Expanding NIH ’s Definition of Socio-Economic Disadvantaged to be More Inclusive and Diversify the Workforce

An extensive literature demonstrates that socioeconomic status is one of the
strongest predictors of health, on par with typical
risk markers like smoking, physical inactivity, hypertension, and
diabetes.  An intriguing graphic shows life
expectancy according to stops on the London subway system – as described in a news story, “if you travel eastbound between Lancaster Gate and Mile
End – 20 minutes on the Central line – life expectancy decreases by 12
years.”  This association of strong links
between socioeconomic status and health is remarkably reproducible – including
on subway maps of the Washington DC area and in a study of Northeastern Ohio patients undergoing stress testing at the Cleveland Clinic.

This same pattern – low socioeconomic status
and poor outcome – applies to educational outcomes: if anything, the
differences are even more striking.  A study of 2002 high-school sophomores found that 10 years later, in 2012, 60% of those from a
high socioeconomic status received a bachelor’s degree compared to only 29% of
those from a middle socioeconomic status and 14% of those from a low
socioeconomic status.  These differences
are enormous – coming from a high socioeconomic status background doubles to
quadruples the likelihood of receiving a bachelor’s degree.  Furthermore, among students who do attend college, lower socioeconomic status predicts a much lower
likelihood of choosing a “STEM” major.  Even ...

Source: NIH Extramural Nexus - November 26, 2019 Category: Research Authors: Mike Lauer Tags: blog Open Mike Biomedical Workforce Diversity Source Type: funding