All articles tagged with #health inequalities
Originally Published 2 months ago — by The Guardian
A study published in The Lancet highlights significant racial and socioeconomic disparities in neonatal mortality rates in England and Wales, with babies born to black mothers being 81% more likely to die in neonatal care compared to those born to white mothers, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to address these inequalities.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by PsyPost
A study found that the connection between vagus nerve signals and food intake is stronger in higher socio-economic groups, suggesting that internal physiological cues influence eating behavior more in these populations, potentially contributing to health disparities.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by ScienceAlert
A recent study suggests that dementia risk has declined across generations based on data from high-income countries, but these findings should be viewed with caution due to limitations such as the focus on high-income nations, potential diagnostic inaccuracies, and the exclusion of dementia subtypes. Despite the apparent decline, global dementia cases are expected to rise due to aging populations and increased longevity, especially in lower-income countries where healthcare and awareness are limited.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by HuffPost
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a significant increase in syphilis cases, particularly affecting Black and Latino communities and leading to a 937% rise in congenital syphilis cases over a decade. Syphilis, often referred to as "the great imitator," can be difficult to detect and can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, especially for pregnant individuals. Early warning signs include painless sores and a rash, but the STI is easily curable with antibiotics if detected in its early stages. The CDC attributes the rise in cases to factors such as lax condom use, substance abuse, and barriers to STI prevention and health services, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Guardian
A systematic study has found that each year of education is linked to improved life expectancy, with the risk of mortality decreasing by 2% for every year of full-time education. Completing primary, secondary, and tertiary education is equivalent to a 34% reduction in the risk of death compared to those with no formal education. The study emphasizes the importance of education in improving health and reducing inequalities in global death rates, while also highlighting the potential impact of school attendance on future life expectancy.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Guardian
A study suggests that the most common risk factors for dementia, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, have a more pronounced effect on black and Asian people, highlighting the need for greater efforts to address health inequalities. The research found that some risk factors are not only more prevalent in ethnic minorities but also have a greater impact on their risk of developing dementia compared to white individuals. The study calls for tailored dementia prevention strategies that consider ethnicity and risk-factor profiles to ensure equitable prevention. Another study conducted by the same researchers found that people with early Alzheimer's disease have difficulty turning when walking, providing valuable insight into the early noticeable changes of the disease.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Queerty
Over 50% of people living with HIV in the US are over 50, and this figure is set to rise to 70% by 2030. While anti-retroviral medication has been successful in keeping people with the virus living long and healthy lives, more research is needed to determine the impact of HIV on older individuals. HIV disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic gay and bi men, and health inequalities remain a huge hurdle. HIV-positive individuals could lose up to five years of their lifespan, even on treatment, according to a study. Funding for research in this area should be prioritized.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Queerty
The HIV transmission rate among gay and bi men in the US is continuing to fall, thanks largely to drugs like PrEP and the science of U=U. However, persistent health inequalities across the country are slowing progress, with Black and Hispanic gay men far less likely to be prescribed PrEP. The CDC estimates that around 1 in eight people with HIV are still unaware and urges people to get tested and know their status. Calls for increased funding for testing, treatment, and prevention, including for PrEP, have been made.