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Articles on Racial health disparities

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Access to life-saving HIV prevention medications varies by race and other sociodemographic factors. David Talukdar/Moment via Getty Images

Who is still getting HIV in America? Medication is only half the fight – homing in on disparities can help get care to those who need it most

Two-thirds of new HIV infections are among gay and bisexual men. Although cases have decreased among white men, they have stagnated among communities of color.
Many patients with less aggressive prostate cancer elect active surveillance instead of treatment. triloks/E+ via Getty Images

Prostate cancer treatment is not always the best option – a cancer researcher walks her father through his diagnosis

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Although watchful waiting is appropriate for low-risk cases, many are diagnosed at an advanced stage because of racial health disparities.
An increasing number of health care decisions rely on information from algorithms. Tom Werner/Digital Vision via Getty Images

Including race in clinical algorithms can both reduce and increase health inequities – it depends on what doctors use them for

Biased algorithms in health care can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and delayed treatment. Deciding which variables to include to achieve fair health outcomes depends on how you approach fairness.
The stress of experiencing high levels of community violence harms entire families. skynesher/E+ via Getty Images

Black mothers trapped in unsafe neighborhoods signal the stressful health toll of gun violence in the U.S.

Chronic stress from living with systemic racism and gun violence can lead to increased symptoms of PTSD and depression as well as elevated cortisol levels.
The monkeypox pandemic has seen an increase in the use of the term “men who have sex with men.” Westend61/Getty Images

‘Men who have sex with men’ originated during the HIV pandemic to focus on behavior rather than identity – but not everyone thinks the term helps

The term ‘MSM’ allows public health interventions to gloss over the social, political and cultural complexities of identity. But it’s not without its limitations.
PrEP is almost 100% effective in preventing HIV infection when taken as directed. The Times/Gallo Images via Getty Images Editorial

Free preventive care under the ACA is under threat again – a ruling exempting PrEP from insurance coverage may extend nationwide and to other health services

Judge Reed O'Connor ruled in a case that coverage for HIV prevention medicine PrEP violated the religious freedom of the plaintiffs. It is unclear whether the order will extend nationwide.
Creating a safe space for patients to ask questions and provide fully informed consent could help increase clinical trial recruitment. FatCamera/E+ via Getty Images

Yes, Black patients do want to help with medical research – here are ways to overcome the barriers that keep clinical trials from recruiting diverse populations

Overcoming the access barriers and biases that underrepresented and underserved communities face could not only improve research participation but also improve care.
The FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 designated a new class of OTC hearing aids. Heizeng Hu/Moment via Getty Images

Over-the-counter hearing aids have been greenlighted by the FDA – your local pharmacist will soon be able to sell you the device you need

OTC hearing aids promise to increase the accessibility and affordability of the devices for millions of adults who live with untreated mild to moderate hearing loss.
Black patients are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to have a biopsy delay of 90 days or more after an abnormal mammogram. Yellow Dog Productions/The Image Bank via Getty Images

Biopsies confirm a breast cancer diagnosis after an abnormal mammogram – but structural racism may lead to lengthy delays

Early detection of breast cancer is critical to improving chances of survival. But racial and ethnic minority patients systematically have delayed diagnoses that reduce the benefits of screening.
Transgender people of color face more than their share of discrimination and violence. We Are/DigitalVision via Getty Images

Transgender people of color face unique challenges as gender discrimination and racism intersect

Being both trans and a person of color comes with a unique set of challenges. Collectively working toward overcoming these barriers is one way this community fights for survival.
Removing ultrasound and pelvic exam requirements for medication abortion could help expand access to care. Oleg Rebrik/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Abortion pills are safe to prescribe without in-person exams, new research finds

During the pandemic, health care providers began prescribing abortion pills without requiring in-person exams. This practice could help people access the care they need when abortion rights are in limbo.

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