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Menopausal hormone therapy use among postmenopausal women

A cross-sectional study found that menopausal hormone therapy use has decreased significantly over the past two decades among US postmenopausal women. Notably, women from racial and ethnic minority groups had lower rates of menopausal hormone therapy use compared to non-Hispanic white women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateSep 27, 2024

Hardest hit by heat

A new study analyzing US data from 1993 to 2005 found that extreme heat disproportionately affects racial minorities, with a higher excess death rate for Non-Hispanic Blacks compared to whites. The study's findings highlight the need for adaptation measures to shield vulnerable populations from growing temperature dangers.

Publication demonstrates appeal of menthol cigarettes to young people

A University of Oklahoma researcher found that menthol cigarettes are more addictive and appealing than non-menthol cigarettes, especially among racial and ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ population. Participants were willing to work harder for puffs of menthol cigarettes, indicating a heightened risk of nicotine dependence.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2024

Understanding food insecurity and its effects on gestational diabetes risk among American Indian and Alaska Native females can lead to better outcomes

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examines the connection between food insecurity and gestational diabetes risk among young American Indian and Alaska Native females. The research highlights how targeted risk reduction methods could significantly improve diabetes health outcomes for this popula...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2024

Women, Black people, and disadvantaged less likely to get heart surgery in England

Research published in the journal Heart found that women, Black people, and those from low-income households are less likely to be offered heart surgery than men, White people, and affluent individuals. When they do receive surgery, they are more likely to die within a year. The study highlights the need for prompt action to tackle the...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2024

EMBARGOED NEJM Catalyst TOC, August 21, 2024

The African American Transplant Access Program aims to mitigate disparities in solid organ transplantation, while a physician-created platform speeds clinical decision-making. NEJM Catalyst also explores quality and safety improvement through longitudinal care management for diabetes and hypertension.

SourceNEJM Group·JournalNEJM Catalyst·DateAug 21, 2024

Bone fracture rates vary dramatically by race

A new study found that bone fracture rates in older women differ dramatically by race, with White women having the highest risk. Hispanic women had a lower risk of 10%, while Asian-American women experienced varying fracture rates depending on their ethnicity. The study highlights the need to better understand factors behind these diff...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeSurvey·DateAug 15, 2024

Tradition meets transformation for Maasai women

A new study reveals that Maasai women are gaining access to household decisions through livelihood diversification, education, and secure land tenure. This research contributes to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality, highlighting the value of empowering decision-making for women in pastoralist communities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Rural Studies·DateAug 5, 2024

Dance, dance revolution: New Drexel research shows dance and movement therapy can increase emotional and social intelligence in middle school students

A new Drexel University study reveals that dance and movement therapy (DMT) can foster empathy, positive peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy among middle school students. The program, developed by Nalini Prakash, aimed to address ethnic bullying and promote cross-cultural connections.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Sciences & Humanities Open·DateAug 5, 2024

Body appreciation varies across cultures

A study published in PLOS ONE found that body appreciation varies across cultures, with significant differences between Western and non-Western countries. Black Nigerian women reported the highest level of body appreciation, while White Western women reported the lowest. The study also found that internalization of thin ideals and soci...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 31, 2024

Youth suicide and preceding mental health diagnosis

A cross-sectional study found that 60% of youth suicide decedents lacked a preceding mental health diagnosis, with racial and ethnic minorities having lower odds of diagnosis. The study highlights the need for equitable mental health identification and lethal means counseling to prevent youth suicide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 30, 2024

How to eliminate racial disparities in colon cancer

Researchers found that eliminating racial disparities in follow-up colonoscopy rates and quality would significantly reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. By closing these gaps, the study aims to achieve health equity and find innovative solutions for true change.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 24, 2024

Prostate cancer blood test equally effective across ethnic groups

A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology has shown that the Stockholm3 prostate cancer blood test is equally effective in detecting clinically significant cancer across different ethnic groups, including African Americans and Asians. The test reduces unnecessary biopsies by 45% while maintaining high detection rates.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 23, 2024

U.S. homicides by firearms concentrated among Black youth before, during, and after the start of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study examining firearm homicide deaths from 2018 to 2022 found that Black 15- to 24-year-olds were disproportionately affected, with a rate of 14 times higher than White individuals. The spike in homicides in 2020 was largely due to firearm injuries, with the largest increases occurring among Black men between 10 and 44 years old.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 23, 2024

Lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg may reduce dementia risk among Black, Latino populations

A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg over time may produce slight health-protective benefits against late-life dementia. The study found that middle-aged adults who lower their systolic blood pressure, particularly Black and Latino individuals, had a reduced risk of developing dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Study reveals racial disparities in Huntington’s disease diagnoses

A new study by UCLA Health reveals racial disparities in Huntington's disease diagnoses, with Black patients receiving diagnoses one year later than White patients. The study analyzed nearly 5,000 patient data points and found that these disparities may exacerbate underrepresentation of minority groups in clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2024

Fewer GP appointments and the COVID lockdown have exacerbated declining continuity of care in English general practices

A study analyzing data from 6,010 English practices between 2018 and 2022 found that the national average dropped from 29.3% to 19% of patients able to see a preferred doctor. Practices with more doctors and higher same-day appointment rates showed slower declines in continuity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2024

Government updates race and ethnicity data collection standards: implications and insights

The revised standards capture a broader range of communities, enabling more precise data collection and analysis to identify and address health disparities. This shift has significant implications for policy and practice, with the potential to direct resources towards communities facing the greatest health challenges.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealth Equity·TypeCase study·DateJun 20, 2024

Adding genetic information to health checks improves identification of people at risk of heart attacks and strokes

Researchers have discovered a better way to identify those at high risk of potential heart attacks and strokes by adding genetic information to health checks. The study found that combining clinical risk scores with polygenic risk scores significantly improves identification rates, especially among younger people.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

AJPH study reveals that COVID-19 has widened racial gaps in pregnancy-associated deaths from non-obstetric causes in the US

A recent study found a disproportionate increase in pregnancy-associated deaths across diverse ethnic/racial groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed that certain groups, such as Hispanic and Black women, faced higher risks of death from non-obstetric causes like substance abuse and intimate partner violence.

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2024

Adding nurse case managers to telehealth significantly lowers blood pressure in Black and Hispanic stroke survivors

Low-income Black and Hispanic stroke survivors with uncontrolled hypertension experienced a more than two-fold reduction in blood pressure when tracked at home and sent readings to a nurse. Nurse case management enhanced telehealth programs showed significant benefits for this vulnerable population.