J Natl Med Assoc
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There has been increased focus on health disparities and how to address them (Baciu et al., 2017; National Institutes of Health, 2021; Williams et al., 2021). Greater integration of social determinants of health (SDoH) education into undergraduate medical education has been identified as one possible intervention (Mangold et al., 2019; Doobay-Persaud et al., 2019; Lewis et al., 2020). The Liaison Committee on Medical Education places this education among its accreditation requirements (Mangold et al., 2019); however, no consensus exists on the most effective programming for training culturally competent physicians. ⋯ In 2020, the program was expanded and integrated into the broader curriculum. Here, we present WUMP, an example of one approach to SDoH training for medical students that was grounded in the local political and social context of St. Louis and prepared students to learn, train, and practice within that context.
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A growing number of ethnic minority populations in the United States are from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, specifically Lebanon. This region is witnessing one of the highest expected increases in diabetes prevalence. However, limited data exists on how social determinants of health impact clinical care for diabetes in this population. The aim of this study was to assess the social determinants of health and their impact on clinical outcomes in Lebanese adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). ⋯ This is the first study to examine the relationship between social determinants of health and clinical outcomes for diabetes in the MENA region. Our findings suggest that living in an underprivileged neighborhood and built environment was significantly and independently associated with poor clinical outcomes among adults with T2DM in Lebanon. Findings from this study will inform care for immigrant populations with diabetes from the MENA region.
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The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic has revealed multiple structural inequities within the United States (US), with high social vulnerability index communities shouldering the brunt of death and disability of this pandemic. BIPOC/Latinx people have undergone hospitalizations and death at magnitudes greater than White people in the US. The untold second casualties are health care workers that are suffering from increased risk of infection, death, and mental health crisis. ⋯ This opportunity for local, inclusive decision making and problem solving will both reflect the needs and give agency to community members while supporting the dismantling of structural racism and oppressive, exclusive policies. The authors are asking legislative and health system policy makers to adopt Restorative Justice practices for Crisis Standards of Care development. The US cannot afford to have additional reductions in inhabitant lifespan or the talent pool within healthcare.
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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa. It is a common infectious agent in children. In this study, we aim to evaluate the demographic data, and the clinical and histopathological findings of pediatric patients that underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGSE) in our clinic. ⋯ Nodular antral gastritis is caused by chronic H. pylori infection. It is predicted that early detection of H. pylori infection in children is important and may decrease complications later in life. Our study shows that all the markers evaluated are very good predictors of H. pylori infection. Positive significant association was found between the prevalence of H. pylori infection and nodular antral gastritis.
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In the United States (US), dermatology remains one of the least diverse specialties in medicine. Increasing the diversity of the dermatology workforce is essential for reducing health disparities. ⋯ A holistic review of dermatology applicants by residency programs may reduce racial/ethnic disparities in the admission process. Our data provide further evidence in support of pre-medical outreach programs, mentorship, and institutional funding to promote diversity in dermatology.