A recent Gallup poll has revealed that Black Americans are disproportionately affected by and concerned about environmental pollution compared to other racial groups in the United States. The survey of over 12,000 U.S. adults found that Black respondents were significantly more likely to express concerns about various types of environmental contamination in their communities. Black adults showed higher levels of concern across all categories, with 39% reporting being “very” or “fairly concerned” about exposure to toxic building materials, nearly double the national average. Concerns were even higher for water, soil, and air pollution, with 53% of Black adults expressing increased worry…
Author: Disparity Matters
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget’s recent decision to add a “Middle Eastern or North African” (MENA) category to the U.S. Census could uncover previously hidden health disparities among this population. Historically grouped under the “white” category, MENA individuals have lacked representation in official statistics, masking potential inequalities in health outcomes and social determinants of health. Public comments collected by the OMB highlighted maternal mortality and mental health as primary concerns for the MENA community. Epidemiologist Tiffany Kindratt of the University of Texas at Arlington notes that while health disparities are well-documented for other minority groups, little is known about…
A new study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology reveals significant changes in esophageal cancer mortality rates among Black and white adults in the United States from 1999 to 2020. The research, led by Dr. Chun-Wei Pan from the John H. Stroger, Jr., Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, analyzed data from CDC-WONDER to examine trends in racial disparities. The study found that while esophageal cancer mortality rates decreased for Black adults, they remained relatively stable for white adults, resulting in a narrowing of the racial mortality gap. Specifically, the age-adjusted mortality rate for Black adults fell from 6.52…
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that an at-home colorectal cancer screening test can be as effective as a colonoscopy in reducing the risk of death from this disease. Researchers from Ohio State University and Kaiser Permanente found that the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), when done annually, can lower the risk of colorectal cancer death by 33%. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 11,000 patients, is the first to evaluate FIT’s effectiveness across specific racial groups. Dr. Chyke Doubeni, chief equity officer at the Wexner Medical Center, emphasized the importance of accessible screening methods, noting that only…
A Cleveland Clinic-led study has identified geographic “hot spots” across the United States where Hispanic/Latino populations face lower colorectal cancer screening rates. Published in the American Journal of Public Health, this research provides a crucial step towards addressing healthcare disparities affecting these communities. The Hispanic/Latino population currently has the lowest colorectal cancer screening rate among U.S. racial and ethnic groups, often resulting in later diagnoses and poorer treatment outcomes. To tackle this issue, researchers analyzed cancer screening and census databases, creating an interactive web map that illustrates areas where targeted interventions could have the most significant impact. “This approach advances our ability…
Alabama’s infant mortality rate decreased to 6.58 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022, continuing a downward trend even as the national rate increased. However, significant racial disparities persist, with Black infant mortality in the state nearly three times higher than white infant mortality. Dr. Wes Stubblefield, district medical officer at the Alabama Department of Public Health, noted, “We have had some improvement, although disparities persist.” The state’s Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Program is among initiatives addressing these disparities.Despite overall progress, the Black infant mortality rate in Alabama increased to 12.4 per 1,000 live births in 2022, up from 11…
Improving maternal health outcomes for women, especially of color, with gestational diabetes in New York City
Improving maternal health outcomes for women, especially of color, with gestational diabetes in New York City
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that Black women with obesity and high leptin levels face an increased risk of early-onset breast cancer, particularly luminal A and triple-negative subtypes, compared to White women. This research highlights the urgent need to address racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes. The study, conducted at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, examined clinical records of 1,085 patients between 2017 and 2022. Results showed that Black women with obesity had a higher frequency of breast cancer diagnosis compared to White patients. Black women also experienced a higher incidence of early-onset disease,…
Native American public health officials are struggling to address health disparities due to limited access to crucial data from state and federal agencies. Despite legal requirements to share information, tribal epidemiology centers often face obstacles in obtaining timely and comprehensive health data, impeding their ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies. The 2010 Indian Health Care Improvement Act mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services grant tribal epidemiology centers access to protected health information. However, a 2022 Government Accountability Office report revealed that federal agencies frequently fail to recognize these centers as public health authorities, leading to data…