Maternal syphilis rates in the United States have more than tripled between 2016 and 2022, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study. The overall rate surged from 87.2 to 280.4 per 100,000 births, reflecting a broader trend of rising syphilis cases in the general population. The study revealed significant racial disparities in the increase of maternal syphilis cases. American Indian and Alaska Native mothers experienced the most dramatic rise, with rates skyrocketing from 159.7 to 1,410.5 cases per 100,000 births. White non-Hispanic mothers saw the second-largest increase, from 36.8 to 152.8 cases per 100,000 births.…
Author: Disparity Matters
Scientists have identified genetic mutations that may explain why Black men are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men of other ethnicities. The groundbreaking research, conducted by scientists at the University of Essex, could lead to a genetic test to identify those at greatest risk of developing the disease, potentially improving survival rates. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among British men, with approximately 52,300 new cases and 12,000 deaths annually in the UK. Black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed and 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease compared to white…
Hispanic patients with respiratory failure are five times more likely to receive deep sedation while on ventilators compared to non-Hispanic patients, a new study reveals. This finding sheds light on potential factors contributing to worse outcomes for Hispanic individuals in critical care settings. The research, published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, analyzed data from 505 patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) across 48 U.S. hospitals. Despite guidelines recommending light sedation, over 90% of patients experienced deep sedation within the first five days on a ventilator. Mari Armstrong-Hough, assistant professor at New York University…
In a move to address racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality, several Washington companies are now offering doula services as part of their health benefits packages. The initiative aims to support new parents, particularly among Black, Alaska Native, and American Indian communities, who experience higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths and are more likely to have babies with low birth weight. Doulas, who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and shortly after childbirth, have become a critical element in the Pacific Northwest’s approach to maternal care. They are seen as a key resource in giving…
A comprehensive study reveals that gentrification in six major U.S. cities has led to mixed health outcomes across different racial and ethnic groups, highlighting significant disparities. Conducted over the period from 2006 to 2021, the research focused on Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle—cities known for varying gentrification patterns and levels of segregation.The findings indicate that while gentrification has improved access to healthcare for all racial and ethnic groups, making it less likely for residents to live in Medically Underserved Areas, it has also increased social deprivation and decreased life expectancy among Black, Hispanic, and people…
Scientists have uncovered genetic factors that may explain why Black men face a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to their white counterparts. This groundbreaking research, funded by Prostate Cancer Research and led by Dr. Greg Brooke of the University of Essex, aims to address the long-standing disparity in prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates between Black and white men. The study’s findings could pave the way for more tailored screening and treatment strategies for Black individuals, potentially narrowing the survival gap. Prostate cancer has long been known to disproportionately affect Black men, who are more likely to develop and…
A new study reveals that U.S.-born Mexican Americans face an increasingly higher risk of liver cancer with each subsequent generation, highlighting a growing health disparity among Latino populations. Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California found that second-generation Mexican Americans are 37% more likely to develop liver cancer compared to first-generation immigrants, while third-generation Mexican Americans face a 66% higher risk. The study, published in the journal Cancer, analyzed data from over 31,000 Mexican Americans across three generations. Lead author Veronica Wendy Setiawan, PhD, emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “With each successive generation,…
A groundbreaking study led by Erica Spatz, MD, MHS, from Yale School of Medicine and Yale School of Public Health, reveals that digital health interventions significantly reduce blood pressure among populations facing health disparities. Published in JAMA Network Open on February 14, the research underscores the potential of technology in addressing the hypertension crisis, which affects nearly half of all U.S. adults and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Despite the prevalence, only about 24% of those with hypertension have their condition under control, with notable racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in treatment and awareness.The study, titled “Digital…
Black Americans face significant inequities in the early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease, a recent study has found. The research, conducted by a team of experts, highlights a troubling disparity that suggests a systemic bias in healthcare access and quality affecting racial minorities.The study, which delves into the reasons behind these disparities, points to a combination of factors including socioeconomic status, geographical location, and healthcare provider biases. These factors contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease among Black patients, which can lead to more severe health outcomes compared to other racial groups.Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium…
A new study found that Black and Hispanic kids are more likely to have safety problems while staying in the hospital compared to white kids. Dr. Kavita Parikh and her team from George Washington University and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. did the research. They looked at information from a big database of kids’ hospital stays in 2019.The study showed that Black children had a 55% higher chance of getting a serious infection called sepsis after surgery. Hispanic children had a 34% higher chance of having breathing issues after surgery. These differences exist even though there is growing evidence…