A new study reveals that U.S.-born Mexican Americans face an increasingly higher risk of liver cancer with each subsequent generation, highlighting a growing health disparity among Latino populations. Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California found that second-generation Mexican Americans are 37% more likely to develop liver cancer compared to first-generation immigrants, while third-generation Mexican Americans face a 66% higher risk. The study, published in the journal Cancer, analyzed data from over 31,000 Mexican Americans across three generations. Lead author Veronica Wendy Setiawan, PhD, emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “With each successive generation,…
Author: Disparity Matters
A groundbreaking study led by Erica Spatz, MD, MHS, from Yale School of Medicine and Yale School of Public Health, reveals that digital health interventions significantly reduce blood pressure among populations facing health disparities. Published in JAMA Network Open on February 14, the research underscores the potential of technology in addressing the hypertension crisis, which affects nearly half of all U.S. adults and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Despite the prevalence, only about 24% of those with hypertension have their condition under control, with notable racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in treatment and awareness.The study, titled “Digital…
Black Americans face significant inequities in the early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease, a recent study has found. The research, conducted by a team of experts, highlights a troubling disparity that suggests a systemic bias in healthcare access and quality affecting racial minorities.The study, which delves into the reasons behind these disparities, points to a combination of factors including socioeconomic status, geographical location, and healthcare provider biases. These factors contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease among Black patients, which can lead to more severe health outcomes compared to other racial groups.Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium…
A new study found that Black and Hispanic kids are more likely to have safety problems while staying in the hospital compared to white kids. Dr. Kavita Parikh and her team from George Washington University and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. did the research. They looked at information from a big database of kids’ hospital stays in 2019.The study showed that Black children had a 55% higher chance of getting a serious infection called sepsis after surgery. Hispanic children had a 34% higher chance of having breathing issues after surgery. These differences exist even though there is growing evidence…
In efforts to combat health disparities, experts emphasize the need for a data modernization approach that includes comprehensive collection and analysis of health-related information across diverse populations. A recent analysis highlights the persistent underrepresentation of racial and ethnic data in U.S. clinical trials, with only 43% of participants’ race recorded over two decades. This lack of detailed data hampers the ability to address health inequities effectively.The call for improved data systems is not just about technology but also about investing in people. Training and incentivizing healthcare professionals to accurately collect information on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and social…
A significant racial disparity exists in Michigan’s organ donation, with Black residents disproportionately affected, a recent analysis reveals. Black Michiganders represent 30.2% of the state’s organ transplant waiting list but only 14.1% of the population. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for more donors from diverse backgrounds to save lives. Gift of Life Michigan’s Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program is tackling this issue head-on. Community Relations Coordinator Taneisha Carswell engages with students through interactive presentations, aiming to dispel myths and encourage organ and tissue donation among minority groups. During a session at Detroit’s Renaissance High School, Carswell demonstrated…
A nationwide quality initiative has improved stroke treatment rates and timeliness across all racial groups in the U.S., but disparities for minority patients remain, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers analyzed data on over 1 million stroke patients from 2003 to 2021, examining the impact of the Target: Stroke initiative launched in 2010. They found thrombolysis treatment rates increased substantially for all racial and ethnic groups, from 10-15% in 2003 to 43-46% in 2021. However, after adjusting for patient and hospital factors, Asian, Black and Hispanic patients still had significantly lower odds of receiving clot-busting medication…
A team of researchers at Rutgers University has secured over $7 million in funding to investigate public perceptions surrounding a potential ban on menthol cigarettes. The initiative, led by an unnamed team, aims to challenge widespread misinformation and provide accurate information about the health impacts of menthol cigarettes. Over the next five years, the researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of their public health campaign, which includes developing counter-messages to debunk myths and collaborating with community members to raise awareness about the dangers of menthol and flavored cigars.This study comes at a critical time when the debate over menthol cigarette bans…
A nationwide program called Target: Stroke, started by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association in 2010, has helped improve treatment for stroke patients across all races and ethnicities. However, a new study shows that there are still differences in the care received by different racial and ethnic groups. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic, led by Dr. Shumei Man, looked at data from over 1 million stroke patients treated at hospitals participating in the Target: Stroke program between 2003 and 2021. They found that the use of clot-busting treatment, which helps break down blood clots causing the stroke, increased…
“Black Americans are far more likely than people of other racial and ethnic groups to report having medical debt. This analysis shows that 13% of Black Americans report having medical debt, compared to 8% of White and 3% of Asian Americans.”