The publication of research on the health impact of structural racism led by the National Institutes of Health comes at a time when the political landscape is challenging the value of such work. Despite facing obstacles, the study, which aims to quantify the effects of structural racism on cardiovascular disease in the United States, is finally seeing the light of day.
The project began several years ago when there was a strong willingness to engage in conversations about structural racism. However, it is now being released into a different environment where the Trump administration has been critical of research related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This has put the authors, some of whom are NIH scientists, in a difficult position as the director of the institution has dismissed research on structural racism as “ideological” and “unscientific.”
The paper, published in JAMA Health Forum, delves into the impact of structural racism on health outcomes by analyzing neighborhoods based on census tracts. The researchers found that areas with higher levels of structural racism exhibited elevated rates of conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. This highlights the pervasive influence of structural racism on community health, irrespective of individuals’ race.
Quantifying structural racism has been a challenge due to the complex interplay of factors involved. The study utilizes indirect measures to assess its impact, although there may be more effective alternatives according to experts in the field. Despite the limitations, the importance of this research cannot be understated, especially in a time when health disparities research is facing scrutiny and funding challenges.
The authors stress the significance of continuing this work, emphasizing that studying structural racism is not a political agenda but a crucial step towards protecting lives and promoting health equity. The paper concludes with a disclaimer acknowledging that the views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NIH or the US Department of Health and Human Services.
In a climate where scientific research is under attack, the authors remain committed to their work, citing the need to address the truth about the impact of structural racism on health outcomes. By shedding light on this issue, they hope to contribute to the improvement of communities and the advancement of health equity beyond mere rhetoric.
STAT’s coverage of health inequities is made possible by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund, with financial supporters not influencing editorial decisions. The study serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing structural racism in healthcare and the ongoing efforts to combat disparities in health outcomes.
