Investing $210+ million in scientific research on health inequities and expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups in science and medicine
Author: Disparity Matters
A groundbreaking study has revealed that reparation payments to Black households could significantly reduce premature mortality rates among Black adults in the United States. Researchers from Drexel University found that substantial financial compensation could lead to a 29 percent decrease in early deaths within this population. Jourdyn Lawrence, an epidemiologist at Drexel University, spearheaded the research that explored the potential health impacts of reparations. “We wanted to think about the relationships between structural racism and health and what an intervention might look like to close the Black-White wealth gap,” Lawrence explained. The study utilized a simulation model to assess the…
A recent study reveals a growing trend among physicians to inquire about their patients’ social needs during medical appointments. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, shows that 27% of physician practices screened for five common social risk factors in 2022, up from 15% in 2017.The study focused on screening for interpersonal violence, access to transportation, food insecurity, housing instability, and utility needs. While the overall percentage of practices screening for all five factors remains low, nearly three-quarters of practices surveyed in 2022 screened for at least one social risk, an increase from 67% in 2017.Interpersonal violence emerged as the…
Racial health disparities in Cleveland have come under intense scrutiny as community leaders voice frustration over the slow pace of change. Despite the city’s declaration of racism as a public health crisis, activists argue that meaningful progress has been lacking, particularly in addressing the disproportionate health outcomes faced by Black residents.At a recent press conference held at Cleveland City Hall, representatives from various organizations, including The Center for Black Health & Equity and the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition, called for immediate action. They highlighted alarming disparities in life expectancy, with predominantly Black neighborhoods in Cleveland seeing average lifespans in…
Acute otitis media (AOM), a common childhood ear infection, is at the center of a growing debate over health disparities in pediatric care. Recent studies have shed light on troubling differences in antibiotic prescribing patterns based on race and socioeconomic factors, potentially impacting millions of children annually.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends either observation or antibiotic therapy for AOM, depending on the severity and age of the child. High-dose amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for severe cases in children over six months old. However, research indicates that these guidelines are not being applied equally across all patient populations.A retrospective cohort…
Investigates how poor sleep, influenced by factors like noise, light pollution, socioeconomic stressors, overly affects minority populations
he U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released draft guidance aimed at improving the performance of pulse oximeters across diverse skin tones. This move addresses longstanding concerns about the devices’ accuracy in measuring blood oxygen levels in individuals with darker skin pigmentation.Pulse oximeters, which estimate blood oxygen saturation by clipping onto a fingertip, have been widely used in medical settings and gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, research has consistently shown that these devices can overestimate oxygen levels in people with darker skin, potentially leading to delayed or missed treatment.The FDA’s proposed recommendations include increasing the diversity of participants…
A recent study published in Nature Aging reveals a concerning connection between socioeconomic status and brain health. Researchers found that individuals from poorer communities or nations are more likely to experience brain shrinkage with age and disrupted connectivity between brain regions crucial for memory and thinking.The study, which analyzed brain scans from over 2,100 people in the United States and Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico, uncovered a stark reality: the greater the inequality between rich and poor in a nation, the higher the likelihood of reduced brain volume and connectivity among its residents.These findings held…
Investing $210+ million in scientific research on health inequities and expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups in science and medicine
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals alarming disparities in stroke prevention medication adherence among women, particularly Mexican American women. The research, which analyzed over 1,300 stroke survivors aged 45 and older, found that approximately 11.5% of participants reported not taking their prescribed stroke prevention medications as directed.Women, in general, were more likely to miss doses of cholesterol-lowering and blood-clotting medications compared to men. However, the disparity was even more pronounced among Mexican American women, who were about three times more likely to report non-adherence to cholesterol-lowering medications than their male counterparts.Lynda Lisabeth, PhD,…