We all know by now that black women suffer a disproportionate number of illnesses and health problems. But we are routinely excluded from important research that could help us derive answers and work toward solutions.
Nearly 30 years ago, researchers at Boston University decided to address that research gap by launching the Black Women’s Health Study, which followed a cohort of 59,000 women. Researchers spent 28 years asking Black women across the country about everything from their health to their experiences with interpersonal and systemic racism.
Perhaps the most illuminating part of this study concerns the role of racism in medical outcomes. Over the past 28 years, researchers have been able to link racial discrimination against black women to an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, accelerated aging, asthma, and heart disease.
Another major health care determinant that researchers attribute to structural racism is zip code. Researchers found that access to parks, grocery stores, and high levels of air pollution affected the health of Black women regardless of income level.
“We now understand how neighborhood environment and social structure, rather than genes, determine health outcomes.” Study co-lead Yvette Cosier said in a recent report from the university.
“Structural racism affects where people live, how they exercise, the food they eat, and the resources they have access to.” said Julie Palmer, co-founder of the study. “Twenty years ago, we didn’t have a name for it, but we’ve always been aware of the health effects and are looking into how these racial experiences uniquely impact Black women. I continue to do so.”
