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Study highlights stark inequality in survival after cardiac surgery between paying and NHS patients

A new study found that paying patients undergoing cardiac surgery in England have a 20% lower risk of death or complications compared to NHS patients. The researchers controlled for socioeconomic factors and concluded that a complex interaction between socioeconomic and health system-related factors exists for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateDec 16, 2020

Counseling clients of color affected by COVID-19

The article examines how COVID-19 exacerbates racial and ethnic disparities among communities of color, who face limited access to healthcare and education. Counselors can use cultural considerations, crisis management, and creative interventions to address the needs of these clients.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Counseling & Development·DateDec 10, 2020

UBC study explores link between social status and trust in decision-makers

A recent UBC study reveals that individuals with lower socioeconomic statuses are more likely to distrust powerful decision-makers, viewing coercion as a viable path to gain power. In contrast, those with higher socioeconomic statuses are more trusting and associate power with collaboration and respect.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 3, 2020

Growing risks of STIs in over-45s

A study has found that middle-aged and older adults are at risk of contracting STIs due to negative attitudes and limited knowledge about their sexual health needs. The report's findings highlight four critical areas where interventions can address gaps in current healthcare provision: awareness, access, knowledge, and stigma.

Exposure to high temperatures linked to poor pregnancy outcomes

A systematic review and meta-analysis found associations between exposure to high temperatures in pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. The study analyzed data from 70 studies across 27 countries and found that the odds of preterm birth rose by 5% per 1°C increase in temperature.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 4, 2020

How the brain helps us navigate social differences

Researchers found that brain activity increased in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex when participants conversed with someone of a different socioeconomic background. This increase in activity suggests that our brains have developed a system to help us deal with diversity, supporting previous research on frontal lobe systems and ...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 4, 2020

Study shows socioeconomic status linked to heart failure mortality in United States

A new US study found that socioeconomic factors are linked to heart failure mortality rates in the United States. The study analyzed over 1.2 million deaths from heart failure across 3,048 counties between 1999 and 2018, revealing significant disparities in mortality rates based on measures of wealth and social deprivation.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·DateAug 25, 2020

Society perceives the poor as less affected by distress than those with more means

Researchers found a 'thick-skin bias' persists across various groups, including children and adults, professionals, and U.S. citizens, perceiving low-income individuals as less harmed by negative events than their high-income counterparts. This bias may lead to neglect of those most in need and exacerbate cycles of poverty.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalBehavioural Public Policy·DateAug 17, 2020

Racial disparities in high-cost cancer treatment for children

A new study reveals racial disparities in high-cost proton radiotherapy for childhood cancer treatment, with Black and low-income children facing barriers to access. The research highlights the urgent need for equitable healthcare policies to ensure all children receive quality cancer care regardless of their race or socioeconomic status.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 6, 2020

Vulnerability for at-risk populations identified in US influenza data

A new influenza-monitoring system reveals critical biases in US disease surveillance, particularly among lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. The study suggests that these disparities are linked to reduced access to healthcare and increase the risk of hospitalization for flu-related complications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 9, 2020

Trends in the global burden of thyroid cancer

The global burden of thyroid cancer has increased significantly between 1990 and 2017, with a notable rise in younger age groups. The study found that the incidence rate varied greatly across different regions and socioeconomic factors, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 26, 2020

Aging and socioeconomic status

A study found that lower socioeconomic status accelerates decline in physical functions such as grip strength and gait speed, as well as cognitive abilities like memory and processing speed. Social circumstances also impact mental health, with less wealthy individuals experiencing more depressive symptoms and sight problems.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2020

Inequities in access to kidney transplantation exist even with universal healthcare

A new study found that patients with lower socioeconomic status and additional illnesses are less likely to be put on transplant waiting lists in the UK, despite universal healthcare. The study suggests that patient factors, such as age and health literacy, play a significant role in determining access to transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 28, 2020

Study examines factors affecting racial disparities before kidney transplantation

A study examining factors affecting racial disparities before kidney transplantation found that socioeconomic status and comorbidities explain up to 58% of the disparity in listing. Black patients with kidney failure are more likely to be waitlisted than white patients, despite similar rates of transplant receipt.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 7, 2020

'Low' socioeconomic status is the biggest barrier to STEM participation

A new study finds that socioeconomic status has the strongest impact on STEM science enrollment in Australian secondary schools. Lower SES schools lack resources and diversity in syllabi, making it difficult for underrepresented students to engage with science. Initiatives promoting inclusivity and cultural capital can help increase pa...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·DateFeb 26, 2020

Alcohol-induced deaths in US

According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, US alcohol-induced deaths rates declined from 2000 to 2016, but significant disparities remained among demographic groups. The study found that women, racial and ethnic minorities, and those living in rural areas were disproportionately affected by alcohol-related deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 21, 2020

Determinants of employability of people living with HIV/AIDS

A study of 170 people living with HIV/AIDS in Turkey found that younger individuals, wealthier participants, and those working at diagnosis had higher employment rates. Illicit drug use, longer time since diagnosis, and low CD4 T cells counts were negatively associated with employment.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateNov 6, 2019