Health Equity studies

We conduct a broad range of research in racial and ethnic health equity to help ensure equal and better care for our members. Studies have focused on learning the sources of disparities in health outcomes, assessing inequities in cancer screening, treatment, and outcomes, and assessing leadership efforts to improve care and services for patients with diverse backgrounds and language needs.

Improving Blood Pressure and Treatment Strategies in Young Adults

About 20% of US young adults have high blood pressure (BP), however, the optimal BP screening and treatment strategies in young adults are unknown. Many young adults are not aware of their high BP, and are not recommended for BP lowering medication, partly due to the lack of evidence. The overall goal of this study is to determine the optimal BP screening intervals and identify subgroups of young adults with high cardiovascular risk who may benefit most from BP lowering medications.

Principal Investigator:

Jaejin An, PhD

Funding Source:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Funding Years:

2021 - 2026

Optimize Risk Assessment for Incident and Recurrent Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

The current US atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk prediction tools are limited by failing to include data on social determinants of health (SDOH) and important US ethnic groups. The overall goal of this project is to improve ASCVD risk assessment for both primary and secondary prevention by drawing from more contemporary data sources. Results of this study will improve lipid-lowering therapy use and may reduce health inequities.

Principal Investigator:

Jaejin An, PhD

Funding Source:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Funding Years:

2021 - 2026