Gender and Racial Health Disparities

In recent years, life expectancy and overall health have improved for most Americans.  However, not all Americans are benefiting equally.  Access to health care, and as a result, quality of health is often associated with an individual’s economic status, race and gender.  Many racial and ethnic minorities in the United States are experiencing poorer health status. (1)

Current knowledge about the biological and genetic characteristics of minority populations does not explain the level of disparities.  There are many thoughts about what the causes are behind these disparities; it is likely that it is a complex mix of genetic causes, environmental factors and specific health behaviors, but we need more information.

Current knowledge and interventions are based upon clinical research that had a majority white male involvement.  It has been thought that these results could be generalized to women and people of color; however, the level of disparity in healthcare shows that this is untrue.  Until there is good minority participation in research, we will not be able to close the disparity gap.  Research that represents the current diverse population will lead to better understanding, better targeted medication and, ultimately, better health for all.

(1) Source: www.cdc.gov/omh/AMH/AMH.htm

Minorities in Research:  A success story. (2) Source: Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention Vol.15 October 2006

V. Wendy Setiawan, Ph.D., from the University of Southern California recently completed research looking at variations of post-menopausal hormone levels in various ethnic groups. 

It has long been known that native Hawaiians have higher breast cancer rates (65% increased risk) compared to Caucasian women and that hormone levels may play a role.  This study looked at the levels of various hormones (including estrogen and testosterone) of African-American, Native Hawaiian, Japanese American, Latina and Caucasian women and found that the risk of breast cancer seems to be associated with differences in hormone levels.

Although this study does not provide definitive answers, it is helping to provide knowledge and opens the door for more research to help provide the best health care for all ethnicities.  This kind of research can only be completed if there is good minority participation.