Recommendations for advancing opportunities to increase physical activity in racial/ethnic minority communities

2009 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 292-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melicia C. Whitt-Glover ◽  
Carlos J. Crespo ◽  
Jennie Joe
Author(s):  
Ruban Dhaliwal ◽  
Rocio I Pereira ◽  
Alicia M Diaz-Thomas ◽  
Camille E Powe ◽  
Licy L Yanes Cardozo ◽  
...  

Abstract The Endocrine Society recognizes racism as a root cause of the health disparities that affect racial/ethnic minority communities in the United States and throughout the world. In this policy perspective, we review the sources and impact of racism on endocrine health disparities and propose interventions aimed at promoting an equitable, diverse, and just healthcare system. Racism in the healthcare system perpetuates health disparities through unequal access and quality of health services, inadequate representation of health professionals from racial/ethnic minority groups, and the propagation of the erroneous belief that socially constructed racial/ethnic groups constitute genetically and biologically distinct populations. Unequal care, particularly for common endocrine diseases such as diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and thyroid disease, results in high morbidity and mortality for individuals from racial/ethnic minority groups, leading to a high socioeconomic burden on minority communities and all members of our society. As health professionals, researchers, educators, and leaders, we have a responsibility to take action to eradicate racism from the healthcare system. Achieving this goal would result in high-quality health care services that are accessible to all, diverse workforces that are representative of the communities we serve, inclusive and equitable workplaces and educational settings that foster collaborative teamwork, and research systems that ensure that scientific advancements benefit all members of our society. The Endocrine Society will continue to prioritize and invest resources in a multifaceted approach to eradicate racism, focused on educating and engaging current and future health professionals, teachers, researchers, policy makers, and leaders.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 325-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toben F. Nelson ◽  
Richard F. MacLehose ◽  
Cynthia Davey ◽  
Peter Rode ◽  
Marilyn S. Nanney

Background: Two Healthy People 2020 goals are to increase physical activity (PA) and to reduce disparities in PA. We explored whether PA at the school level changed over time in Minnesota schools and whether differences existed by demographic and socioeconomic factors. Methods: We examine self-reported PA (n = 276,089 students; N = 276 schools) for 2001–2010 from the Minnesota Student Survey linked to school demographic data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Rural–Urban Commuting Area Codes. We conducted analyses at the school level using multivariable linear regression with cluster-robust recommendation errors. Results: Overall, students who met PA recommendations increased from 59.8% in 2001 to 66.3% in 2010 (P < .001). Large gains in PA occurred at schools with fewer racial/ethnic minority students (0%–60.1% in 2001 to 67.5% in 2010, P < .001), whereas gains in PA were comparatively small at schools with a high proportion of racial/ethnic minority students in 2001 (30%–59.2% in 2001 to 62.7% in 2010). Conclusions: We found increasing inequalities in school-level PA by racial/ethnic characteristics of their schools and communities among secondary school students. Future research should monitor patterns of PA over time and explore mechanisms for patterns of inequality.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 137-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa G. Rosas ◽  
Catherine Nasrallah ◽  
Van Ta Park ◽  
Jan J. Vasquez ◽  
Ysabel Duron ◽  
...  

 Background: In order for precision health to address health disparities, engagement of diverse racial/ethnic minority communi­ties and the physicians that serve them is critical.Methods: A community-based participatory research approach with mixed methods was employed to gain a deeper understanding of precision health research and practice among American Indian, African American, Latino, Chinese, and Vietnamese groups and physicians that serve these communi­ties. A survey assessed demographics and opinions of precision health, genetic testing, and precision health research. Focus groups (n=12) with each racial/ethnic minority group and physicians further explored at­titudes about these topics.Results: One hundred community mem­bers (American Indian [n=17], African American [n=13], Chinese [n=17], Latino [n=27], and Vietnamese [n=26]) and 14 physicians completed the survey and participated in the focus groups. Familiarity with precision health was low among com­munity members and high among physi­cians. Most groups were enthusiastic about the approach, especially if it considered influences on health in addition to genes (eg, environmental, behavioral, social fac­tors). Significant concerns were expressed by African American and American Indian participants about precision health practice and research based on past abuses in bio­medical research. In addition, physician and community members shared concerns such as security and confidentiality of genetic information, cost and affordability of genetic tests and precision medicine, discrimina­tion and disparities, distrust of medical and research and pharmaceutical institutions, language barriers, and physician’s specialty.Conclusions: Engagement of racial/ethnic minority communities and the providers who serve them is important for advancing a precision health approach to addressing health disparities.Ethn Dis. 2020;30(Suppl 1):137-148; doi:10.18865/ed.30.S1.137


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
DeeDee M. Bennett, PhD

Women and racial/ethnic minorities have long been underrepresented in the field of emergency management. This is true for both practice and research. The lack of women and racial/ethnic minorities in the profession and their perceived absence in research or scholarly study may have impacts on the effectiveness of response and recovery efforts as well as the broader scientific knowledge within the field. Historically, women and racial/ethnic minority communities have disproportionately experienced negative impacts following disasters. Earlier related studies have pointed to the underrepresentation as a contributing factor in community vulnerability. The scarcity of women in practice and as students in this field has been particularly evident in the United States. Using data from a recent survey of emergency management programs nationwide, this article reviews the concerns in research with regards to women and ethnic minority communities during disasters, efforts to increase representation of these groups in the field, and discusses the implications for practice, policy, and future research. The findings show that women have a strong presence in emergency management programs nationwide, and while specific data on racial and ethnic minorities are lacking, the observed increases reported in this article encourages further study.


Author(s):  
Antronette (Toni) Yancey ◽  
Beth A. Glenn ◽  
Chandra L. Ford ◽  
LaShawnta Bell-Lewis

The evidence base on dissemination and implementation of interventions for racial/ethnic minority communities is expanding rapidly. Although the strength of the evidence varies depending on the health outcome, some general trends are apparent. Key lessons include that cultural appropriateness enhances community “buy-in” of interventions. Interventions that reflect a community’s cultural values and that are implemented in ubiquitous settings are also associated with success. Efforts that account for place characteristics (e.g., neighborhood geography, intervention setting) can also improve the uptake of interventions. In conclusion, the importance of inclusivity and equity in public health efforts to prevent and control disease is paramount. The best way to achieve social justice and improve the health of the entire population is to ensure that the strategies most effective in preventing disease are disseminated within the populations at greatest risk.


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