Research led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has established a link between structural racism and increased rates of cardiovascular disease across the United States. Published on October 20, 2023, this study arrives amid a challenging political landscape that questions the legitimacy of such research.
The research, initiated several years ago, reflects a growing eagerness to explore the health implications of structural racism, according to Zachary Dyer, a family medicine physician and co-author of the study. However, the current political climate has shifted dramatically since its inception, particularly under the Trump administration, which has criticized work related to “diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
The study analyzed census tracts, employing a measure of structural racism developed by Dyer. It assessed factors such as education, employment, housing, and poverty, revealing that neighborhoods with higher levels of structural racism correspond to elevated rates of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. “People living in these neighborhoods, irrespective of their race, face worse health outcomes,” Dyer explained.
The publication of this paper in the JAMA Health Forum has sparked debate, particularly as the NIH has faced criticism for discrediting research on structural racism as “ideological” and “unscientific.” The ongoing government shutdown complicates communication efforts, with NIH officials unable to facilitate interviews with the authors due to litigation surrounding terminated grants related to DEI.
Impact of Structural Racism on Public Health
The implications of this research are significant. Charles Rogers, director of the Men’s Health Inequities Research Lab and another co-author, highlighted the broader context of political interference in public health. He stated, “The timing is especially troubling. Our study exposes how structural racism harms heart health, yet the very institutions meant to prevent and respond to those harms are being weakened.”
The study’s findings suggest that addressing structural racism is vital for developing effective health equity-focused interventions. This perspective aligns with a growing recognition that public health cannot be divorced from social determinants like racism.
Despite the challenges, external researchers affirm the importance of this study. Zinzi Bailey, a social epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, emphasized the need to persist in researching structural racism. “While there may not be a single perfect paper, that does not diminish the necessity of studying this issue,” she noted.
Quantifying structural racism has proven difficult due to the complex interplay of various factors, as highlighted by Lance Waller, a biostatistician at Emory University. He pointed out that unlike air pollution, there is no straightforward method to monitor racism, complicating data collection and analysis.
Continuing the Conversation on Health Disparities
The authors included a disclaimer in their paper stating that the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the NIH or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This reflects the delicate balance researchers must maintain in a politically charged environment.
Despite the challenges posed by the current political climate, the authors remain committed to advancing this critical work. “Dismissing this research as unscientific ignores the lived experiences of millions,” Rogers asserted. “The data is clear: neighborhoods with higher levels of structural racism experience worsened cardiovascular health. Ignoring this truth only deepens the harm.”
The ongoing discussion surrounding structural racism and its health impacts is crucial in the quest for health equity. As researchers navigate the complexities of this work, they advocate for continued investment and commitment to understanding the interplay between social structures and health outcomes.
The NIH’s lack of response to questions regarding the paper’s findings underscores the ongoing tension between scientific inquiry and political oversight. Yet, the authors express a firm belief in the necessity of their research, emphasizing that studying structural racism transcends political agendas and is fundamentally about protecting lives and fostering healthier communities.
The insights from this study serve as a reminder of the critical need for ongoing dialogue and research in addressing health disparities in a rapidly evolving societal landscape.
