Ethnic Categories Research Articles

Access to Chronic Pain Services for Adults from Minority Ethnic Groups in the United Kingdom (UK): a Scoping Review.

Chronic pain services in the UK are required to provide services which meet the diverse needs of patients, but little is known about the access and use of these services by minority ethnic groups. To assess the available evidence regarding the ethnic profile of adults who access secondary and tertiary chronic pain services in the UK. A scoping review was conducted (August 2021-October 2021), comprising comprehensive literature searches using Embase, Medline and CINAHL databases and the grey literature. Studies were included if they reported on (i) access to chronic pain services in secondary and/or tertiary care in the UK, (ii) adults and (iii) stated the ethnicity of the involved participants. Studies were included if published between 2004 and 2021, as demographic data during this period would be broadly representative of the UK population, as per the 2021 UK census. A descriptive synthesis of the extracted data was performed. The search yielded 124 records after duplicates were removed. Following title and abstract screening, 44 full texts were screened, ten of which were included in the review. This is the first review to explore access to chronic pain services for adults from minority ethnic groups in the UK. Given the limited number of studies that met the inclusion criteria, the review highlights the need for routine collection of ethnicity data using consistent ethnic categories within UK chronic pain services and increased involvement of minority ethnic groups within chronic pain research. Findings should inform future research that aims to improve access to UK chronic pain services for adults from minority ethnic groups.

Not Indian, Not African: Classifying the East African Asian Population in Aotearoa New Zealand

This paper explores the challenges of measuring and classifying the East African Asian population in Aotearoa New Zealand. As a particularly diverse country, New Zealand has a significant and varied population of immigrants from South Asia, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, along with immigrants of South Asian origin, from Fiji, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and East Africa. New Zealand’s system of ethnic classification relies on self-identification, with a broad definition of ethnicity encompassing heritage, ancestry, culture, language and feelings of belonging. However, the collection of this information at a granularity that enables detailed analysis is constrained for the South Asian population, regardless of origin or identification. People are typically presented with the choice of selecting “Indian” ethnicity as a tick box, or providing ethnicities under “Other” as write-in descriptors, which in turn are coded to a limited set of categories within the classification being used. This practice potentially conceals a diversity of ethnicities, which can only partially be hinted at by responses to questions relating to religions, languages and birthplaces, especially for second or third-generation descendants of migrants. Ethnic classification at the highest level, moreover, includes East African Indians as Asian, rather than African, reflecting diasporic heritage as a shorthand for ancestry and overlooking the relevance of layers of identity associated with the double diaspora. Drawing on Peter J. Aspinall’s work on collective terminology in ethnic data collection and categorizing the “Asian” ethnic group in the UK, this paper looks at the overlaps and disconnects between heritage, ethnicity and national belonging in classifying less clearcut identities. We explore the strengths and limitations of New Zealand’s self-identification approach to ethnic identity, and query what exactly is being asked of groups on the margins: when self-identification does not match external perception, are we looking for geographic, cultural, or genetic origins? A focus on the East African Asian population in Aotearoa highlights the complexity of identity for diasporic groups with distant ancestral links with India, as lived experience of cultural connection extends far beyond the bounds of ethnicity, language and even ancestry.

Cognitive Difficulty in Middle Eastern and North African Adults Living in the United States Compared With Other Racial and Ethnic Categories, 2017-2021.

Objectives. To estimate the odds of having cognitive difficulties among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) American adults and compare these odds with those of White, Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander adults nationally and in the 4 states with the largest MENA populations (California, New York, Michigan, and Texas) after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Methods. We analyzed 2017-2021 American Community Survey data (aged ≥ 45 years; n = 7 284 988), comparing presence of cognitive difficulties by race/ethnicity. Results. MENA adults had greater odds of reporting cognitive difficulties than did White (odds ratio [OR] = 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42, 1.56), Black (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.14, 1.26), Hispanic (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.39, 1.53), Asian (OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.25, 1.38), and AI/AN (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.14) adults. In all 4 states, odds of having cognitive difficulties were higher among MENA than Asian adults. Other racial/ethnic comparisons differed by state. Conclusions. A separate checkbox for MENA Americans approved by the Office of Management and Budget is important so health outcomes can be studied in more detail and funds can be allocated for research and resources at state and national levels. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(11):1265-1274. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307803).

Disentangling Race from Skin Color in Modern Biology and Medicine

In this review, we examine the taxonomies used to classify people, which influenced the development of the modern disciplines of biology and medicine, including dermatology, throughout the world. Early European scientists and physicians were intertwined with the social environment that created classifications and hierarchies of skin-color-based races, which were reinforced by prevailing political systems that supported colonial economic structures and, in many cases, chattel slavery. Even after genomic analysis of diverse human DNA sequences have revealed that systems of skin color-based racial and ethnic classification lacked biological meaning and were socially constructed, these classifications persist and are reinforced by census classifications and frameworks for comparisons in biomedicine in many parts of the world. The bodies of knowledge and practices that were built on these classifications did not reflect the observable biological diversity of people but the dominant cultural institutions and economic systems of their times. We provide actions for our modern institutions to reduce the underpinnings and ramifications of racial and ethnic classifications ultimately to improve biomedical research and medical care for all patients.

A cross sectional analysis of residents by race/ethnicity and specialty from 2020-2023

BackgroundMinorities are underrepresented in all areas of medical education relative to the United States general population, and minority physicians are more likely to practice in disadvantaged areas and in primary care settings. Many individual and structural factors contribute to this discrepancy. We aimed to demonstrate how resident race/ethnicity representation differs across the various resident specialties. MethodsWe used publically available data from the Association of American Medical College's Report on Residents data series and averaged the four academic years from 2019 to 2020 through 2022-2023. We then calculated the odds ratio (OR) of self-reported race/ethnicity (alone and in combination) in thirty-four specialties. ResultsAcross the four-year study period, there were, on average, 147026 unduplicated resident trainees. The average number of duplicated residents by self-identified ethnic category (alone and in combination) include: American Indian or Alaska Native (839, 0.6%), Asian (31627, 21.5%), Black or African American (7935, 5.4%), Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin (10900, 7.4%), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (296, 0.2%), White (76289, 51.9%), Other (4879, 3.3%), Unknown (522, 0.4%), and Non-US Citizens (23914, 16.3%). Across race/ethnicity, there are differences in ORs of representation in different specialties. Key findings include high representation in Public Health and Preventative Medicine by Black and African American (OR=3.7) and Native Hawaiian (OR=2.6) residents, and Family Medicine in Native Americans (OR=1.9), Native Hawaiian (OR=1.7), Black (OR=1.5), and Hispanic (OR=1.3) residents. Psychiatry also had high ORs of representation in minority residents. ConclusionThis study illustrates relative resident ethnic representation across training specialties. Minorities ethnicities were more likely to be represented in primary care and public health domains. This has implications for creating a physician workforce suitable to serve the United States Population.

I am a ‘|’ not a ‘-’: a phenomenographic study of bi/multilingual adolescents’ conceptions of transnational identity

ABSTRACT Previous studies have described diaspora members as linguistically stable subjects on whom bounded linguistic or ethnic categories are imposed, yet more recent research tends to view transnational identity as fluid and situational. This study investigates how adolescents with advanced Chinese and English proficiency living across China and the United States perceive their language and identity under conditions of constant mobility. Drawn from a two-year ethnographic project on Chinese diasporic families, the present study adopted phenomenography as the methodological approach and collected data through interviews and participant observations with 18 transnational adolescents living in the US. The findings reveal the adolescents’ perspectives on transnational identity as a situated construct that entails one’s sense of location, nationality, ethnicity, culture, kinship, language and pursuit of personal meaning. These many facets of identity are not mutually exclusive but closely interrelated, and these adolescents can access a rich identity repertoire through strategic bilingual/multilingual practices. These findings suggest the fluidity and complexity of transnational identity and illustrate the analytical efficacy of phenomenography. Crucially, through this way of identity performance these bi/multilinguals are able to break the hyphenated entitlement (e.g. ‘Chinese-American’) that may have suppressed their self-recognition and embrace a fascinating world with unprecedented possibilities.

Modeling the Population Equity of Alzheimer Disease Treatments in the US

The arrival of new medications for Alzheimer disease (AD) has prompted efforts to measure their value using conventional cost-effectiveness analyses; however, these analyses focus on how much health improvement new medications generate per dollar spent. As AD disproportionately affects older adults, women, racial and ethnic minority individuals, and individuals with lower socioeconomic and educational levels, it is critical to also examine the health equity outcomes of treatment. To estimate the health equity impact of a hypothetical disease-modifying treatment for early AD in the US and to examine targeted policies to mitigate health care disparities. This economic evaluation, which used a distributional cost-effectiveness analysis, was conducted from June 16, 2022, to January 11, 2024. The study included subgroups defined by race and ethnicity and by social vulnerability quintiles in the US. A hypothetical disease-modifying treatment compared with best supportive care. The main outcomes were population-level quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), lifetime costs, and net health benefits. The social welfare impact and change in health inequality were estimated using the Atkinson index. The distributional cost-effectiveness analysis simulated 316 037 100 individuals from the US population, including 25 subgroups defined by 5 categories of race and ethnicity and population quintiles of social vulnerability, with the fifth quintile representing the most socially vulnerable group. At an opportunity cost benchmark of $150 000 per QALY, treatment was associated with improved population health, adding 28 197 QALYs per year to the US population. Accounting for health inequality preferences (using an aversion level of 11, based on an Atkinson inequality aversion parameter that can range from 0 to infinity, with higher values assigning greater weight to health gains that accrue to the population with the lowest lifetime quality-adjusted life expectancy), treatment was associated with a 0.009% reduction in existing population health inequalities annually. Scenario analyses examining earlier and expanded treatment access suggested a population health improvement of up to 221 358 QALYs. The findings of this economic evaluation suggest that treatment for AD could improve population health and health equity. Policies to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment initiation, as well as expanded access to treatment, may further improve treatment and health equity impacts.

Do young American children essentialize ethnicity? Examining inductive inferences about Hispanic/Latinx individuals in an ethnically diverse sample

AbstractHispanic and Latinx individuals represent one of the largest and fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States. Yet research has not investigated whether young children hold essentialist beliefs about this prevalent social category. The present study addressed this issue by examining whether children used this ethnic category to make inductive inferences about novel individuals, one dimension of essentialism. A total of 108 children, 5 to 7 years of age (54 female; 56 Hispanic, 46 non‐Hispanic), completed a forced‐choice inference task. Children did not expect members of the same ethnic group to share properties, and this did not vary with their own ethnic group membership. This suggests that in the US, the belief that ethnicity is causally informative undergoes a protracted developmental trajectory, as has been observed for essentialist beliefs about race.

Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and, in the US, disproportionately affects people from racial and ethnic minority groups. Glaucoma prevalence has not been estimated for the US in more than a decade, and state- and county-level estimates are not available. To estimate glaucoma and vision-affecting glaucoma prevalence by demographic factors and US state and county for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS). This meta-analysis used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2008), Medicare fee-for-service claims (2019), IBM MarketScan commercial insurance claims (2016), population-based studies of eye disease (1985-2003), and 2022 population estimates from the US Census Bureau. PubMed was searched for population-based studies of glaucoma prevalence published between 1991 and 2016. Bayesian meta-regression methods were used to estimate the prevalence of glaucoma and vision-affecting glaucoma stratified by age, undifferentiated sex/gender (a measure that captures an unclear mix of aspects of sex and or gender), race and ethnicity, and US county and state. Prevalence of any type of glaucoma (open or closed angle) among people 18 years or older and vision-affecting glaucoma, defined as glaucoma and a visual field abnormality. For 2022, an estimated 4.22 million people (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 3.46 million to 5.23 million) in the US were living with glaucoma, with a prevalence of 1.62% (UI, 1.33%-2.00%) among people 18 years or older and 2.56% (UI, 2.10%-3.16%) among people 40 years or older. An estimated 1.49 million people (UI, 1.17 million to 1.90 million) were living with vision-affecting glaucoma, with a prevalence of 0.57% (UI, 0.45%-0.73%) among people 18 years or older and 0.91% (UI, 0.71%-1.16%) among people 40 years or older. Prevalence of glaucoma among people 18 years or older ranged from 1.11% (UI, 0.89%-1.40%) in Utah to 1.95% (UI, 1.57%-2.39%) in Mississippi. Black adults had a prevalence of 3.15% (UI, 2.32%-4.09%) compared with 1.42% (UI, 1.10%-1.85%) among White adults; adults in the Hispanic and all other racial and ethnic categories combined had a prevalence of 1.56% (UI, 1.13%-2.06%). This meta-analysis found that an estimated 2.56% of people 40 years or older have glaucoma, slightly more than estimated by previous studies. Black individuals are disproportionately affected. Prevalence estimates at the state and county level can help guide public health planning.

Under the name of “Lua”: revisiting genetic heterogeneity and population ancestry of Austroasiatic speakers in northern Thailand through genomic analysis

BackgroundAustroasiatic (AA)-speaking populations in northern Thailand are of significant interest due to their status as indigenous descendants and their location at the crossroads of AA prehistoric distribution across Southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, and Mainland Southeast Asia. However, the complexity of ethnic identification can result in inaccuracies regarding the origin and migration history of these populations. To address this, we have conducted a genome-wide SNP analysis of 89 individuals from two Lavue and three Lwa-endonym populations. We then combined our outcomes with previously published data to elucidate the genetic diversity and clustering of AA groups in northern Thailand.ResultsOur findings align with existing linguistic classifications, revealing different genetic compositions among the three branches of the Mon-Khmer subfamily within the AA family: Monic, Khmuic, and Palaungic. Although the term “Lua” ethnicity is confusingly used to identify ethnic groups belonging to both Khmuic and Palaungic branches, our genomic data indicate that the Khmuic-speaking Lua living on the eastern side of the region are relatively distant from the Palaungic-speaking Lavue and Lwa populations living on the western side. The Lavue populations, primarily inhabiting mountainous areas, exhibit a genetic makeup unique to the AA family, with a close genetic relationship to the Karenic subgroup of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Conversely, the Lwa and Blang populations, residing in lowland river valleys, display genetic signatures resulting from admixture with Tai-Kadai-speaking ethnic groups.ConclusionUtilizing genome-wide SNP markers, our findings indicate genetic heterogeneity among the Lua, Lavue, and Lwa ethnic groups. The intricate interplay of genetics, cultural heritage, and historical influences has shaped these ethnic communities. Our study underscores the importance of accurate ethnic classifications, emphasizing the use of self-identified endonyms, names created and used by the ethnic groups themselves. This approach respects the AA communities in northern Thailand and acknowledges their significant contributions to advancing our understanding of genetic anthropology.

Language, Cultural Sentiments, and Ethnic Conflict: Understanding Verbal Violence and Discrimination in Multi-Ethnic Schools in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Violence, racism, and xenophobia among immigrants often stem from deep-seated language and cultural disparities, transcending mere racial or ethnic categorizations. This in-depth study, conducted among 16 informants representing diverse ethnic backgrounds—majorities, minorities, and educators in West Kalimantan’s multi-ethnic schools—employs an ethnographic approach. Delving into the tapestry of field data and factual insights, this research unveils how verbal violence and discrimination germinate from the complex interplay of language and cultural biases among students. Echoes of superiority resonate within the majority ethnic group, where language and culture are perceived as hallmarks of local eminence, relegating ethnic minorities to second-class status. The study’s findings trace this arrogance to a historical tapestry woven from conflicts between native ethnic factions and immigrant communities, culminating in the stark social segregation between them. A fascinating implication emerges, highlighting the pivotal role of Indonesia as a bridge for inter-ethnic communication. Its use fosters social cohesion, harmony, and inter-ethnic tolerance. This research charts a roadmap towards rectifying past missteps, assuaging grievances, and charting strategies to avert future inter-ethnic discord caused by deep-rooted cultural and linguistic differences.

Incorporating multiracial and multiethnic experiences into genetic counseling practice and research: A necessary opportunity.

The conflation of race and genetic ancestry can have harmful consequences. Biological conceptualizations of race have long been used to justify inequities and distract from social structures that afford opportunities to some that are unjustly denied to others. Despite recent efforts within the scientific community to distinguish between the sociopolitical constructs of race and ethnicity and the biological constructs of genetic ancestry and genetic similarity, their conflation continues to influence genomic research and its translation into clinical care. One overlooked aspect of this problematic conflation is the extent to which discrete monoracial and monoethnic categorization systems persist and perpetuate unequal benefit-sharing in the clinical translation of genomic technologies. In genetic service delivery, reliance on discrete racial and ethnic categories undermines the clinical translation of genomic technologies for large segments of the global population. For multiracial and multiethnic individuals, who have complex identities that defy discrete categorization systems, the potential benefits of genomic discoveries are especially elusive. Scholars have recently begun to call for the inclusion of multiracial, multiethnic, and admixed individuals in race, ethnicity, and ancestry frameworks in genetics and genomics. However, little work has been done to explore and address the unique challenges and opportunities posed by multiracial/multiethnic individuals in genetic counseling specifically. We discuss how conceptualizing diversity along discrete racial and ethnic lines perpetuates inequitable patient care and limits efforts to increase inclusion and belonging within genetic counseling. Moreover, we argue that ongoing efforts to mitigate racial inequity must actively challenge the paradigm of monoracial and monoethnic categories to accomplish their goal.

Costs and Healthcare Utilization of Heart Disease by COVID-19 Diagnosis and Race and Ethnicity

Introduction: Heart disease (HD) poses a significant health and economic burden in the United States, with considerable variations in outcomes across different racial and ethnic groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted disparities in healthcare utilization and costs associated with HD. ac Methods: We used the 2021 Merative MarketScan Medicaid claims database to estimate medical costs and healthcare utilization associated with HD by racial and ethnic groups and COVID-19 diagnosis status. Our study focused on individuals aged ≥18 years old continuously enrolled in a non-capitated insurance plan in 2021. The outcome measures included total medical expenditures and healthcare utilization, including numbers of emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient admissions, and length of inpatient stay. We employed a generalized linear model with a family of gamma and log links was used for medical costs, and a negative binomial regression for healthcare utilization. Three-way interactions of HD, COVID-19 diagnosis, and race and ethnicity categories were implemented after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. We reported average marginal effects with 95% CIs. Results: Among 1,008,166 Medicaid beneficiaries, 8% had HD in 2021. The cost associated with HD was $10,819 per beneficiary in 2021 (95% CI, 10,292–11,347; P<0.001). The cost was $15,840 (95% CI, 14,389–17,291; P<0.001) for non-Hispanic Black individuals, $9,945 (95% CI, 9,172–10,718; P<0.001) for non-Hispanic White, and $8,511 (95% CI, 7,490–9,531; P<0.001) for Hispanic individuals. Individuals with a COVID-19 diagnosis ($19,638) had $9,541 (95% CI, 7,049–12,032; P<0.001) higher costs associated with HD than those without COVID-19 ($10,098) (P<0.001). Individuals with HD had higher numbers of ED visits (0.937 per beneficiary, 95% CI, 0.913–0.960), inpatient admissions (0.463 per beneficiary, 95% CI, 0.455–0.471), and average length of stay (2.541 days per admission, 95% CI, 2.405–2.677) than those without HD. Conclusions: Our findings showed that costs and healthcare utilization associated with HD are substantial in all racial and ethnic groups and the highest among non-Hispanic Black individuals. Furthermore, individuals with a COVID-19 diagnosis had approximately two times higher costs associated with heart disease compared with individuals without a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Exploring the association of social connections and food security among adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: a population-based study

BackgroundPrimary health care professionals are held accountable for various quality measures in the treatment of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a considerable health problem; thus, further studying patients with this condition is important for delivering effective interventions. Social determinants of health (SDoH) have been shown to affect various aspects of diabetes care in different subpopulations. We studied the association of SDoH with uncontrolled T2D in a population of adult primary care patients.MethodsWe retrospectively searched our electronic health record for adult patients (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of T2D and a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 8% or higher. Patients were empaneled to 2 primary care clinic sites between January 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022. Patients were grouped by HbA1c level to stratify patients according to the extent of uncontrolled T2D. Patient characteristics were compared among groups. Unadjusted and adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds of various SDoH factors among patient groups with different levels of uncontrolled T2D.ResultsThe study cohort included 1,596 patients. Most patients were White (79%), and the median age was 58.8 years. The median HbA1c level was 8.9%, and approximately 68% of patients were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥30). When the study population was grouped by HbA1c level (8% to < 9% [n = 806], ≥9% to < 12% [n = 684], and ≥12% [n = 106]), significant differences among groups were observed in age group (P < .001), marital status (P < .001), race (P < .001), ethnicity (P = .001), and BMI category (P = .01). In groups with higher HbA1c levels, we noticed a higher percentage of patients who were aged 51 to 65 years or single. Among patients with uncontrolled HbA1c levels, more patients were obese than overweight. Patients in the intermediate HbA1c group had increased odds of food insecurity and some decreased social connections, even after adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and marital status.ConclusionsAmong patients with uncontrolled T2D, higher HbA1c levels were associated with decreased social connections and increased food insecurity. Our findings provide insight into the role of these SDoH in managing T2D and have important implications for primary care practice.

Motivations for Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Understanding Interpretations of Ancestry Results

AbstractDirect-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) has the potential to significantly impact racial and ethnic identities as well as social concepts of race and ethnicity. Prior literature challenges the binary choice of essentialism vs. constructionism in understanding consumers’ interpretations of genetic ancestry results. Largely focusing on differences by race and ethnicity, this research finds that test takers selectively apply genetically determinist logic depending on their prior identities and interests. We extend this line of inquiry using in-depth interviews with thirty-six mostly white participants who had previously taken a DTCGT offering combined health and ancestry results, which provided an opportunity to explore how different motivations for testing – e.g., for health or ancestry information – impact interpretations of ancestry results. Our analysis reveals distinct patterns in how health- vs. ancestry-motivated consumers invoke genetic determinism in their interpretations of DTCGT results. At the same time, regardless of motivation for testing, we found little use of genetic results to challenge the coherence or biological basis of racial or ethnic categories. Our results suggest that even if genetic determinism is only selectively applied, and in ways that vary between consumers with different motivations for testing, at least among whites, discourses of genetics as “truth” and white normativity are nonetheless the prevailing interpretive frameworks for genetic ancestry results.

Unveiling Disparities: Analyzing Hispanic Inclusion in Liver Cancer Research Databases in the United States

AbstractPrimary liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was the sixth leading cause of cancer death in the United States in 2023. Hispanic people constitute approximately 19% of the nation’s total population according to the US Census. Hispanic patients have the highest relative incidence rates of liver cancer compared to non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks, a disparity frequently overlooked in cancer research. In this study, our primary objective was to analyze the potential underrepresentation of Hispanic individuals in liver cancer research databases. We identified databases that had liver cancer-specific studies and be population-based in the United States. Our search yielded 7 cancer genomic databases, which were analyzed according to incidence percentages across ethnicity and race categories. Our study included 3104 patients; ethnic data was not reported for 13.1% (n = 406) of the patients. Samples were predominantly from individuals who identified as Not Hispanic (81.0%), Hispanic individuals represented 5.9%. Race was reported as follows: non-Hispanic Whites (61.0%), Asians (22.0%), non-Hispanic Blacks (5.4%), Other (3.1%), Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native (0.4%), Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian (0.2%) and not reported (7.9%). These findings collectively underscore significant disparities in the representation of ethnic and racial groups, particularly Hispanics. Given the present racial and ethnic demographics of the US population and the projected surge in the Hispanic population in forthcoming years, it becomes imperative to address health disparities that may worsen without efforts to enhance proper inclusion in cancer research.

Abstract A080: Improving outcomes: Addressing racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer genomic research

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in the United States (U.S.). This disease presents notable health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. Native Americans (NA) and non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) exhibit the highest incidence and mortality rates for CRC compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). These disparities are driven by a combination of factors, including socioeconomic inequalities, access to healthcare, lifestyle habits, and genetic susceptibilities. Minority populations often face delays in diagnosis and treatment, leading to advanced disease stages at presentation and poorer outcomes. Addressing these disparities through cancer genomics is essential for developing effective, personalized treatments that can improve outcomes for underrepresented populations. Comprehensive genomic studies can reveal genetic mutations and biomarkers unique to these groups, facilitating targeted therapies and preventive measures tailored to their specific needs. To address these disparities, we conducted an analysis of U.S. population-based colorectal cancer studies within 3 cancer genomic databases: the National Cancer Institute’s Genomic Data Commons, the AACR Project GENIE, and cBioPortal. We identified 13 studies suitable for inclusion, calculating incidence percentages across all racial and ethnic categories. Our analysis encompassed a total of 20,295 patients. Among the analyzed patients, the racial distribution was as follows: NHW (68.5%), Asians (5.30%), NHB (7.7%), Other (5.6%), NA (0.2%), Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian (0.07%), and not reported (12.7%). Ethnic data was missing for 24.1% (n=4,895) of the patients. Samples were predominantly from individuals identified as Not Hispanic (68.4%), while Hispanic individuals constituted 7.5%. Our results show significant underrepresentation of NHB, NA and Hispanic patients in CRC genomic databases highlighting a disparity between expected and actual representation. These findings underscore the critical need for inclusive research practices. Addressing these disparities in cancer genomics is imperative to develop equitable, effective treatments and improve health outcomes for all populations. Ensuring diverse representation in genomic databases will enhance the understanding of genetic differences across populations, inform targeted therapies, and ultimately contribute to reducing CRC disparities. By addressing these disparities, we can move towards a future where all populations benefit equally from advancements in CRC treatment and prevention, thus improving survival rates and quality of life for minority groups. Citation Format: Gabriela Arroyo Figueroa, Tim F. Greten, Cecilia Monge. Improving outcomes: Addressing racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer genomic research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A080.

Embracing the Jewess: Reading Gender and Ethnicity in Judith with the Belle Juive

Abstract In this article, I explore the intersections of gender and ethnic categories in the book of Judith. The entire book—titled after a character whose name means “Jewess”—is suffused with commentary on both Judith’s womanhood and her Jewish identity. Here, I focus on chapters 10, 11, 12, and 14 of the book, which contain the language of both gender and ethnicity. Judith’s Jewish identity is discussed in the same breath as her gender and beauty, presenting an opportunity to examine how the categories of womanhood and Jewishness are invoked and how they complicate one another. This article will use the figure of the belle Juive, or “beautiful Jewess,” to discuss how gender and Jewishness interact in Judith. I will discuss how the conversations between Judith and the Assyrians play with assumptions the Assyrians have about women and Jews, and how meeting Judith shapes the Assyrians’ ideas about the rest of her people. We can read this encounter as engineered by the character of Judith, with attention to the complicated dynamics of gender and national identity, to produce exactly the result she gets: an Assyrian army and general that unwittingly hands her the power to achieve her goal.

Body mass index changes and their association with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a real-world analysis.

To study body mass index (BMI) changes among individuals aged 18-99 years with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using real-world data from the OneFlorida+ Clinical Research Network of the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network, we compared changes over time in BMI in an Exposed cohort (positive SARS-CoV-2 test between March 2020-January 2022), to a contemporary Unexposed cohort (negative SARS-CoV-2 tests), and an age/sex-matched Historical control cohort (March 2018-January 2020). BMI (kg/m2) was retrieved from objective measures of height and weight in electronic health records. We used target trial approaches to estimate BMI at start of follow-up and change per 100 days of follow-up for Unexposed and Historical cohorts relative to the Exposed cohort by categories of sex, race & ethnicity, age, and hospitalization status. The study sample consisted of 249,743 participants (19.2% Exposed, 61.5% Unexposed, 19.3% Historical cohort) of whom 62% were women, 21.5% Non-Hispanic Black, 21.4% Hispanic and 5.6% Non-Hispanic other and had an average age of 51.9 years (SD: 18.9). At start of follow-up, relative to the Unexposed cohort (mean BMI: 29.3 kg/m2 [95% CI: 29.1, 29.4]), the Exposed (0.07 kg/m2 [95% CI; 0.01, 0.12]) had higher mean BMI and Historical controls (-0.20 kg/m2 [95% CI; -0.25, -0.15]) had lower mean BMI. Over 100 days, BMI did not change (0 kg/m2 [95% CI: -0.03, 0.03]) for the Exposed cohort, decreased (-0.04 kg/m2 [95% CI; -0.05, -0.02]) for the Unexposed cohort and increased (0.03 kg/m2 [95% CI; 0.01, 0.04]) for the Historical cohort. Observed differences in BMI at start of follow-up and over 100 days were consistent between Unexposed and Exposed cohorts for most subgroups, except at start of follow-up period among Males and those 65 years or older who had lower BMI among Exposed. In a diverse real-world cohort of adults, mean BMI of those with and without SARS-CoV2 infection varied in their trajectories. The mechanisms and implications of weight retention following SARS-CoV-2 infection remain unclear.

Skin tone discrimination and birth control avoidance among women in Harris County, Texas: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionStructural racism plays a major role in reproductive health inequities. Colorism, discrimination based on skin color, may profoundly impact reproductive health access and service delivery. However, quantitative research in this area is limited.MethodsWe administered an online survey of women (n = 1,299) aged 18–44 from Harris County, Texas to assess the relationship between skin color discrimination and reproductive health service avoidance. The survey included questions on demographics, self-reported skin tone, and dichotomous measures of previous discrimination experiences and avoidance of care because of perceived discrimination. Binary logistic regression was used to examine whether race/ethnicity, skin tone, and previous discrimination experiences were related to avoidance of contraceptive care because of perceived discrimination.ResultsApproximately one-third (31.5%) of the sample classified themselves as non-Hispanic Whites (31.5%), 22.4% as Black, 27.4% as Hispanic and born within the US, and 7.6% as Hispanic born outside of the US. Approximately one-third of women classified themselves in the lightest skin tones, whereas almost one in five women classified themselves in the darkest skin tone palates. Darker skin tones had increasingly greater odds of reporting that they avoided seeking birth control out of a concern for discrimination compared to the lightest skin tone. After adjusting for race/ethnicity and sociodemographic variables (model 3), darker skin tones remained significantly associated with avoiding birth control.DiscussionThis study demonstrates the role that skin color discrimination plays in negative reproductive health experiences. While this is not surprising given that those with racist ideologies developed the concept of these racial and ethnic categories, the apparent association with darker skin colors and avoidance of seeking birth control provides evidence that structural and individual racism continues to have far-reaching and insidious consequences.ConclusionContraception is recognized for reducing maternal mortality, improving child health, increasing female empowerment, and decreasing poverty. However, not all women equally enjoy the benefits of access to contraception. Addressing colorism within reproductive healthcare has become critically important as the nation becomes increasingly diverse. Focusing on skin tone-based discrimination and its roots in anti-blackness expands our understanding beyond a Black–White binary traditionally applied when addressing racism in healthcare delivery.