Financial instability is associated with faster cognitive decline in older Black Americans compared to their white counterparts, a new study has found. The research, led by Adina Zeki Al Hazzouriof Columbia University, highlights the disparities in cognitive health among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The study analyzed data from 1,324 Black and 4,692 white participants aged 65 and older. Participants were assessed for cognitive function and financial stability over a 12-year period. Financial instability was defined as having an income below the federal poverty level, difficulty paying bills, or experiencing food insecurity. Results showed that Black…
Author: Disparity Matters
Growing evidence suggests experiencing racial discrimination may increase the risk of developing heart disease, according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. The statement, published Thursday in the journal Circulation, notes that Black adults in the U.S. are 30% more likely than white adults to die from heart disease. This disparity has been linked to socioeconomic factors like lower income and education levels, which are themselves influenced by structural racism. However, the AHA’s review of recent research indicates that racism itself, independent of socioeconomic status, is emerging as a key factor. Studies have found associations between self-reported experiences…
Providing cultural competency training to primary care teams can improve the quality of care for patients from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, according to a new study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School. The study involved nearly 1,500 primary care physicians, nurses and medical assistants at 25 practices in eastern Massachusetts. Half the practices received training to help them better understand and address cultural differences that may impact patient care. “There are significant disparities in health outcomes among racial and ethnic groups in the United States,” said lead author Dr. Elyse Park, a clinical psychologist…
The recent water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, has shed light on the stark racial inequalities in America’s infrastructure. In a city where 80% of the population is Black, residents faced weeks without access to clean water, exposing a long-standing issue of neglect and underinvestment in predominantly African American communities. EPA Administrator Michael Regan’s 2021 visit to Jackson revealed the dire state of the city’s water system. At Wilkins Elementary, Regan witnessed firsthand how low water pressure left toilets unflushed and forced schools to switch to remote learning. This visit underscored the urgent need for substantial investment in Jackson’s deteriorating water infrastructure. Despite…
Black Americans are significantly underrepresented in residential care communities across the United States, a new analysis by The Associated Press and CNHI News, an American publisher of newspapers has found. The study, based on data from the 2020 National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study, reveals that while Black Americans account for approximately 9% of people over 65 in the U.S., they make up only 4.9% of the population in assisted living facilities. In contrast, white Americans, who comprise 75% of the over-65 population, are overrepresented in residential care communities at 88%. The analysis also found that Black Americans are overrepresented…
A Stanford psychiatrist is highlighting the unique mental health challenges faced by Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth in the United States. In an interview with Psychiatric Times, Dr. Apurva Bhatt discussed the cultural stigma and barriers to care that contribute to higher rates of suicide and underutilization of mental health services in this population. “To effectively address suicidality among AAPI youth, it is crucial for clinicians to embrace culturally competent approaches,” said Bhatt, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and clinical assistant professor at Stanford University School of Medicine. Studies show that Asians…
Significant racial and ethnic disparities occur in drowning death rates in the United States, according to a new CDC report. The study found that from 2019 to 2022, drowning death rates increased for nearly all racial and ethnic groups, with the highest rates among American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) and Black persons. According to lead author Tessa Clemens, PhD, of the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention, drowning death rates for AI/AN persons were 2.5 times higher than those for White persons in 2022. Black persons had 1.6 times the rate of White persons. The study also noted that drowning…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on the tobacco industry’s predatory marketing tactics aimed at hooking the next generation of customers. In a recent report, the WHO reveals that an estimated 37 million youth aged 13-15 years worldwide are currently tobacco users. The report highlights the tobacco industry’s calculated strategy to target young people, fostering a new wave of addiction to secure long-term profits. Shockingly, in many countries, the use of e-cigarettes among children surpasses that of adults. While the report does not specifically address racial or ethnic disparities, it is crucial to acknowledge that marginalized communities…
Alcohol-related deaths in the United States have risen dramatically over the past decade, with a particularly sharp increase during the COVID-19 pandemic years, according to a new analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). According to the KFF report, which analyzed data from the CDC’s WONDER database, the national alcohol death rate has surged by 70% between 2012 and 2022. In 2022 alone, alcohol claimed 51,191 lives, compared to 27,762 deaths in 2012. The pandemic period from 2019 to 2022 saw a staggering 30% rise in alcohol-related deaths. The report also highlights significant disparities across states and regions. New Mexico…
Black Americans are significantly underrepresented in residential care communities compared to their overall population, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from the National Center for Health Statistics. The study, conducted by AP journalist Nicky Forster, revealed that while Black Americans make up around 13% of the U.S. population, they account for only 7% of people in residential care communities. Residential care communities, which include assisted living facilities and other group housing that provide support to older adults, are an important part of the long-term care system. However, the AP analysis suggests that Black Americans face barriers in accessing…