A recent study has uncovered significant health disparities in mortality rates from gastrointestinal diseases across different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The research, conducted by Mayo Clinic and North Dakota State University, reveals that Native Americans, specifically those designated as “American Indian and Alaska Native,” experience the highest mortality rates from digestive system diseases.
Dr. Wafa Aldhaleei, Mayo Clinic Advanced Motility Fellow and first author of the study, emphasized the critical nature of these findings. “Our findings revealed that Native people experienced the highest mortality rates from diseases affecting the digestive system, particularly among females, which highlights a critical health disparity,” she stated.
The study, which analyzed data from 3,110 U.S. counties, identified ten counties with the highest prevalence of digestive disease mortality. Notably, within these counties, American Indian and Alaska Native populations were the most affected.
Researchers point to various factors contributing to these disparities, including barriers to accessing gastrointestinal specialty care and preventive vaccine programs. Dr. Aldhaleei also highlighted the role of systemic racism in health policy design, affecting certain areas and populations.
While the overall national digestive diseases mortality rate has declined, the study shows an increased risk for Native people and white women. The researchers advocate for targeted interventions and collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to address these disparities and promote equitable digestive health outcomes.
See “Magnifying U.S. gastrointestinal disease mortality reveals health disparities” (October 13, 2024)
