A connection between structural racism and poor health outcomes has been found using neighborhood-level data to link global and discrete indicators of structural racism to common chronic illnesses. The study by Mount Sinai researchers was published in JAMA Network Open.
Global indicators included a lower percentage of White individuals, lower economic and racial spatial advantage, and higher area deprivation. Discrete indicators included higher reported violent crime, evictions, poverty, unemployment, uninsurance, and child care density, plus lower election participation, income, and education.
The study, which supports a growing hypothesis across the healthcare industry, was conducted in collaboration with experts from Duke, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.
The team focused on Durham County, examining the prevalence of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension, and how these conditions align with various indicators of structural racism. This research underscores the importance of addressing structural racism as a key factor in health disparities.
See “Data Reveals How Health Outcomes Link to Structural Racism” by Sara Heathon the Patient Engagement website (January 5, 2024)
