J Natl Med Assoc
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The annual heart failure (HF) mortality rate in Africa is 34% according to the INTERHF study. This is twice the world average of 16.5% and 3.7 times that of South America, 9%. We review evidence-based explanations for the Hyper-mortality of HF, by comparison of North American, Caribbean, Afro-Brazilian with Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations profiles, and suggest amelioration. 1 year HF mortality rates in SSA ranged from 29% to 58%, and intra-hospital mortality rate from 8 to 26% (n = 8). ⋯ There was sub-optimal use of guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) and intracardiac device (ICD) unavailability. Gross Domestic Product -per purchasing power parity (GDP-PPP), which is low in SSA, was inversely correlated both to higher intra-hospital mortality rate % (r = -0.73, r 2 = 0.54 p = 0.038) and higher 1 year HF mortality rate % (r = -0.62, r 2 = 0.38, = 0.098). Localized primary prevention, early detection and prompt treatment of hypertension, diabetes, rheumatic fever, early cardiac valve repair and use of cardiovascular polypill, optimal use of GDMT, national health insurance scheme are advocated to stem the dismal mortality and cost burden of HF.
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To systematically review published research exploring workplace discrimination toward physicians of color with a focus on discrimination from patients. ⋯ With physicians of color comprising a growing percentage of the U.S. physician workforce, healthcare organizations must examine and implement effective ways to ensure a healthy and supportive work environment.
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Hypertension is responsible for about 12.8% of deaths around the world. Immigrants' risk of developing hypertension increases with length of residency. There is limited work on the role of social determinants of health and blood pressure control in immigrants. We created a theory-based conceptual model for immigrant-specific and general social determinants variables and their relationship to blood pressure. ⋯ One latent variable measuring need was significantly associated with BP in an immigrant sample. This suggests that interventions targeting burden of disease are likely to be effective in controlling blood pressure in immigrants.
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the US, and significant racial disparities exist in lung cancer outcomes. For example, Black men experience higher lung cancer incidence and mortality rates than their White counterparts. New screening recommendations for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) promote earlier detection of lung cancer in at-risk populations and can potentially help mitigate racial disparities in lung cancer mortality if administered equitably. Yet, little is known about the extent of racial differences in uptake of LDCT. ⋯ Collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and decision makers is needed to promote LDCT equity.
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Sickle cell disease (SCD), the most commonly inherited hemoglobinopathy in the United States, increases the likelihood of postoperative complications, resulting in higher costs and readmissions. We used a retrospective cohort study to explore SCD's influence on postoperative complications and readmissions after cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and hysterectomy. ⋯ Sickle cell disease patients are at high risk for poor outcomes based on their demographic characteristics. Therefore, perioperative physicians including hematologists, anesthesiologists, and surgeons need to take this knowledge into consideration for management and counselling of SCD patients on the risks of surgery and recovery.