Health Disparities News and Research

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Health disparities (also called healthcare inequality in some countries) refer to gaps in the quality of health and health care across racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and socioeconomic groups.

Heart disease risk drops in walkable areas—but only when residents agree they’re walkable

Researchers found that perceived—but not objective—neighborhood walkability is linked to lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, while food environment showed no significant impact after adjustments.

3 Mar 2025

Simple algorithm may help reduce treatment disparities in multiple sclerosis

A simple treatment algorithm may help reduce treatment disparities for Hispanic and Black people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a preliminary study released today, March 3, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5–9, 2025, in San Diego and online.

3 Mar 2025

Race-neutral equation improves asthma diagnosis for Black children

Despite ongoing progress, structural racism and health disparities continue to shape healthcare practices in ways healthcare providers may not even realize.

28 Feb 2025

Study highlights the need for more diversity in vaginal microbiome research

This study emphasizes the need for global equity in vaginal microbiome research, addressing health disparities and improving female health strategies worldwide.

14 Feb 2025

Systemic racism may play a role in genetic testing disparities, study suggests

For children with signs of neurological conditions such as autism, epilepsy and global developmental delay, genetic testing can help make the diagnosis, identify possible treatments and determine whether family members could be affected, among other benefits.

13 Feb 2025

Less restrictive regulation on vaping could improve public health outcomes

University of Queensland researchers have found smoking rates have declined twice as fast in New Zealand as in Australia, suggesting less restrictive regulation on vaping could improve public health outcomes.

11 Feb 2025

Study assesses perceptions and barriers to integrated care training and practice

Integrated care – a coordinated approach that addresses patients' physical, mental and social health needs – has been shown to improve patient outcomes, reduce health care costs and address health disparities.

10 Feb 2025

Living in disadvantaged areas reduces ALS survival time by over 30%

Living in a disadvantaged community may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, by over 30%, a Michigan Medicine-led study suggests.

7 Feb 2025

Low income linked to higher mortality risk in young adults with diabetes

The research team of Professor Sin Gon Kim and Professor Nam Hoon Kim of department of internal medicine (Endocrinology and Metabolism) of Korea University Anam Hospital, and Professor Ji Yoon Kim of Samsung Medical Center confirmed that young adults with T2D with low income have 3 times higher mortality risk than those with high income.

7 Feb 2025

American Heart Association highlights cardiovascular health disparities in Black communities

The American Heart Association's 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update reports that while progress has been made in reducing cardiovascular and cerebral health disparities, Black communities in the United States still face disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension.

7 Feb 2025

CoppaFeel!: Breast Cancer Doesn’t Discriminate, So Why Should Awareness?

The CoppaFeel! x NHS NELCA 'Check In' campaign transforms breast cancer awareness for young people, addressing health inequities and promoting self-checking.

7 Feb 2025

Social and health disparities drive brain aging in Latin America

In Brazil, education emerges as the top factor influencing cognitive decline, revealing significant health disparities affecting brain health in Latin America.

6 Feb 2025

Ethnicity and mental health impact brain health in rural older adults

A new research paper was published in Aging (Aging-US) on November 27, 2024, in Volume 17, Issue 1, titled "Neurocognitive disparities: investigating ethnicity and mental health in rural aging adults."

6 Feb 2025

NHS introduces genetic test to help reduce kidney failure risk for black donors

Hundreds of potential kidney donors of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage in the UK can now get a simple blood test to help reduce the risk of kidney failure.

28 Jan 2025

Study reveals significant life expectancy deficit in adults with diagnosed ADHD

A study shows UK adults with ADHD have a life expectancy 6.78 years lower than the general population, underscoring the need for improved healthcare support.

27 Jan 2025

Climate change is fueling a neurological health crisis, experts warn

Research explores the profound impact of climate change on neurological health, focusing on how rising temperatures, extreme weather, and air pollution exacerbate conditions like epilepsy, stroke, and sleep disorders, while calling for urgent research and mitigation strategies to address these vulnerabilities.

21 Jan 2025

Junk food turns public villain as power shifts in Washington

The new Trump administration could be coming for your snacks. For years, the federal government has steered clear of regulating junk food, fast food, and ultra-processed food.

17 Jan 2025

NIMH awards $1.5 million grant for long COVID neurological research

The National Institute of Mental Health has awarded a significant grant of $1.5 million to Jianyang Du, PhD, of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, for a research study aimed at uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to neurological disorders caused by long COVID-19.

16 Jan 2025

New research identifies key subtype of bacterial vaginosis that increases chlamydia risk

Women who develop bacterial vaginosis (BV) often later acquire chlamydia, a common and potentially serious sexually transmitted bacterial infection.

16 Jan 2025

Racism in obstetric care linked to higher blood pressure in mothers

Mothers of color who faced racism or microaggressions during obstetric care had higher blood pressure after delivering their babies compared to people of color who did not report racism during their care, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

15 Jan 2025