At age 55, Black Americans face a startling health disadvantage: their biological age resembles that of white peers more than a decade older. Black men show frailty equivalent to white men aged 68, while Black women match white women at 75. Hispanic adults fare better but still lag, with men and women appearing five to six years older than whites of the same age.Researchers constructed a frailty index using 35 health deficits, including chronic conditions and physical limitations, to measure biological aging. They found most deficits more prevalent among Black and Hispanic individuals, compounded by underdiagnosis. When accounting for missed…
Author: Disparity Matters
Enhancing the representation of Black and Latino communities in biomedical research and healthcare professions
Enhancing the representation of Black and Latino communities in biomedical research and healthcare professions
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 New England Journal of Medicine has uncovered a significant genetic risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) among West African populations. The research, presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week meeting, sheds light on the persistent health disparities affecting people of African ancestry.The study, conducted by the H3Africa Kidney Disease Research Network, examined over 8,000 individuals from Ghana and Nigeria. Researchers found that more than 40% of participants carried APOL1 gene variants linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease. This prevalence is notably higher than the 13% reported in African Americans…
Recent research has unveiled significant disparities in the recognition and treatment of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB) among young people, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic communities. A study involving over 2,700 youths revealed that those presenting with mental health crises often lacked appropriate diagnostic codes and chief concerns during emergency department visits, which can lead to critical gaps in care. The findings indicated that children and adolescents—especially preadolescents and male youths—are at a higher risk of being overlooked. For instance, the study showed that sensitivity in detecting SITB increased with age but remained alarmingly low for younger children, highlighting a…
When 54-year-old lawyer and mother of two Vicky Ni sought medical help for shoulder pain in 2019, she never imagined it would reveal stage 4 lung cancer. “He was taking X-rays of my neck, and it was only by chance that the bottom corner of the X-ray showed a raised diaphragm,” Ni recalled. “I was stunned beyond words.”Her case reflects a troubling trend. Lung cancer among Asian American women who have never smoked has been climbing for more than a decade. A California study found that 57% of Asian women diagnosed with lung cancer are nonsmokers—nearly four times the rate…
A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health reveals that doula support substantially enhances maternal health outcomes for Medicaid enrollees. The research, conducted by Elevance Health, Inc., analyzed over one million pregnancies across nine U.S. states from 2014 to 2023. The findings show that women receiving doula care were 47% less likely to undergo cesarean deliveries. This reduction was even more pronounced in counties with high infant mortality rates, where C-section rates dropped by 57% for doula-supported pregnancies. Doulas, non-medical professionals who provide continuous support before, during, and after childbirth, were also associated with a 29% lower…
Louisiana, ranking 47th out of 48 states in maternal mortality rates, is taking innovative steps to address this critical issue by focusing on mental health. The state’s approach recognizes that mental health conditions, including deaths due to suicide and overdose, are the leading contributors to maternal mortality nationwide.In 2020, accidental overdose emerged as Louisiana’s primary cause of pregnancy-associated deaths. This alarming statistic is compounded by the fact that nearly 79% of Louisiana residents live in areas lacking adequate mental health services, significantly higher than the national average of 50%.To combat this crisis, Louisiana is implementing creative solutions. The Louisiana Mental…
Convening healthcare providers across Maryland to tackle health inequities, workforce diversity, culturally responsive care