A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology has uncovered significant racial disparities in mortality rates from gastrointestinal diseases across the United States. The research, conducted by Mayo Clinic and North Dakota State University, reveals that Native American populations, particularly females, experience the highest mortality rates from digestive system diseases.
The study analyzed data from 3,110 U.S. counties, identifying ten counties with the highest prevalence of digestive disease mortality. These counties, spread across states like South Dakota, Montana, and Arizona, showed a disproportionate impact on American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
Dr. Wafa Aldhaleei, the study’s first author, emphasizes that these findings highlight critical health disparities requiring urgent attention. The researchers point to various factors contributing to these inequalities, including limited access to gastrointestinal specialty care, preventive vaccine programs, and the effects of systemic racism on health policy design.
The study examined ten non-cancerous digestive disease categories, including cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and upper digestive system diseases. While the overall national digestive diseases mortality rate has declined, Native Americans and white women showed an increased risk of mortality from these conditions.
Dr. Akshaya Bhagavathula, the lead author, stresses the potential of this research to inform public health strategies and policy development. The team advocates for targeted interventions to reduce these health disparities, calling for collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations.
The researchers suggest that addressing these disparities will require a comprehensive approach, considering factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural barriers, and healthcare access. Their goal is to promote equitable digestive health outcomes for all populations, particularly focusing on the needs of Native American communities.
See “Magnifying US gastrointestinal disease mortality reveals health disparities” (October 16, 2024)
