A recent study from Boston University School of Public Health reveals that children with asthma living in low-income, predominantly Black neighborhoods are more likely to experience severe respiratory issues due to exposure to indoor allergens like cockroaches and rodents. The research utilized electronic health records and geospatial data to predict allergen exposure based on home address, finding that children in homes with a higher likelihood of pest infestations had worse lung function.Dr. Patricia Fabian, a senior author of the study, emphasized that this predictive model allows healthcare providers to identify potential environmental risks without needing to conduct in-home assessments. She…
Author: Disparity Matters
A recent study analyzing DNA from over 5,000 military veterans with metastatic prostate cancer found that nine of the ten most commonly altered tumor genes were shared between Black and White men. Yet, one gene—TP53—was more frequently mutated in Black men and linked to worse survival outcomes. While the study suggested genomic testing could help guide treatment, some experts argue it misses the deeper issue.Dr. Mack Roach III of UCSF criticized the focus on TP53, stating, “They don’t show that genetic alteration is related to race.” He emphasized that the presence of TP53 mutations was associated with poor outcomes across…
New research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals that Black and Latinx birthing people face significantly higher rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) following planned repeat cesarean deliveries compared to their white counterparts. These complications—ranging from heart attacks to kidney failure—can have lasting health consequences and are considered “near misses” for maternal mortality.Lead author Laura Attanasio noted that while SMM rates were similar across racial and ethnic groups for vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC), disparities emerged with planned repeat C-sections. “Among White birthing people, severe maternal morbidity rates were similar for VBAC and for planned repeat cesarean,” she said.…
Older adults living in low-income neighborhoods with limited access to healthy food are experiencing faster cognitive decline, according to a new study led by University of Iowa researcher Boeun Kim. The research highlights how structural inequities in food access are contributing to health disparities, particularly among Black and Latinx seniors.The study analyzed data from nearly 4,800 adults aged 65 and older across urban neighborhoods in the U.S. It found that those living in areas with both low income and poor access to healthy food—defined as “unhealthy food environments”—showed significantly faster declines in brain function. These findings held even after adjusting…
Limited access to pharmacies is emerging as a critical factor in health disparities across underserved U.S. communities. A recent analysis by PolicyMap, shared by CEO Maggie Mccullough, reveals how geographic and socioeconomic barriers intersect to restrict access to essential medications and services. The data highlights that residents in certain areas—often low-income or lacking reliable transportation—face significant challenges in reaching a pharmacy. These pharmacy deserts are not just about distance; they reflect deeper systemic inequalities that shape health outcomes. Mccullough emphasized the importance of understanding these patterns to close gaps in care and improve community health. The analysis identifies specific regions…
As federal efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs accelerate, a new commentary warns that such actions will not benefit Asian Americans in health care—and may, in fact, harm them. Despite claims that DEI discriminates against Asian Americans, the authors argue there is no evidence to support this.Asian Americans are overrepresented in many health professions, including medicine and pharmacy, and have higher representation among medical students than their share of the applicant pool. Yet, they still face persistent barriers. Asian American health care workers report harassment and discrimination, and Filipinx nurses were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 mortality due…
A new national study reveals that Pacific Islander adults in the U.S. face significantly higher mortality rates than Asian American adults—especially in counties with higher income, education, and population density. The findings challenge assumptions that living in wealthier areas guarantees better health outcomes for all.Researchers analyzed death certificate data from 2018 to 2020 and found that Pacific Islander adults had consistently higher rates of death from all causes, cancer, and heart disease compared to Asian Americans. The disparities were most pronounced among adults under 65, particularly in counties with the lowest unemployment and highest education and income levels.In counties with…
Despite psoriasis being more prevalent in white populations, patients with skin of color (SOC) often face a heavier burden of disease. A recent multinational literature review published in the International Journal of Dermatology reveals that SOC patients typically present with more severe psoriasis, likely due to delayed access to dermatologic care.Dr. Maria-Angeliki Gkini, the study’s lead author, emphasized that most psoriasis research and education has historically centered on white populations. This imbalance contributes to underrecognition of the disease in SOC patients, whose lesions often appear differently and are less easily identified. “Lesions in individuals with SOC are less recognizable and…
Healthcare costs for families in the U.S. have nearly tripled since 2005, and Black families are shouldering an outsized portion of that burden. With premiums and out-of-pocket expenses rising, the strain on household budgets is deepening health disparities across racial and ethnic lines.Black and Hispanic families with employer-sponsored insurance pay a larger share of their wages toward healthcare premiums than white families. For many, that means less money available for essentials like rent and food, while also contributing to long-standing wage and earnings gaps. Limited access to employer-sponsored plans and lower household incomes further restrict options for affordable coverage.The problem…
Once considered the healthiest older adult group in the United States, Asian Americans have lost that distinction, according to a new study. Non-Hispanic White Americans now report the lowest disability rates among seniors, reversing a long-standing trend.Researchers used disability rates—defined as long-term physical or mental conditions that limit independent living—as a measure of health. While all other racial groups saw a decline in disability rates over the past two decades, Asian Americans saw no improvement.Lead author Leafa Ye challenged the “model minority” myth, stating that it “misrepresents the actual experience of U.S.-born Asians.” The study suggests that earlier assumptions about…