Hargreaves, S., Rustage, K., Nellums, L. B., McAlpine, A., Pocock, N., Devakumar, D., Aldridge, R. W., Abubakar, I., Kristensen, K. L., Himmels, J. W., Friedland, J. S., & Zimmerman, C. (2019). Occupational Health Outcomes Among International Migrant Workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Global Health, 7(7). https://doi.org/10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30204-9
Summary:
The occupational health consequences for international migrant workers are examined through a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature in the article. The aim is to comprehend the health inequalities experienced by migrant workers through this study. It gives an overview of their occupational health outcomes also. Data compiled from previous studies are synthesized in the research through a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology.
Identifying the health discrepancies encountered by overseas workers is the main emphasis of this article. Dissimilar workplaces manifest these inequalities. Various health outcomes, including infectious and non-communicable diseases and mental health issues, are analyzed by these authors. The migrant worker population experiences these health outcomes. The observations stress substantial discrepancies in health results. In comparison to the general population, poor health risks are higher for migrant workers. Working conditions, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic factors are among the social determinants of health that the article discusses. The health outcomes of migrant workers are dependent on these factors.
Assessment:
The Lancet Global Health, a credible scientific journal, published the article, ensuring its reliability. By following a systematic review and meta-analysis approach, the study proceeds. A comprehensive scrutiny of existing literature on the topic can be accomplished. Their findings are effectively objective due to the authors’ provision of a transparent and clear methodology.
The article acknowledges limitations such as publication bias and heterogeneity among included studies. Nevertheless, these restrictions are tackled through suitable statistical evaluations and sensitivity examinations. Its rigorous methodology makes the study strong. The extensive review spans many health outcomes.
Healthcare access and outcomes among different social groups with health disparities are the main focus of this article’s content. The significance of addressing these differences to attain adequate healthcare for everyone is emphasized. Internationally migrating workers face health challenges that can be understood better through the lessons provided. Marginalized and vulnerable social groups are where they often belong. Targeted interventions and policies are required to address the differences; this highlights the findings. This intervention will enhance migrant workers’ occupational health outcomes.
Reflection:
Reading this article greatly improved my understanding of health gaps among diverse social groups. International migrant workers face unique challenges when accessing healthcare, as they often experience multiple barriers and have poorer health outcomes than the general population. This is highlighted in this statement. The findings’ credibility is boosted by utilizing a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology in the study.
Muñoz-Price, L. S., Nattinger, A. B., Rivera, F., Hanson, R., Gmehlin, C. G., Perez, A., Singh, S., Buchan, B. W., Ledeboer, N. A., & Pezzin, L. E. (2020). Racial disparities in incidence and outcomes among patients with covid-19. JAMA Network Open, 3(9). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.21892
Summary:
This article investigates how race impacts COVID-19 incidence and its consequences for patients. The author’s objective is to examine if there are variations in the COVID-19 incidence, hospitalization, and mortality rates within different racial and ethnic populations. The research utilizes a design of a retrospective cohort. Within Wisconsin’s healthcare system, electronic health records are analyzed. Data was collected from patients who took the COVID-19 test between February 5 and June 30, 2020. The incidence of COVID-19, hospitalization rates, and mortality rates are the primary outcome measures being investigated among different racial and ethnic groups. BASED ON THE STUDY RESULTS, the COVID-19 incidence, hospitalization, and mortality rates display significant variances according to race. As indicated by the study, these disparities are contributed by socioeconomic factors such as income and insurance status.
Assessment:
The article’s information seems trustworthy since it was published in JAMA Network Open. A highly regarded medical journal exists. Electronic health record analysis from a large healthcare system is part of the authors’ methodology. The findings become more generalizable due to this. The study follows an unbiased approach, and it presents the results straightforwardly.
Nevertheless, it is significant to highlight that the research has specific restrictions. The data is restricted to a specific location and might not entirely depict the complete populace. The study doesn’t examine potential underlying factors that contribute to disparities like healthcare access, discrimination or structural inequities. Also, no comprehensive analysis was made in the study about how comorbidities or other demographic factors may influence the outcomes.
Reflection:
This article effectively discusses the issue of healthcare inequities for different social groups in terms of access and outcomes. Minority communities face an unequal burden, highlighted by the empirical evidence of racial disparities in COVID-19. Healthcare disparities arising from systemic factors can be argued with evidence from the findings of this study. These inequalities demand targeted interventions to be resolved.
Wang, Q., Berger, N. A., & Xu, R. (2021). Analyses of risk, racial disparity, and outcomes among US patients with cancer and COVID-19 infection. JAMA Oncology, 7(2), 220. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.6178
Summary:
In 2019, Sawin et al. analyzed the effects of COVID-19 on cancer patients in the United States. The study primarily examines the differences in healthcare access and outcomes across different racial groups. This article uses a retrospective cohort study as its core research methodology.
The fundamental objective of this article is to investigate the risk components corresponding to COVID-19 contagion in those affected by cancer. The article aims to analyze how patients from different racial backgrounds have unequal access to healthcare and different health outcomes. The authors aim to offer an understanding of the unequal struggles encountered by specific racial and ethnic communities when battling cancer. They also intend to offer information on the unequal challenges experienced by particular ethnic and racial groups during the COVID-19 period.
A large national database was used in the study, which included COVID-19-diagnosed cancer patients. Examining different risk factors such as age, sex, and race based on cancer type and additional health conditions were included. The different racial groups were examined, and their hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality rates were the primary outcomes.
The study suggests significant disparities in race among cancer patients with COVID-19. A higher COVID-19 infection risk was observed in African American and Hispanic patients than in White patients. Also, compared to white patients, African American counterparts were more likely to be hospitalized, requiring ICU admission or dying. After considering various confounding factors, these disparities were still observed.
Assessment:
Health disparities are a critical topic, and this article brings valuable insight into how access to healthcare and outcomes differ among various social groups. It concentrates on addressing the racial discrepancies concerning healthcare access and consequences for patients affected by cancer and COVID-19. This study’s discoveries add to the current collection of literature regarding health disparities. Addressing the unequal burden faced by racial and ethnic minorities in accessing quality healthcare is urgently needed, as highlighted by these issues.
A pandemic context does not eliminate racial disparities, as the article supports the argument. This worsens the current healthcare disparities. Certain racial and ethnic groups, like African American and Hispanic patients, encounter higher risks and worse outcomes regarding cancer and COVID-19. These communities necessitate targeted interventions and support. This information can support essential advocacy for targeted interventions and policies to reduce these disparities. Healthcare services will be distributed equally among everyone.
Reflection:
By reading this article, my knowledge of healthcare access and outcomes concerning various social groups has notably improved. The complex dynamic between race, cancer, and COVID-19 is accentuated. Addressing these disparities requires a comprehensive approach. Implementing strategies to enhance healthcare access, remove barriers, and ensure that every patient has equal outcomes is crucial. Race or ethnicity should not play a role.
References
Hargreaves, S., Rustage, K., Nellums, L. B., McAlpine, A., Pocock, N., Devakumar, D., Aldridge, R. W., Abubakar, I., Kristensen, K. L., Himmels, J. W., Friedland, J. S., & Zimmerman, C. (2019). Occupational Health Outcomes Among International Migrant Workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Global Health, 7(7). https://doi.org/10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30204-9
Muñoz-Price, L. S., Nattinger, A. B., Rivera, F., Hanson, R., Gmehlin, C. G., Perez, A., Singh, S., Buchan, B. W., Ledeboer, N. A., & Pezzin, L. E. (2020). Racial disparities in incidence and outcomes among patients with covid-19. JAMA Network Open, 3(9). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.21892
Wang, Q., Berger, N. A., & Xu, R. (2021). Analyses of risk, racial disparity, and outcomes among US patients with cancer and COVID-19 infection. JAMA Oncology, 7(2), 220. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.6178
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