Diversity and Health
Health care can increase longevity and the quality of life; yet people's access to that care—as well as the likelihood that they will become ill—is affected by social, cultural, economic, and geographic conditions. RAND Health research on the influence of such types of diversity on health focuses on differences in risk for particular conditions as well as differences in health care, including access, treatment, and outcomes. Our current studies on diversity and health are highlighted below.
Profiles of Current Research
Highlights of Recent Studies
The Societal Promise of Improving Care for Depression
This brief updates a longitudinal study of a real-world trial out to nearly a decade to determine whether diverse primary care clinics could implement practical programs for improving depression care and to assess whether such programs could reduce disparities in care for minorities.
Do Neighborhood Economic Conditions Influence the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables?
Results showed that neighborhood SES has a positive, statistically significant relationship with fruit and vegetable intake. Neighborhood differences accounted for virtually all disparities between Mexican Americans and whites and about half the gap in fruit and vegetable consumption between blacks and whites; they also had a greater effect on whites than on blacks or Mexican Americans.
Constrained Choice: Why Are Some Women and Men Able to Create and Maintain Healthy Lifestyles, While Others Are Not
A summary of a book providing a new way to think about gender and health, as well as insight into the factors that contribute to men’s and women’s opportunities to create a healthy lifestyle.
Immigrants and Health Care: A Complex Picture
Access to high-quality health care among immigrants to the United States differs according to socioeconomic and immigration status, English proficiency, and other factors. Efforts aimed at improving care for those with limited access need to focus on expanding insurance coverage and broader implementation of cultural and linguistic standards for providers.
The Public Spends Little to Provide Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants
Foreign-born U.S. residents, including undocumented immigrants, account for less health care spending per capita than do native born residents. The primary reason is less care utilization, which is attributable, at least in part, to better health.
Related Web Sites
Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems
http://www.rand.org/health/surveys_tools/cahps/
HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS)
RAND Center for Population Health and Health Disparities
RAND Drug Policy Research Center
UCLA/RAND Center for Adolescent Health Promotion
Working with Congress
RAND's Washington Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) furthers RAND's mission to provide objective analysis and effective solutions by disseminating research results to Congress and federal agencies. The OCR publishes a monthly electronic newsletter featuring current work on health policy. Contact: Shirley Ruhe (Shirley_Ruhe@rand.org) or Kristy Anderson (kristy@rand.org).
The RAND Health Congressional Newsletter
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