The Center on Health Equity and Access highlights the most recent updates in the realm of health equity, including news, research findings, and initiatives focused on mitigating health care disparities and enhancing overall access to quality care.
Poverty Linked to Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With SCD
A study in Pediatric Blood & Cancer found that poverty significantly affects the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD), with parental stress playing a mediating role. The research involved 150 children and their parents, revealing that those living below the federal poverty line may experience lower HRQOL. The study suggested a need for public health officials and clinicians to assess resource deprivation in families with children affected by SCD to improve their quality of life. However, limitations include a cross-sectional design and potential bias in the sample.
Meaningful Health Changes Possible Through Reducing Obstacles to Safety-Net Programs
The importance of simplifying access to safety-net programs to ensure funds reach those in need was highlighted in an article published in Health Affairs Forefront. Administrative hurdles, like complex paperwork and procedural challenges, contribute to disenrollment, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. Safety-net programs, addressing economic challenges from health, job, and age-related changes, face unequal access due to administrative burdens. Few individuals enroll in multiple programs, indicating underutilization of available assistance. Simplifying processes, such as online applications, can enhance access and improve health outcomes.
Dr Alvaro Pascual-Leone Discusses Disparities in Alzheimer Disease Research
In the second part of an interview for Alzheimer Disease Awareness Month, Alvaro Pascual-Leone, MD, PhD, discussed racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer disease and dementia research. He emphasized the importance of conducting studies in diverse populations and addressing observed differences. Pascual-Leone cites examples, such as the lecanemab study, to highlight the need for targeted research in specific racial groups. The discussion also touched on the role of the gene variant APOE4 in Alzheimer research, noting its impact on disease risk and treatment outcomes.
Gaps in Access to Cancer Care Resources May Contribute to Racial, Ethnic Disparities
A study published in JAMA Oncology revealed that hospitals serving higher proportions of racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States were less likely to offer essential cancer-related services, indicating disparities in resource access. Black patients treated at such hospitals with lower surgical volumes experience worse outcomes, with up to half of excess mortality in colon or breast cancer attributed to hospital-level factors. Hispanic individuals face low cancer screening and higher mortality. Hospitals serving racial and ethnic minorities were larger, urban, and teaching hospitals with more Medicaid beneficiaries. Core oncology services and support services were less likely available at these hospitals, suggesting resource disparities contribute to cancer care disparities.
PCORI Invests $80.5 Million in Research Addressing Maternal Health Equity
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has dedicated $80.5 million for 4 patient-centered studies addressing maternal morbidity and mortality, part of a broader initiative. These studies focus on health care and social determinants, prioritizing populations with maternal health disparities. The funding emphasizes partnerships between research institutions and community organizations, with each study tackling unique challenges in different communities. Targeted populations include Black individuals, Hispanic/Latin American communities, rural residents, and those with lower incomes. The research, spanning diverse US regions, aims to address both health care and social determinants for pregnant individuals and new mothers.
Health Equity and Access Weekly Roundup: April 27, 2024
April 27th 2024Racial disparities in end-of-life care, the role of wellness and faith in minority health, award-winning research on health disparities, societal factors impacting cardiometabolic health, and rising mental health challenges among US youth are all covered this week in the Center on Health Equity and Access.
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Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Dr Kathy Zackowski Discusses the Importance of Rehabilitation Research and Trials in MS
April 26th 2024Kathy Zackowski, PhD, National MS Society, expresses the inherent value of quality rehabilitation trials for broadening clinical understandings of multiple sclerosis (MS) and bettering patient outcomes.
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Empowering Community Health Through Wellness and Faith
April 23rd 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. In the third episode, Camille Clarke-Smith, EdD, MS, CHES, CPT, discusses approaching community health holistically through spiritual and community engagement.
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Mental Health Diagnoses, Care Challenges Rise Among US Youth, Report Finds
April 26th 2024While behavioral health care utilization has been rising, the treatment landscape has been worsening. New findings show that 20% of youths did not receive any form of treatment within 3 months of their initial behavioral health diagnosis.
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