Understanding the Biological Mechanisms Underlying the Health Consequences of Racism, Marginalization, and Discrimination

The marginalization of groups based on socially constructed categories of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and other identities produces biological consequences that contribute to health disparities in a variety of diseases and conditions, including many under the purview of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). For example, substantial racial and ethnic disparities exist in obesity, diabetes, and end-stage kidney disease. Racism, marginalization, and discrimination (RMD) is embedded into the structure of American society, which increases exposure to adverse social determinants of health — or social risks — for marginalized populations. These social risks are known to affect health outcomes by constraining or modifying health-related behaviors (e.g., diet, physical activity, smoking). However, experiences with RMD — as well as exposure to social risk — may also directly alter biology by triggering stress pathways and modifying biological homeostasis.Meeting ObjectivesResearch questions to be addressed in the workshop include:What are the direct biological mechanisms and pathways underlying the relationship between RMD, social risks, and NIDDK diseases/conditions? How do these biological mechanisms interact with social and behavioral drivers of disease? Specific biological mechanisms, pathways, and systems of potential interest for this workshop include, but are not limited to, weathering, stress, allostatic load...
Source: Videocast - All Events - Category: General Medicine Tags: Upcoming Events Source Type: video