Articles tagged with Racial Inequality
Two studies by Rutgers University professor Colleen Berryessa explore how expressions of remorse are interpreted in the legal system, finding that it can lead to serious inequities in legal outcomes. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and education within the legal system to better understand how remorse is assessed.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine and others found that while cannabis arrests decreased by 62% for white individuals and 51% for Black individuals after legalization, racial disparities persisted. Legalization also led to a shift in law enforcement practices, with lower arrest rates for selling other illicit drugs.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that racism and socioeconomic stress can alter key physiological processes in the body during pregnancy, leading to higher rates of preeclampsia and preterm birth in black women. These changes are not due to genetic differences but rather persistent socio-environmental stressors.
Two studies led by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that people living in redlined neighborhoods were less likely to conceive than those in favorable areas. The findings suggest that historical practices like redlining continue to influence reproductive health disparities in present-day communities of color.
A large study found that Asian mothers experience a 1.5-fold higher rate of obstetric trauma, while Black immigrant and refugee mothers have a 20-30% higher risk. The study also found that immigrants with shorter duration of residence had higher initial risk of obstetric trauma, which declined with increasing time in Canada.
A nationwide intervention has led to increased kidney transplants among Black patients, with a 5.3 transplant increase per 1,000 listings. The study found that wait time modifications, required by a national policy, resulted in a 1.7-year gain in priority status for Black candidates.
A new study found that only 5.6% of mental health facilities offer treatment in at least one Asian language, and this number has been declining since 2021. The shortage is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where linguistically concordant services are scarce.
A new analysis across 45 years suggests that the disparity in firearm homicide deaths between Black and White Americans has grown, with many thousands of Black lives lost. The study found that Black males faced an eight to nine times higher likelihood of firearm homicide death than White males from 1988 to 2010.
A study published in Nature Communications found that evaluating multiple candidates simultaneously reduces racial disparities in promotion and tenure decisions. This structural change increases Black and Hispanic faculty members' promotion chances by 16.2%, effectively eliminating racial disparities at the department level.
A growing trend in Holocaust commemoration worldwide is the establishment of museums and exhibitions honoring the Righteous Among the Nations, heroes who risked their lives to save Jews from extermination. These initiatives aim to preserve Jewish heritage, commemorate the memory of the Holocaust, and combat racism and antisemitism.
Residential wood burning accounts for over one-fifth of wintertime exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter, linked to increased risks of heart disease and premature death. By reducing indoor wood burning, Americans could decrease outdoor air pollution and save thousands of lives.
A large study found that home fingertip oxygen monitors give higher readings for patients with darker skin tones, which can lead to missed diagnoses and delayed medical attention. The researchers suggest interpreting SpO2 readings in context and developing guidance to address these limitations.
A new study reveals a significant association between police-related stress and physical markers of cardiovascular health risk in Black women. Women who expressed concern for their children's potential interactions with police had thicker carotid artery walls, indicating increased cardiovascular risk.
A population-based study found that US preterm birth rates have increased among low-income households, with racial disparities exacerbating the issue. The study highlights the need to address racism in reducing preterm birth disparities.
Next Steps: Rebuilding Indigenous Law is a new research initiative that empowers Indigenous communities to renew and rebuild their own legal systems. The project, supported by a $10 million investment, aims to rebuild entire Indigenous legal orders and revitalize traditional legal traditions.
Researchers found that complexity can lead to bias in AI models, highlighting the need for better modeling of real-world complexities, input from diverse groups, and ground truths. By addressing these factors, developers can create more accurate and fair AI systems.
A modeling study suggests that achieving systolic blood pressure equilibrium would significantly decrease the number of cardiovascular disease events and fatalities experienced by non-Hispanic black U.S. adults. Initiatives to maintain normal blood pressure and control hypertension could substantially improve health equity in the U.S.
A new study by the International Center for Journalists and US universities found that Trump was the main source and distributor of disinformation in ethnic and Indigenous press in the US. The research also linked the prevalence of political disinformation to a decline in trust in the news and an increase in violence against journalists.
A major review of international evidence found that racial discrimination contributes to the development of psychosis, with people experiencing discrimination being 77% more likely to develop psychotic symptoms. The study highlights the need for public health action to tackle systemic racism and its impact on mental health disparities.
A study of Black and Latina women in South Los Angeles found that choosing safer personal care products can significantly lower exposures to risky chemicals. Women who avoided fragrance, parabens, and oxybenzone had lower levels of these chemicals in their urine compared to those who did not avoid them.
A new study by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that some Chicago clubs charge Black patrons more for drinks compared to white patrons. The study used pairs of similarly dressed Black and white men to test pricing practices at 30 nightclubs in a central nightlife district.
Two former Department of Justice scientists argue for transformative crime prevention research prioritizing social justice alongside public safety. They emphasize the need for research incorporating community perspectives and collaborative approaches to prevent harm and promote justice.
A new national study finds that African American and Latin American households pay significantly higher percentages of their income on energy, even when accounting for income. The study attributes this to factors such as older homes and higher rental rates, which exacerbate energy burdens and make it harder to access affordable upgrades.
Historically redlined areas experience reduced rapid emergency medical services access due to strategic resource allocation and system redesign being warranted. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these inequities in prehospital emergency care.
A new study found that the expanded child tax credit reduced anxiety and improved food security and housing stability among young children. However, it excluded many eligible low-income and immigrant families due to minimum income requirements.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant correlation between socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and increased cannabis retailer presence. Neighborhoods with higher concentrations of low-income Black residents had 2.53 times more cannabis retailers than high-income predominantly Wh...
A new computational model shows that structural inequalities, including wealth inequality and social segregation, accelerate the spread of infectious diseases through society. In a hypothetical 'ideal' scenario without segregation, infection rates were lower in most metropolitan areas.
Researchers found significant disparities in quality of care and outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients with higher social vulnerability indices were less likely to receive guideline-concordant systemic therapy, palliative care, or survive over 12 months.
A recent USC study found that Black immigrants in the United States have a 9% higher likelihood of being uninsured compared to U.S.-born white adults, despite having a 70.2% employment rate. The disparity is attributed to wage penalties and systemic barriers related to race and immigration status.
A new study by Gwendolyn Purifoye found that Black men are targeted with aggression on buses and trains, leading to erosion of their sense of dignity and self-worth. The researchers observed repeated avoidance behaviors by non-Black passengers and surveillance by authority figures.
A new study by the University of Kent reveals that Black Britons, even from affluent families, are substantially more likely to end up in working-class jobs than their White peers. The research found that Black men from privileged backgrounds are four times more likely to be downwardly mobile after education is taken into account.
A study highlights a significant educational gap in identifying early stages of pressure ulcers in people with dark skin tones, putting them at risk of severe bedsores. Researchers recommend updated clinical guidelines and inclusive education to ensure all nurses can provide equitable care.
A recent study reveals racial disparities in cancer stage at diagnosis and survival for adolescents and young adults, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to achieve cancer care equity. The findings support health policy and funding implications, emphasizing the importance of addressing these disparities.
A new study by researchers at WashU Medicine found that people of predominantly Native American or African ancestry have a higher prevalence of dementia due to social determinants of health. These factors include lower education levels, rural residency, and high blood pressure, which raised their risk of cognitive decline.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Black drivers in Chicago are disproportionately more likely to be stopped by police (70% vs. under 20%) than being ticketed by speed cameras (54% vs. just under 50%). Researchers call for authorities to investigate racial biases in traffic systems.
Researchers found disparities in LGBTQ+ patient experiences, including discomfort with disclosure and lack of partner respect. International medical graduates face unconscious bias, limited opportunities, and financial stress, affecting their engagement with healthcare systems.
A new study of 11,000 overdose deaths in Pennsylvania found that Black people who died from an overdose were half as likely to have received naloxone as white people. This racial disparity in naloxone administration highlights the need for targeted strategies to distribute life-saving medication and educate communities about its use.
Black individuals ages 15 to 24 are disproportionately represented in firearm homicide deaths before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study's findings highlight social and structural conditions contributing to racial disparities in firearm homicides.
Urban green infrastructure projects can bring health and climate benefits, but their distribution is unequal in urban landscapes. Researchers recommend a justice-oriented approach that considers historical development patterns and existing power structures to ensure equitable access to environmental amenities. This includes building re...
A new study reveals that chronic hepatitis B is globally undertreated, especially among women and Asian minorities in the West. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach to reduce new infections and deaths, with oral antiviral therapy being a lifesaving but underutilized treatment option.
A study analyzing Medicare admissions at nearly 2,000 acute care hospitals nationwide found that most hospitals admitted a significantly different proportion of Black fee-for-service Medicare patients compared to the surrounding hospital market. Hospitals admitting fewer Black patients may have lower care quality.
A study found that progressive prosecutors led to 7% higher relative rates of total and property crime, but not violent crime. The effects varied by time in office, with relatively higher crime rates in the first decade.
A recent study published at the ESCIMD Global Congress found that Black female patients are at higher risk of death from carbapenem-resistant enterobacterales (CRE) bloodstream infections. The study analyzed data from 362 US hospital patients and discovered that Black females had a significantly increased risk of mortality compared to ...
A new study by Ohio State University found that Black youth feel less safe when visiting predominantly white areas of their city. The study, which involved 1,405 11- to 17-year-old youths, showed that Black kids who spent more time in white-dominated areas felt less safe and had higher levels of chronic stress, measured by hair cortiso...
A new study found that understanding racial inequities in healthcare access can have a negative impact on both Black and white populations' views of their own health. Accurate awareness is crucial, but also poses an additional burden on Black individuals, causing unnecessary stress.
A new commentary from Boston University School of Public Health emphasizes the need to address digital redlining, which disproportionately affects people of color, low-income communities, and rural populations. The authors propose standardizing social determinants of health screenings to include questions about broadband access.
Researchers offer a 'roadmap' of evidence-based strategies to increase racial and ethnic equity in graduate-level health programs. The 13 strategies outlined in the study aim to reduce institutional racism and create welcoming spaces for diverse students, staff, and faculty.
A recent study reveals that two-thirds of babies born with sickle cell disease are born in areas scoring high or very high on the scale of social vulnerability. This highlights the need for targeted efforts to support families affected by this genetic blood disease.
A study of Medicare claims data found that higher segregation of hospital care is associated with poorer health outcomes for both Black and white patients. Policymakers can address this issue through payment reform efforts and expansion of health insurance coverage to reduce racial disparities in healthcare.
A new study by NYU researchers found that Black women teaching science are finding innovative ways to combine traditional curricula with lessons on race, gender, and class inequities. They make cultural connections to science, encourage critical thinking, and provide historical contexts to help students understand the impact of systemi...
A secondary analysis of the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) cohort study found that black and non-black women with obstructive coronary artery disease had similar long-term cardiovascular outcomes. The study suggests that guideline-based treatment, including statins and ACE inhibitors, may reduce racial disparities in cardi...
A recent study found that black children with asthma are more likely to receive severe treatment, including breathing treatments, but less likely to be transported to the hospital compared to their white peers. The study highlights the need for improved care and health equity in managing pediatric chronic asthma.
A new ecological theory may help explain the persistence of segregation in US cities. The theory, called the 'adaptive resilience cycle,' emphasizes how systems adjust to shocks and retain their structure. Researchers analyzed Baltimore's history and found that this cycle has reinforced segregation throughout the city's history.
A study of Medicare beneficiaries with chronic low back pain and opioid use disorder found that physical therapy and chiropractic care were underutilized, particularly among minority groups. The findings underscore the importance of addressing inequities in pain management to improve health outcomes.
A new study reveals widespread racial inequities in government-subsidized housing, with Latino and Black renters paying more for lower-quality units. White subsidized renters receive better units and lower costs, often due to age-based factors.
Research found that counties with larger Black populations during the Great Migration (1930) showed stronger implicit bias against Black people among White respondents. The study supports the Bias of Crowds theory and highlights the need for structural solutions to combat racial inequity.
A recent study found that increased skin cancer screening is not enough to address racial disparities in melanoma survival rates. Researchers suggest that educating physicians about presentation of melanoma in skin of color and making sure people have access to a dermatologist when they have a suspicious lesion could be more effective.
A new study by Laura M. DeMarco found that Ohio landlords routinely disqualify individuals with a criminal record from renting homes, particularly in gentrifying neighborhoods and communities with dwindling Black populations. This practice reinforces racial inequalities and perpetuates neighborhood turnover.
A nationwide study found that residing in a highly segregated neighborhood was associated with a statistically significant four-year decrease in life expectancy. Socioeconomic factors partially mediated this effect, highlighting the role of residential segregation in perpetuating racial inequities.
A new study found that black residents living in highly segregated neighborhoods have significantly shortened life expectancies compared to those in less segregated areas. The study analyzed 63,694 census tracts and found that life expectancy was four years shorter on average in highly segregated areas.