highlight the complexity of understanding hypertension in African Americans.
Researchers found that marital violence among Asian-Americans is linked to factors beyond marital distress, including family closeness and anxiety disorders. The study's findings highlight the need for therapy that addresses these underlying issues.
A new study found that racial differences in breast cancer survival are most apparent in advanced stages of the disease, with African American women having poorer outcomes than white women. After adjusting for clinical factors, the disparities persisted, indicating non-clinical factors may contribute to survival differences.
A new study examines how Latino immigrants identify themselves racially in the US, finding a significant share identifies as Latino rather than white. Increasing exposure to American culture leads to a shift towards Spanish racial self-identification, contrasting with earlier European immigrant groups.
A comprehensive study found that conventional prognostic factors do not adequately predict survival outcomes in Asian-American men with prostate cancer. Despite worse prognostic profiles, most Asian ethnic groups have better outcomes compared to white men.
A study of diabetic patients from three North West London Primary Care Trusts found that those from ethnic minorities receive lower quality care, with poorer diabetes control and treatment outcomes. The researchers attribute this to patient factors, such as poor understanding of the disease, rather than institutional racism.
Mortality rates from pulmonary fibrosis are expected to continue rising, with a significant increase in deaths from the disease itself rather than coexisting conditions. The study found higher mortality rates in older men and women, as well as disparities among racial and ethnic groups.
A new study found that African Americans on death row for killing non-whites are less likely to be executed than other condemned prisoners. Blacks who kill whites face a higher risk of execution, with a disparity in execution rates based on the race of victims.
A recent study found ethnic differences in neonatal mortality and morbidity rates, with South Asian infants facing significantly higher risks. Small for gestational age was a significant factor only among Caucasian infants, while premature birth was a risk across all ethnic groups.
Recent terror attacks have raised concerns about discriminating against overseas doctors who work in the NHS. The Lancet Editorial warns that such actions would be shameful and unjust, given the significant contributions overseas doctors have made to the healthcare system.
Research finds inadequate ventilation and overcrowding contribute to higher rates of lower respiratory tract lung infections in Inuit children. Carbon dioxide levels often exceed recommended concentrations in homes with poor ventilation.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Harvard University found that perceived neediness, rather than race, drives charitable giving to Hurricane Katrina victims. Within subgroups of whites, racial bias affects giving to blacks, while non-identifying whites give more to blacks.
Research at Thomas Jefferson University shows that African American women with breast cancer tend to have more advanced disease and poorer outcomes. The study found that these tumors are more often estrogen-receptor negative and express growth-promoting genes, leading to aggressive and invasive disease.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that South Asian Scots are more likely to suffer a heart attack than the rest of the Scottish population. The research, which linked census data to hospital discharge records, revealed an 80% higher incidence of heart attacks among South Asian women and a 45% higher incidence among men.
Researchers found antibody levels in African American MS patients were 29% higher than Caucasians, linked to increased disability and shorter disease duration. Genetic background differences may contribute to this disparity.
A new study found that blacks with multiple sclerosis have significantly higher levels of an antibody in their spinal fluid than Caucasians, suggesting genetic factors contribute to the difference. The discovery may help explain why black patients are more likely to experience severe symptoms when they develop MS.
A new report from The Commonwealth Fund shows that providing minority patients with a 'medical home' can help eliminate racial and ethnic health care disparities. When insured adults have access to regular care and coordination, they are more likely to manage chronic conditions, receive preventive care, and have better health outcomes.
A study found that the percentage of deaths from complex chronic conditions occurring at home increased significantly between 1989 and 2003, especially for infants and adolescents. This shift may be attributed to advances in home-based medical technology and changes in attitudes towards pediatric palliative care and hospice services.
A study by Ohio State University found that most white Americans believe living as a black person would cost less than $10,000, but would need $1 million to give up television. This suggests a lack of understanding about persistent racial disparities in the US, including lower income and wealth for blacks.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found that African Americans value health states more highly due to differences in risk attitude and life expectancy. This difference may be attributed to a shorter life expectancy, making time preference for health states more important.
Two CDC studies will be presented at ATS 2007 on TB epidemiology, focusing on foreign-born persons and African Americans in the southeastern US. The studies aim to improve outreach and control efforts, targeting enhanced prevention and control among high-risk populations.
The University at Buffalo team conducts research on Baffin Island's fjords and sediments to reconstruct past climates and study the effects of climate change. They also educate the local Inuit community about global warming's impact on their traditional way of life.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that women from all ethnic backgrounds outperform men in passing UK medical exams. Non-white candidates also performed better than their white counterparts, with non-white females excelling in clinical skills and communications assessments.
Research finds that siblings of people who have had a stroke are at increased risk of also having a stroke, with some groups facing even higher risks. The study suggests a possible genetic link to ischemic strokes in certain ethnic groups.
Researchers found that boys are less likely to use purging behaviors and more likely to be diagnosed with Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Ethnic differences also played a role, with American Indians and Alaskan Natives being more likely to use laxatives and experience longer duration of disease.
A recent study found that minority women experience a significant financial penalty after widowhood, with Black women suffering a loss five times greater than their White counterparts. The report highlights the importance of considering these economic consequences in social security and pension policies.
A meta-analysis of studies found that controlling for socioeconomic factors reduced racial disparities in colorectal cancer survival. Lower socioeconomic status is linked to poorer health outcomes and reduced access to healthcare.
The study analyzed existing genetic studies and found that non-genetic factors such as poverty, housing segregation, and poor diet are stronger indicators of diabetes than genes. The findings challenge the widely held thrifty genotype theory, which suggests that certain minority groups are genetically prone to diabetes.
Research suggests that genetics, socioeconomic status, and neighborhood environment play a role in cancer incidence and mortality disparities among African-Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians. A survey found that late-stage cancer diagnosis is more common among older, low-income individuals living in unsafe neighborhoods.
Recent immigrants acquire English and lose Spanish rapidly, exhibiting levels of patriotism equal to native-born whites by the 3rd generation. Hispanics largely reject a purely ethnic identification and show high levels of commitment to work ethic.
Researchers monitored nearly 7,000 participants of different ethnic backgrounds, revealing that African Americans developed heart failure at significantly higher rates due to diabetes and hypertension. However, when statistical techniques excluded these risk factors, racial differences in heart failure rates disappeared.
The study found that socio-economic status affects food choice, with lower-income individuals more likely to prioritize affordable options. It also revealed gender differences in dietary habits, with women being more concerned about meeting health guidelines.
A new study found that triple negative breast cancers are more common among young, poor minority women, particularly African American and Hispanic women. The tumors are also associated with later diagnosis and shorter survival rates, with African American women having the poorest five-year survival rate.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that African Americans have weaker muscle contraction in three main regions of the heart, increasing their risk of heart failure. In contrast, Chinese Americans' hearts had a stronger squeezing function and contracted more quickly than other ethnic groups.
A NYU College of Dentistry research team analyzed caries and periodontal disease rates in over 1,500 immigrants from various countries. The study revealed significant ethnic differences, with Puerto Ricans, Haitians, and Indians more likely to suffer from periodontal disease, while Hispanics were more prone to dental caries.
African-American and Hispanic caregivers are more likely to dismiss Alzheimer's symptoms as old age, leading to delayed diagnosis. These caregivers also tend to have a lower awareness of the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease compared to those from other racial backgrounds.
A study by researchers at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found that 18% of young women experienced sexual victimization over a two-year period. The majority (66%) of these cases involved intimate partners, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies to address both types of victimization.