J Natl Med Assoc
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Editorial Historical Article
National Medical Association Celebrates the 125th Anniversary: Much Done, But Lots More to Do.
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Health Disparities and Constipation Management among Pediatric Patients in the Emergency Department.
Constipation is a common cause of abdominal pain in children. Prior studies have demonstrated that nearly half of the children with constipation receive enemas; however, studies regarding constipation management based on race and ethnicity have not been pursued. The goal of this investigation is to determine if demographic disparities namely, race and ethnicity and insurance status affect emergency department (ED) management of constipation and prescription of enema. ⋯ Racial and health disparities do not appear to impact a physician's decision on giving an enema to children with constipation presenting to the ED.
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Little research has characterized racial differences in firearm homicide at the city level. In this study, we explicitly model trends from 2000 to 2017 in the gap in homicide rates between the Black and White populations of 275 U.S. cities. ⋯ Reducing racial disparities in firearm homicide may require programs and policies that specifically address the adverse consequences of racial segregation.
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Editorial Review
Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines for African American Veterans: A New Perspective.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer, other than skin cancers, in American men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. In 2012, the US Preventative Task Force recommended against the prostate specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer, regardless of race or age, due to overtreatment of low-risk disease and lack of impact on disease outcomes. In African-American men, however, the incidence of prostate cancer is almost 60% higher and the mortality rate is two- to three-times greater than that of Caucasian men. In the subpopulation of African-American veterans, many have been exposed to chemicals that increase incidence of high-risk prostate cancer. The yearly total number of veterans with prostate cancer based on quantification is 3471.9, and the total number of annual prostate cancer deaths is 556. Considering these facts, we examine whether or not it is appropriate to screen African-American veteran males for prostate cancer. Previously, we reviewed data on African-Americans in the general population. We concluded that new guidelines needed to be implemented for screening African-Americans. Here we review the pertinent issues related to African-American veterans. ⋯ After reviewing and summarizing the literature, we contend that a need exists to develop and implement more targeted prostate cancer screening guidelines for African-American veterans.