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The Racial Health Disparity in Maternal Mortality

by Anerudh Praveen
3 mins read

Maternal mortality, defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of delivery, is a significant public health issue in the United States. Despite medical advancements, maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are among the highest in developed countries. Moreover, black and Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by this issue, and the gap between these communities and white women continues to widen.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. In 2018, the maternal mortality rate for black women was 37.1 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 14.7 deaths per 100,000 live births for white women. The disparity is even more significant for Indigenous women. The CDC reports that Indigenous women are 2.3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.


Several factors contribute to this racial health disparity. Structural racism, which includes historical and current policies that create and maintain racial inequalities, is a significant factor. For example, black women are more likely to live in impoverished communities with limited access to quality healthcare, healthy food, and safe housing. Moreover, they are more likely to experience racism and discrimination in healthcare settings, which can lead to mistrust and reluctance to seek care.


Other factors include underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, which increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare also play a role.


The U.S. government has taken steps to address this issue. In 2018, Congress passed the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, which provides funding to states to establish maternal mortality review committees. These committees investigate maternal deaths to identify gaps in care and develop strategies to prevent future deaths. Additionally, the CDC has launched the Hear Her campaign, which raises awareness about maternal mortality and encourages women to seek care when they experience warning signs.


In conclusion, the racial health disparity in maternal mortality is a complex issue that requires comprehensive solutions. Addressing structural racism and improving access to healthcare and resources can help reduce the disparity and ensure that all women have safe and healthy pregnancies and births. 





References:


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternal-mortality/pregnancy-mortality-surveillance-system.htm


National Partnership for Women & Families. (2021). Maternal Health: Women of Color. https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/resources/health-care/maternal-health/women-of-color.html
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FeaturedHealth

How the Recent Monkeypox Outbreak has Shaken up the LGBTQ Community

by Angeline Dangca
3 mins read

With the recent national concerns with monkeypox, worries about who, when, and how you can contract it have surged. Recent cases have shown the majority of the cases to be in men who have had sexual contact with other men. However, as health experts have highlighted, anyone can contract monkeypox. A recent report of 11,000 cases drove officials to report this as a public health emergency. FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf stated in a recent interview that, “in recent weeks the monkeypox virus has continued to spread at a rate that has made it clear our current vaccine supply will not meet the current demand.” 


So posing the question, what exactly is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a viral disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus. It originated from Africa but has only recently posed a national concern among humans. According to the CDC, some symptoms include a rash present on or near the genital or anal area as well as on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. There has been a vaccine made, but the supply is very limited. Because of this and the distress, the situation is causing, some people have found a need for a scapegoat which ultimately gives rise to the stigmatization of the gay community. 


In an interview by the Washington Post, Aaron Backman, a member of the LGBTQ community with monkeypox, claimed he had received information from his doctor’s office and local health officials about whether he would qualify for treatment, which he, in the end, he never received. He stated that “I feel like public health doesn’t care if gay men die or not.” The fear others have is that this shortened, but the sexually targeted message can lead to discrimination among a community who has already struggled to progress with the rights they have now not only economically or socially, but in healthcare as well. Ella Washington, a professor at Georgetown University, emphasizes the fact that the information shared with others highly depends on how much people limit generalization which can greatly raise the potential for awareness rather than stigma. With all of the uncertainties surrounding the disease, defining and singling out a group based on the majority will fuel the start again of inequity among these communities. As stated by many health as well as LGBTQ advocates, the best thing for everyone is to be aware rather than selective so that a proper understanding of the situation is addressed.


References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 22). About Monkeypox. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved August 17, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about.html

Gonzales, M. (2022, August 11). Monkeypox and LGBTQ workers: How to avoid stigmatizing gay and bisexual employees. SHRM. Retrieved August 17, 2022, from https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/monkeypox-and-lgbtq-workers-how-to-avoid-stigmatizing-gay-and-bisexual-employees.aspxz

Nirappil, F. (2022, August 4). Struggle to protect gay, bisexual men from Monkeypox exposes inequities. The Washington Post. Retrieved August 17, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/27/monkeypox-gay-men-vaccine-treatment/

Spencekimball. (2022, July 28). WHO recommends gay and bisexual men limit sexual partners to reduce the spread of Monkeypox. CNBC. Retrieved August 17, 2022, from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/27/monkeypox-who-recommends-gay-bisexual-men-limit-sexual-partners-to-reduce-spread.html

Stack, L. (2022, July 28). ‘it’s scary’: Gay Men Confront a health crisis with echoes of the past. The New York Times. Retrieved August 17, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/28/nyregion/gay-men-monkeypox-health-crisis.html

Treisman, R. (2022, July 26). As monkeypox spreads, know the difference between warning and stigmatizing people. NPR. Retrieved August 17, 2022, from https://www.npr.org/2022/07/26/1113713684/monkeypox-stigma-gay-community

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FeaturedHealth

Inequalities in Access to Healthy Foods

by Madhuhaas Gottimukkala
3 mins read

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, neighborhoods with higher levels of poverty, a greater number of fast food restaurants, little to no access to healthy foods, and with grocery stores more than 1 mile away qualify as food deserts. In these areas, it is more common to find fast food restaurants and small, local stores instead of grocery stores. People in a neighborhood most likely consume food based on the choices available in their neighborhood. Other factors such as income and access to transportation to grocery stores also play a role in food consumed. Access to nutritious food becomes a major problem in low-income neighborhoods and food deserts where there are more fast-food restaurants compared to higher income neighborhoods. People are left with no choice but to eat what they have access to. While many argue that obesity is a result of poor choices made by an individual, there are factors that may be out of an individual’s control such as access to food, income, and location that influence the food choices. Low-income communities tend to lack supermarkets and do not provide adequate safety for exercise, causing residents to live unhealthy lifestyles that put them at greater risk for obesity.

In the article “Fast Food: Oppression through Poor Nutrition,” Freeman discusses the growth of fast food in urban neighborhoods and the relocation of supermarkets. He notes that “This migration, combined with the lack of transportation to the suburbs and the higher prices charged by local convenience stores, has made fast food the dominant food source in many low-income, urban communities.” This leads to negative impacts on one’s diet and health. Eating too much fast food is linked with numerous health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Freeman claims, “There are higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and cancer in poor neighborhoods than any other area.” (Freeman page 2228). The lack of options caused by food deserts in low-income neighborhoods are producing unequal and unfair side effects in these communities. “Neighborhood Disparities in Access to Healthy Foods and Their Effects on Environmental Justice” by Angela Hilmers also describes the dense caloric intake of these foods. She states, “In general, fast-food outlets and convenience stores offer high-calorie foods, leading to higher total caloric intakes for their customers.” (Hilmers, 2012). The disproportionate access to unhealthy foods in low-income communities is linked to adverse side effects such as high obesity rates.

References

Dutko, Paula, et al. “Characteristics and Influential Factors of Food Deserts.” USDA ERS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 31 Aug. 2012, https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=45017. 

Freeman, Andrea. “Fast Food: Oppression through Poor Nutrition.” California Law Review, vol. 95, no. 6, 2007, pp. 2221–2259. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20439143. Accessed 16 Mar. 2021.

Hilmers, Angela et al. “Neighborhood disparities in access to healthy foods and their effects on environmental justice.” American journal of public health vol. 102,9 (2012): 1644-54. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2012.300865 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4783380/


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Health

Mental Health by Gender

by Shivangi Kumari
3 mins read

Mental illness is a growing conversation as people are emerging into a more accepting environment, but the causes and social factors that contribute to them are still frequently looked over. Gender doesn’t greatly affect mental illness statistics by itself, but taking social interactions into count, drastic differences are made clear. Between men and women, the causes and visible symptoms of mental illnesses can differ in ways that aren’t usually considered.

News Medical-Life Sciences elaborates how the difference is rooted to be produced from social conventions;” People have similar ideas about what behavior is acceptable for men and women and continually engage in establishing a perception of gender difference during social encounters…Emotional expression, health care, and asking for help are all framed as feminine traits. Men are expected to be emotionally stable and have a strong, independent, and self-reliant demeanor.” The American Psychiatric Association (APA) supports this by noting important differences in seeking help by gender. In conclusion, women tend to get diagnosed more even if they show the same symptoms as men. This can be credited to the way society portrays women as more emotional and vulnerable, even if it is the same in men. 

Statistics by the APA also show that women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). But this isn’t only because men don’t get diagnosed, but instead a disproportionate experience of risk factors. Some mental health issues can stem from financial, workload, and home-violence problems. The gender pay gap leaves women working longer hours than men yet being paid less. Poverty levels are higher amongst women as well, where ages 18-64 are 14.2% for females and 10.5% for men as of 2017. Stereotypes in everyday life have very clear effects on mental illnesses, whether it be the assumption of men being strong and stable all the time or the systemic issues women face. 


Work Cited: 


Mental health disparities: Women’s mental health – psychiatry.org. (n.d.). Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Cultural-Competency/Mental-Health-Disparities/Mental-Health-Facts-for-Women.pdf 


The gender gap in Mental Health. News. (2022, January 31). Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Gender-Gap-in-Mental-Health.aspx 


Depression in women. Mental Health America. (n.d.). Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www.mhanational.org/depression-women 

 
 
 
 

 

 
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Health

The Effect of The Overturning of Roe vs. Wade on Women’s Health

by Shreya Kay
3 mins read

 

According to a BBC news article titled Roe v. Wade: What is US Supreme Court ruling on abortion?, Roe v. Wade was a landmark court case passed by the United States Supreme Court in the l900s, which protected a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy, otherwise known as abortion. The court case was primarily centered around Norma McCorvey (who used the pseudonym “Jane Roe”) who challenged the abortion laws in her home state (Texas) in 1969, claiming that she had the right to abortion, and that she had been raped. Unfortunately, the case was rejected, and she was forced to give birth. Later, in 1975, a woman in Georgia, Sandra Bensing, appealed to the court with a similar case. Soon, the case made its way to the Supreme Court, where the Court voted in favor of Bensing and McCorvey, stating that the right to terminate their pregnancy was protected under the Constitution.

 

On Friday, June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court voted to overturn the case. Twenty-six states are estimated to either certainly ban abortion, or be extremely likely to ban abortion. This article will breifly explore the effect of restricting abortion on women’s health.

 

Amy Roeder, part of Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public health, details the scope of this issue in an article. “According to the World Health Organization, 23,000 women die from unsafe abortions each year and tens of thousands more experience significant health complications globally,” says Roeder. “A recent study estimated that banning abortion in the U.S. would lead to a 21% increase in the number of pregnancy-related deaths overall and a 33% increase among Black women, simply because staying pregnant is more dangerous than having an abortion. Increased deaths due to unsafe abortions or attempted abortions would be in addition to these estimates” (Roeder, 2021).

 

In coming years, women who wish to terminate their pregnancy may seek unsafe ways to abort the baby. This could result in severe detriments to their physical health as well as a high risk of death. 

 

On the other hand, women could also choose to travel to a state that is not affected by the reversal of Roe. However, Furthermore, this would have a disproportionate effect on women of color and women living in low-income communities as they are inherently financially disadvantaged and may not be able to make the journey. 

 

Another concern caused by the reversal of Roe vs. Wade is the inability to treat certain medical cases. An example of this is an ectopic pregnancy. According to the New York Times, “… an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the wrong place in a woman’s body. So instead of attaching to the lining of the uterus, where it can survive, it grows elsewhere” (New York Times, n.d). She must undergo surgery to remove the fetus from her body. Typically, during an ectopic pregnancy, an embryo implants itself in a woman’s fallopian tubes, which are thin and filled with blood vessels. As the embryo develops, the fallopian tubes are at risk to rupture, causing internal bleeding. 

 

If a woman experiences an ectopic pregnancy, she cannot birth the child. She must have it removed via surgery. However, after the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade, many doctors or gynecologists are hesitant to treat ectopic pregnancies as it is unclear as to whether they classify as an abortion or not. If women who experience an ectopic pregnancy are unable to receive care, the risk of death or developing severe health-related issues is extremely high.

 

In all, the reversal of Roe v. Wade has an enormous effect on women’s health, indirectly or not. 

 

For support, please visit:

https://www.wired.com/story/guide-abortion-resources-post-roe-america/

 

References

BBC. (2022, June 24). Roe v Wade: What is US Supreme Court ruling on abortion? BBC News. Retrieved June 29, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54513499 

Pearson, C. (2022, June 28). What is ectopic pregnancy? The New York Times. Retrieved June 29, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/article/ectopic-pregnancy-symptoms-treatment.html 

Roeder, A. (2021, December 13). The negative health implications of restricting abortion access. News. Retrieved June 29, 2022, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/abortion-restrictions-health-implications/

 
 
 

 

 

 

 
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Health

Heart Disease Disparities Do Exist

by Shivangi Kumari
3 mins read

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the USA between men and women. Some factors that contribute to heart issues are elevated rates of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cholesterol. Even though cardiovascular disease reflects lifestyle, racism and everyday prejudice result in black, indigenous, and people of color showing higher frequencies of it.


The Medical News Today summarizes multiple research projects; “A 2017 study that examined high blood pressure prevalence across racial and ethnic groups in New York City found significantly lower rates of hypertension among white Americans, with an overall age-adjusted rate of 27.5%. Black Americans had the highest high blood pressure rate at 43.5%, with a rate of 38% among Asian Americans and 33% among Hispanic Americans.” The author elaborates on how “residential segregation in the U.S. means that predominantly Black neighborhoods have fewer financial resources and are more likely to have shortages of doctors. It can also contribute to food deserts, which refers to areas where it is difficult to get fresh produce, and unsafe public spaces, which can affect a person’s ability to exercise.”


A heart disease study conducted by the CDC showed that during 2015-2016, Hispanic and non-Hispanic blacks were more likely to have hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Experts suggest that racism can elicit higher blood pressure, putting people of color at risk. Not to mention, having access to clean and safe resources also greatly impacts a person’s chances of developing obesity or diabetes. 



Work Cited

CDC. Health, United States Spotlight – Centers for Disease Control and … https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/spotlight/HeartDiseaseSpotlight_2019_0404.pdf. 

CDC.  “Million Hearts® Costs & Consequences.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 Feb. 2021, https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/learn-prevent/cost-consequences.html#:~:text=More%20than%20800%2C000%20people%20in,in%20people%20under%20age%2065. 

Villines, Zawn. “Cardiovascular Disease and Race: What to Know.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 23 Aug. 2021, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cardiovascular-disease-and-race. 


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HealthLife

Exploring Health Disparities in Diabetes

by Varun Sreedhara
3 mins read

According to Monica E. Peek of the NIH, as the average lifespan of US citizens is increasing, serious disparities exist in today’s society with regard to diabetes for racial and ethnic minority groups. This spells important health implications in terms of their health outcomes and quality of care. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which blood glucose levels in the body become too high and can cause heart disease, blindness, chronic kidney disease, and nerve damage which may even result in lower-extremity amputations. In 2019, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listed diabetes as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

 

According to Dr. Yogish Kudva MBBS, it is unclear why some people have diabetes and others don’t; however, certain risk factors have been identified such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, family history, race or ethnicity, and age. In a survey done by the CDC and the U.S. Census Bureau: 14.7% of American Indians/Alaska natives, 12.5% of Hispanics, and 11.7% of non-Hispanic blacks, 9.2% of Asian Americans have diabetes, while only 7.5% of non-Hispanic whites have diabetes. In 2013, the Center for Medicare Advocacy(CMA) found that 25% of Hispanics, 11% of persons of Asian descent, and 27% of African Americans lived in poverty while only 12% of Caucasians lived in poverty. Today in the US, healthcare is very expensive, and the more impoverished a person is, the less likely they will be able to afford healthcare. The FDA stated that, “Coupled with a lack of access to healthcare, diabetes can progress in minority populations faster due to an unhealthy life of poor diet, obesity, and sedentariness”.

 

Sandra Voda, a nurse at the Masonic Home of New Jersey in Burlington, stated that diabetes education courses are poorly attended by people of minority groups. Per Dr. Peek, “Patients have the ability to affect their health care and health outcomes through self-education, treatment adherence, and health-promoting behaviors. This is particularly important in chronic diseases such as diabetes, where self-management is a central tenet of care and has been linked to positive health outcomes”. 

 

References:

 

Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services “Diabetes Disparities in Medicare Fee-For-Service Beneficiaries” 17 June 2022 online. 

 

Mayo Clinic “What is type 1 diabetes? A Mayo Clinic expert explains” 17 June 2022 online.

 

Monica E. Peek, Algernon Cargill, and Elbert S. Huang “Diabetes Health Disparities” National Institute of Health 17 June 2022 online.

 

Center for Medicare Advocacy “Racial and Ethnic Health Care Disparities” 17 June 22 online. 

 

U.S Food and Drug Administration “Fighting Diabetes’ Deadly Impact on Minorities” 17 June 2022 online.

Sandra C. Voda “Improving diabetes education for minority-group members” Nursing 2022 17 June 2022 online.
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HealthLife

Social Determinants of Health & Effect on Allergy Asthma Victims

by Shreya Kay
3 mins read


As an individual who struggled with food allergies for a major part of my life, I chose to investigate the impact of social determinants of health on individuals with allergies and asthma.

 

In general, health disparities occur when there is a difference in health outcomes between populations. Healthy People 2020 has defined health disparities as “a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage. Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health based on their racial or ethnic group; religion; socioeconomic status; gender; age; mental health; cognitive, sensory, or physical disability; sexual orientation or gender identity; geographic location; or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion”.

 

According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, social determinants of health (SDOH) is a broad term describing “conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks”. These factors include socioeconomic status, education, the neighborhoods and physical environments in which people live, employment opportunities, social support, and access to health care. These factors can impact the physical and mental health of individuals, as well as their ability to manage chronic conditions. Access to quality educational and employment opportunities, physically and environmentally safe neighborhoods, ability to afford and obtain food, access to culturally competent health care, and social support systems are all crucial to health. Without access to quality education, people may be less likely to obtain steady employment with a decent income and access to health insurance. This may contribute to affording safe (both physically and environmentally) housing and the ability to afford and access healthy foods. People may have to choose between food and housing over getting medical care and medications. Unfortunately, the emergence of COVID-19 has highlighted how social determinants of health are a major issue adversely affecting many populations.

 

When considering asthma and allergies, these are both conditions that require ongoing care and maintenance to maintain adequate control. Medication compliance is important to manage both asthma and allergies, but people may not use medications as directed or may ration them if they can’t afford the cost. This occurs with maintenance medications such as inhalers or rescue medications like quick-relief inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors. Finances, as well as limited or no transportation may also cause patients to delay or forgo follow-up with their doctors. Some people may also live in an area where a lung doctor or allergist may not be readily available. Urban environments may have substandard housing with more exposure to asthma and allergy triggers such as mold, dust mites, mice, cockroaches, and pollution. Cultural and language barriers can also play a role in understanding health information, such as how to use an inhaler correctly. Even access to allergen-free food may be a barrier for patients due to cost or just lack of options for obtaining groceries.

 

References

Allergy & Asthma Network, Asthma Disparities and Health Inequities, accessed at allegyasthmanetwork.org. Davis CM, Apter AJ, Casillas A, Foggs MB, Louisias M, Morris EC, Nanda A, Nelson MR, Ogbogu PU, Walker-McGill CL, Wang J, Perry TT. Health disparities in allergic and immunologic conditions in racial and ethnic underserved populations: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Committee on the Underserved. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021 May;147(5):1579-1593. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.02.034. Epub 2021 Mar 10. PMID: 33713767. Disparities. Disparities | Healthy People 2020. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/foundation-health-measures/Disparities

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HealthLife

How are We Without Baby Formula?

by Varun Sreedhara
3 mins read


Supply chain disruptions stemming from several factors have resulted in a shortage of baby formula across the United States, a big problem for Black parents as they are less likely to breastfeed, and so, feel the weight of this problem more significantly. Abbott Nutrition, the nation’s largest baby formula manufacturer, recalled its baby formula produced at its Michigan plant after four babies fell ill with bacterial infections and two of those four children died. The FDA has checked Abbott’s facilities several times and found no bacteria, yet to-date, Abbott has not been allowed to produce Similac, Similac Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas. Because Black families are more likely to use formula, experts worry they face disproportionate impacts as a result. 

 

  Dr. Valeria Cohran, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, who treats  infants with feeding difficulties and digestion issues asserts: “Feeding your child is one of the fundamental things, as a parent, that people do. To not know where you’re going to get formula from, or if you can get formula, has been very stressful for families.” Per Dr. Cohran, “Some of the formulas are made for kids with a variety of different medical conditions. Some children may have difficulties breaking down the proteins that are in milk or are simply allergic to different products in the milk … [resulting] in some kids even getting admitted to the hospital until their families could get formula for their children … some of these formulas can cost thousands of dollars a month.”

 

  The shortage reflects larger issues that perpetuate disparities persistent across healthcare, as well as targeted marketing among the reasons why Black parents might opt for formula over breastfeeding and limited parental leave from work and paid breaks for feeding or pumping.”  Pediatricians and health experts warn against parents making their own formula, diluting what they have to make it last longer, or introducing cow milk too soon, all which can be dangerous to babies or lack necessary nutrients, as diluting formula causes diluting different electrolytes in the formula and may cause health problems for children. 

 

References:

Joseph Choi, Peter Sullivan, and Nathaniel Weixel “Health Care — House investigating baby formula shortage” The Hill 13 May 2022 online.

Margo Snipe “What the National Shortage of Baby Formula Means for Black Families” Capital B News 13 May 2022 online. 

UC Davis CHILDREN’S HEALTH “The infant formula shortage is making parents desperate. But do not do these 4 things.” 13 May 2022 online.

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Health

Wisconsin Physicians and Public Health Professional: Breaking Barriers to Healthcare Services

by Akshita Tirumalaraju
3 mins read

As a Wisconsin public high school student eager to learn about specific health disparities and identify approaches to combat these challenges I investigated efforts being undertaken in Wisconsin at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison. While the CDC reports that health indicators such as life expectancy and infant mortality are improving, some minorities do experience a disproportionate burden of preventable diseases compared with non-minorities. Given health disparities is a broad field, I explored how leading radiologists are making an impact to identify specific disparities and learned that local radiologists reviewed millions of emergency room encounters over an eleven-year period and concluded that non-white patients were less likely to receive imaging services. Specifically, based on this study, white patients received medical imaging 49% of the time, versus 41% for non-white patients and 28% for black patients during their ER encounters (Colwell RL, Narayan AK, Ross AB).

 

In acknowledging their findings, Doctors Narayan and Ross assert that “Without proper imaging, many non-white patients are left undiagnosed, which opens the door to further complications and disparities down the road,” as a delay in making a cancer diagnosis can increase the complications or mortality from such cancers (Ibid., Colwell RL, Narayan AK, Ross AB). Dr. Naravan, who serves as, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Radiology Vice Chair of Equity, is focused on helping educate medical providers to properly develop protocols to maximize appropriate imaging for patients and develop strategies for mitigating health disparities through the thoughtful application of radiologic technology (Ibid.). 

 

Rebecca Colwell, a University of Wisconsin medical student, undertook a mentored research project with Dr. Ross that focused on imaging utilization by patient race or ethnicity and found disparities in imaging use based on race throughout many clinical settings. According to Colwell, her goal was to ensure that all patients have access to appropriate diagnostic exams, a goal that also required collaborating with various healthcare teams in other fields in order to implement effective changes to decrease such disparities.

 

By working to link evidence of imaging disparities to strategies to improve health outcomes, 21st century physicians will be better informed to promote an equitable healthcare system. Committed to do my part, I continue to learn from diverse forums to expand equitable diagnostic and therapeutic treatments in line with our country’s Declaration of Independence promise of “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life.”


References:

CDC Health Disparities & Inequalities Report (CHDIR) at CDC Health Disparities & Inequalities Report (CHDIR) – Minority Health – CDC.

Colwell RL, Narayan AK, Ross AB. Patient Race or Ethnicity and the Use of Diagnostic Imaging: A Systematic Review. J Am Coll Radiol. 2022 Apr;19(4):521-528. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.01.008. Epub 2022 Feb 22. PMID: 35216945).

Declaration of Independence: A Transcription | National at https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

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