Menu Close

Articles on Health disparities

Displaying 21 - 40 of 108 articles

In this November 1918 photo, a nurse tends to a patient in the influenza ward of the Walter Reed hospital in Bethesda, Md. AP Photo/Harris & Ewing via Library of Congress

1918 flu pandemic upended long-standing social inequalities – at least for a time, new study finds

During the 1918 flu pandemic, white people died at similar rates to Black Americans, according to a new study – a very different pattern than what occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Drug patents don’t necessarily spur companies to innovate so much as restrict access to their IP. Andrii Zastrozhnov/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Pharma’s expensive gaming of the drug patent system is successfully countered by the Medicines Patent Pool, which increases global access and rewards innovation

The Medicines Patent Pool was created to promote public health, facilitating generic licensing for patented drugs that treat diseases predominantly affecting low- and middle-income countries.
Achieving equity in global health requires addressing the root sources of inequity. Sabrina Bracher/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Health rights for trans people vary widely around the globe – achieving trans bliss and joy will require equity, social respect and legal protections

While gender-affirming health care is essential to the well-being of trans people, access to quality services varies significantly by geographic region and social context.
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.
How many X chromosomes you have can affect your health. John M Lund Photography Inc/Digital Vision via Getty Images

The sex of your cells matters when it comes to heart disease

A one-size-fits-all approach may not be best for treating cardiovascular disease. Taking sex chromosomes into account could make for more effective and equitable care.
Gender norms can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their health. YES BRASIL/iStock via Getty Images Plus

In countries more biased against women, higher COVID-19 death rates for men might not tell an accurate story

Some countries report higher rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths among men. This might be due to underreporting among women with limited health access.
Family members often take on the burden of preparing and delivering meals to their relatives. SoumenNath/E+ via Getty Images

What’s on the menu matters in health care for diverse patients

Some older patients forego the food provided at their health care facility because it isn’t aligned with their religious and cultural preferences.

Top contributors

More