A collaborative study between a bariatric and transplant surgery team has introduced new hope for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are also struggling with obesity. The study authors explored the outcomes of metabolic and bariatric surgery in ESRD patients and whether the surgery can improve their eligibility for kidney transplants. The findings are published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS).
Tag: Health Disparities
Same ER. Same patient. Different visit. Different race and ethnicity?
The effort to find and fight health disparities relies on data from millions of patients, including their race and ethnicity. But a new study finds the same patient might have different data recorded at separate ER visits.
Review offers strategies for mitigating racial and ethnic disparities in health care algorithms
A review of 63 studies related to health care algorithms found that use of these algorithms can mitigate, exacerbate, or not impact racial and ethnic disparities at all. The authors offer several strategies for health care systems to implement to mitigate these effects. The review is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Study Finds Many Kids With Sickle Cell Anemia Lack Preventative Care
Press Release EMBARGOED until Wednesday, March 6, 12:05 AM EST LOS ANGELES (March 6, 2024)—Children with sickle cell anemia are vulnerable to serious infections and stroke, but many do not receive the preventative care that could help them stay healthier…
Study Underscores Social Factors of Low Breast Cancer Screening in the U.S.
To identify major social factors hindering breast cancer screening in U.S. women aged 40 and older, researchers focused on race/ethnicity, employment, education, food security, insurance status, housing and access to quality health care. Access to health care emerged as a statistically significant theme (61 percent) and insurance status was the most reported sub-categorical factor. Language was the third highest issue, highlighting its significance as an influential factor of screening behavior. Race/ethnicity, sex/gender and sexual orientation were additional factors reported.
Geographic disparities in access to addiction treatment medication may be linked to race, ethnicity
Buprenorphine, a life-saving medication for opioid use disorder, is far less accessible in geographic areas of the United States with racially and ethnically diverse populations than in predominantly white areas, according to a new study of pre-pandemic data led by health policy scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health published today in Journal of Addiction Medicine.
Free sleep clinic addresses disparities in treatment of sleep disorders
The service is among the first in the nation to provide free sleep care to underserved communities.
The Center to Eliminate Cancer Inequity to address unequal burden of cancer driven by health disparities
A new center at the University of Chicago Medicine will provide strategic leadership to bring together researchers, healthcare providers and community members to eliminate Chicago’s chronic cancer disparities.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Launches Bilingual Campaign Promoting Screenings in the Hispanic Community
Today, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), in collaboration with Miami-based creative agency Alma, launched a bilingual public service campaign to promote the importance of routine cancer screenings.
BIPOC individuals bear greater post-COVID health burdens, new research suggests
Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) who were infected with COVID-19 experienced greater negative aftereffects in health and work loss than did similarly infected white participants, new research finds.
Expert Analysis: Black Americans Have Highest Cancer Mortality Rates In The United States
For Black History Month, Hackensack Meridian Health offers experts on some of the reasons behind higher cancer rates in the Black community and how to reverse the trends.
University of Chicago Medicine honored with 2023 Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity
The University of Chicago Medicine has won the 2023 Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity for developing a program that eliminated a disparity in postpartum hypertension.
UK awarded $3.4 million to lead equity initiative in drug abuse research
The University of Kentucky has been selected as the nationwide coordination center for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative. Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., will lead the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Racial Equity Initiative as principal investigator.
Hispanic Heritage Month and type 2 diabetes impact on Hispanic/Latinx people
During National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), University of Chicago Medicine primary care physician Dr. Arshiya Baig is available to discuss the disproportionate impact of type 2 diabetes on Hispanic/Latinx communities in the United States. More than…
Study: Race, Ethnicity May Play a Role in Cause of Liver Cancer
Race and ethnicity may play a role in liver cancer, which disproportionately affects people of low socioeconomic status, as well as immigrants, veterans and incarcerated populations.
Study Uncovers Barriers to Mammography Screening Among Black Women
The study finds utilization of annual screening mammograms suboptimal among low-income Black women with several reported perceived and actual barriers. Most had a low breast cancer risk perception. Interestingly, participants perceived mammograms as very beneficial: 80 percent believed that ‘if breast cancer is found early, it’s likely that the cancer can be successfully treated;’ 90 percent indicated that ‘having a mammogram could help find breast cancer when it is first getting started.’
Gene Variant May Help Explain Why Black Individuals Are Prone to Severe Strokes
In a new study, University of Utah Health researchers have shown that a particular version of a gene may contribute to the higher severity of stroke seen among Black Americans. The findings could help scientists develop more effective stroke medications for people who carry the gene.
RUSH and UChicago Medicine Expand Racial Health Equity Reporting Tool Nationally
Chicago health systems RUSH and UChicago Medicine are making available a free self-assessment tool that uses a race-conscious approach to help hospitals benchmark health equity efforts for all patients. Created after the COVID 19 pandemic revealed disproportionate racial and ethnic mortality rates, the effort is supported by a Commonwealth Fund grant and was piloted at hospitals across Illinois.
Sylvester Researchers, Collaborators Seek Answers to Prostate, Breast Cancer Among People of African Ancestry
Cancer Disparities: A new African Cancer Genome Registry at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami seeks to find reasons for higher prostate and breast cancer rates in people of African ancestry. Dr. Sophia George, co-principal investigator, is available for interviews, as are two breast and prostate cancer study participants.
Bar-Ilan University study reveals disparity in quality of life among COVID-19 survivors from different ethnic groups
A new study conducted by researchers at Bar-Ilan University in Israel has shed light on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life among different ethnic groups in the country. The study, part of a larger cohort project, highlights a significant discrepancy between Arabs and Druze, and Jews, with the two former groups experiencing a more pronounced decline in quality of life one year after infection.
New Research by Sylvester Cancer Shows Unmet Support Needs Can Lead to Worse Clinical Outcomes
Cancer patients with unmet supportive care needs are more likely to experience worse clinical outcomes, including more emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations, according to new research from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
UCSF Internal Medicine Specialist to be Celebrated for Diabetes Epidemiology Research
Alka M. Kanaya, MD, UC San Francisco primary care physician and researcher, is being recognized with the 2023 Kelly West Award for Outstanding Achievement in Epidemiology from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The award recognizes significant contributions to the field of diabetes epidemiology.
ASCO23: Sylvester Cancer Experts Available for Interviews on a Wide Range of Topics
In addition to presenting Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center research findings, Sylvester experts are available at ASCO to share perspectives on a wide variety of topics and studies ranging from breast cancer to sarcoma, prostate cancer, mesothelioma, melanoma, CNS tumors and more.
Pride Month: Penn Nursing Experts Available to Discuss LGBTQ+ Issues
Topics Include: Eidos LGBTQ+ Health Initiative, Policy, HIV/AIDS, Sex Communication, Mental Health, Disparities, PrEP, Workplace Inclusion Experts Available Via Virtual/Phone/Email Interviews The Eidos LGBTQ+ Health Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing cultivates and engages emerging and experienced…
Soutenir les personnes atteintes d’épilepsie aves des outils pour réduire la stigmatisation
La stigmatisation affecte tous les aspects des soins de l’épilepsie, du diagnostic au traitement en passant par la législation et aux allocations budgétaires. Elle affecte la vie des personnes atteintes d’épilepsie lorsqu’elles n’ont pas un accès égal à l’éducation, à l’emploi et aux mêmes droits sociaux.
Endocrine Society’s new Scientific Statement identifies research gaps in pediatric, LGBTQIA care
In a new Scientific Statement released today, the Endocrine Society identifies areas for future endocrine research to reduce health disparities in pediatric and sexual and gender minoritized populations.
Asthma, COPD, Health Disparities Research, and Virtual Press Event: ATS 2023
We’re mere days away from the largest gathering of respiratory health professionals! You can still register to cover ATS 2023 in Washington, DC. Before you join us, here are some of the research abstracts that will be presented to this year’s gathering of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine health professionals.
Empowering people with epilepsy to lead the way in reducing stigma
Stigma affects all aspects of epilepsy care. It affects the lives of people with epilepsy when they are not given equal access to education, employment, and social opportunities. In a US study, one-third of respondents identified stigma—not seizures—as the most difficult part of living with epilepsy.
ATS Publishes Official Statement on Race, Ethnicity and Pulmonary Function Test Interpretation
The American Thoracic Society has issued an official statement for clinicians that explains why race and ethnicity should no longer be considered factors in interpreting the results of spirometry, the most commonly used type of pulmonary function test (PFT). The statement was endorsed by the European Respiratory Society. The full statement is available online in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
March Tip Sheet From Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
A new study reported in JAMA Network Open unveils disparities in Mesothelioma survival, a grant to help construction workers nail quitting smoking, a new AI algorithm that offers insights into deadly cancer, a newly launched Neuroendocrine Tumors Program, a cancer researcher chosen to co-lead Tumor Biology Program and more are in this month’s tip sheet from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
‘Other’ race/ethnicity linked to higher suicide and overdose risk in military members with mild TBI
Previous studies have reported high rates of death by suicide and drug overdose – including opioid overdose – in military service members with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A new study finds that those risks are highest among military members with mTBI who identify their racial/ethnic status as “Other,” as opposed to standard racial/ethnic categories, reports the March/April issue of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (JHTR). The official journal of the Brain Injury Association of America, JHTR is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.
Poor sleep exacerbates the development of multiple chronic diseases among Chinese and Korean Americans
Brittany Morey, PhD, assistant professor of health, society, and behavior at UCI’s Program in Public Health is dedicating her career to closing the gap of missing knowledge and data around health disparities impacting Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. …
Training Individuals to Work in their Communities to Reduce Health Disparities
A community health workers training program, led by the UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science in collaboration with community partners, aims to increase access to health care services in underserved neighborhoods.
‘Urology on the Beach’ Conference Highlights Advances in Research and Patient Care
From urologic cancers to female urology to male infertility to kidney stones and sexual health, top urologists from throughout the nation shared their insights and practical tips at “Urology on the Beach,” a conference hosted January 13-15 by the Desai Sethi Urology Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Language of Care: University of Utah Health Researchers Co-Design Health Care With the Deaf Community
Navigating health care is hard enough when English is your first language—imagine the difficulty when American Sign is your first language. How can we bridge the linguistic and cultural gaps needed to better care for patients? University of Utah Health is proud to present Language of Care, an incredible short film of how a community of Deaf patients are breaking barriers by co-designing their own care with U of U Health researchers.
Learn CPR and Lower Your Stress: Mount Sinai Cardiologists Emphasize Their Importance During American Heart Month
Doctors warn about lack of knowledge of administering CPR, especially in high-risk groups, and the rise of stress-related heart issues
Study: Social Needs Intervention Research Lacking in Race and Ethnicity Analyses
A new paper published in the Jan. 19, 2023, online edition of JAMA Network Open looks at how social needs intervention research recognizes race and ethnicity, which according to the study authors, are social, not biological concepts.
New Shiley EyeMobile for Children Hits the Road to Serve Underserved Communities
The new UC San Diego Shiley EyeMobile for Children is driving to schools in San Diego County to serve low-income families in need of eye exams. The EyeMobile, a program of UC San Diego Health, will visit approximately 250 preschools to provide vision care to low-income students.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System Receive $5.2 Million NIH Grant to Study Heart Failure in Hispanic Populations
Cardiology researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System have received a five-year, $5.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to explore the underlying causes of heart failure among Hispanics/Latinos, who are at heightened risk for heart disease. Investigators will take a novel approach to assess risk: by simultaneously evaluating heart function and the relationship between the heart and the aorta, the large artery that conveys oxygen-rich blood from the heart’s left ventricle to the rest of the body.
UC San Diego Health Recognized for Health Equity in Care of Sickle Cell Crisis
UC San Diego Health has been awarded the prestigious 2022 California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems Quality Leaders Award in the category of health equity.
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center appoints new associate director for Office of Community Outreach and Engagement
Laura Fejerman named new associate director for cancer center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement as Moon Chen heads new cancer screening program.
Addressing Health Inequities Could Help Avert a Neurologic Health Crisis
The closing plenary session at ANA2022 spotlighted neurologic health inequities and presented new research finding that neighborhood disadvantage strongly predicted likelihood of death from neurologic conditions independent of individual wealth and demographics.
Racial Disparities in Health and Health Care – @UofUHealth Expert Available
COVID-19 has shined a spotlight on a pervasive issue that has existed for far too long: inequities in health and health care delivery. Increasingly, it is becoming apparent that health disparities in numerous health fields, from mental health to maternal…
Researchers Assess Barriers to Advanced Epilepsy Care in New Jersey
Structural racism and insurance are limiting factors in epilepsy treatment for minority groups, according to a Rutgers study
Study Finds Persistent Disparities in Access to Prenatal Care Among Pregnant People Based on Citizenship Status and Education Level
Findings suggest exclusions to Medicaid because of immigration status may increase risk for maternal health care disparities in some immigrant populations
Collaborative Food Is Medicine Initiative Launches in Mississippi Delta
A new grant from the National Institutes of Health to the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University will fund the collaborative development of community-based programs to increase local production and consumption of fruits and vegetables in the Mississippi Delta.
Today: ANA2022 Media Roundtable to Spotlight Latest in Neuro Research
As the American Neurological Association’s 147th Annual Meeting wraps up today, October 25, the ANA is holding a Media Roundtable at 11 a.m. U.S. Central for reporters to access the latest developments in neurology and neuroscience.
Substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low-resource backgrounds report long-term COVID-19 complications
A substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low-resource backgrounds with severe COVID-19 illness are reporting long-term complications from the virus, according to research from UTHealth Houston.
An Environmental Wake-Up Call for Neurology
The Presidential Symposium at the American Neurological Association’s 2022 Annual Meeting (ANA2022) in Chicago will shine a spotlight on the role of environmental exposures — air pollution, pesticides, microplastics, and more — in diseases like dementias and developmental disorders.
American Neurological Association Publishes Research Abstracts for ANA2022, Oct. 22–25 in Chicago
Abstracts of breaking research in neurology and neuroscience, to be presented at the 2022 American Neurological Association Annual Meeting Oct. 22-25, are now available in Annals of Neurology and on the ANA2022 website.