Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in clinical trials for new treatments, diagnostics, and preventions. Despite projections indicating that nearly 40% of the over eight million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias will be Latino or Black by 2023, a stark contrast is seen in the racial composition of clinical study participants. Data from the Food & Drug Administration as of 2020 reveals that 75% of trial participants were white, with only 11% Hispanic, 8% Black, and 6% Asian. This discrepancy raises concerns about…
Author: Disparity Matters
Extreme weather events, driven by climate change, are displacing millions and exacerbating health disparities, particularly at the US-Mexico border. A study published in JAMA by Méndez, Pastor, and Lesaca highlights the plight of low-income, rural, and Indigenous populations who are often forced to migrate due to the adverse effects of climate change on their homes and livelihoods. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has reported that, on average, 21.5 million people have been displaced annually by weather-related events between 1999 and 2019. This figure is more than double the number of individuals displaced by conflict and violence. Those who…
Recent research has shed light on the disproportionate risk of dementia faced by Black Americans, who are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia compared to their white counterparts. Experts have identified several key factors contributing to this disparity. Systemic racism plays a significant role, with historical practices like residential segregation and redlining exposing Black communities to higher levels of air pollution and fewer educational opportunities. These factors increase the risk of developing dementia. Individual experiences of racism and discrimination can also lead to faster brain aging, as coping with such stressors requires significant mental energy. Socioeconomic factors,…
A recent report from Morgan Health reveals significant disparities in access and outcomes within employer-sponsored health insurance, despite substantial investments by employers. The study, based on 2021 national survey data, highlights stark differences across income levels, sexual orientation, and racial and ethnic groups. Lower-income individuals with employer coverage were found to have less access to regular care, higher emergency department usage, and a greater healthcare cost burden. They were also less likely to receive preventive care. The report uncovered notable mental health disparities, with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experiencing higher rates of psychological distress compared to their straight…
As the U.S. healthcare workforce grows more diverse, minority physicians continue to face prejudice from the very patients they serve. A review in JPOSNA highlights the prevalence and consequences of discriminatory patient behavior toward providers of color and offers strategies to address it.Surveys show the problem is widespread. Nearly all medical residents reported witnessing biased behavior, with Latino, Black, and Asian physicians more likely than White colleagues to face derogatory remarks, questioning of credentials, or outright refusal of care. Almost half of Black and Latino residents reported patients requesting a different doctor, compared with just over a quarter of White…
Hispanic and Latino cancer survivors are at higher risk for cardiometabolic comorbidities, which may lead to worse health-related quality of life and unmet supportive care needs, according to a new study. The research, conducted by Patricia Moreno and colleagues at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, examined 288 Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors with an average age of 56. The study found that these survivors were more likely to have conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity compared to the general population. “Hispanic and Latino individuals in the United States are more likely to have cardiometabolic conditions,” Moreno explained. “It adds a layer…
Two new studies reveal significant health disparities stemming from police violence against Black Americans. Research led by Dr. Atheendar Venkataramani at the University of Pennsylvania indicates that police-involved killings of unarmed Black individuals are associated with sleep disturbances in the Black community. The studies, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, show that Black respondents reported a marked increase in sleep problems following such incidents, with a notable 11.4% rise in very short sleep durations after high-profile cases.The research analyzed over 2 million responses from government surveys between 2013 and 2019, focusing on sleep patterns after the deaths of unarmed Black people…
Boston Children’s Hospital has decided to stop using race and ethnicity in its medical rules. They want to make sure that all patients are treated fairly, no matter what their race or ethnicity is. The hospital looked at over 1,500 rules and found that race and ethnicity were mentioned in about 5% of them. But there wasn’t always a good reason for using race or ethnicity in these rules. Dr. Valerie Ward, who makes sure everyone is treated equally at the hospital, led the review. She found that race was often used instead of looking at things like…
In Minnesota, children of color with autism and mental health issues are increasingly experiencing ‘boarding’ in emergency rooms, a situation where they are held in hospitals due to the lack of appropriate care facilities. This issue highlights significant disparities in the healthcare system, affecting vulnerable populations disproportionately. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a policy statement recommending a comprehensive 40-step action plan to address this crisis.The plan calls for collaboration among hospitals, emergency responders, schools, and crisis-response teams to develop alternative care solutions for these children. Additionally, the Minnesota coalition of hospitals is advocating for reforms in the negotiation…
In a significant move to tackle racial health disparities, new guidelines recommend that Black men begin prostate cancer screenings at age 40. The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s guidelines, unveiled at the 2024 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, address the stark reality that Black men are up to 110% more likely to develop prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from the disease compared to white men.Isla Garraway, MD, PhD, of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, presented the guidelines, emphasizing the importance of early detection in reducing prostate cancer morbidity and mortality…