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Racism and health and wellbeing among children and youth

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 113
Authors:
  • Priest N et al.
Summary:

A systematic review and meta-analysis has shown that racism is associated with negative physical health and biomarker outcomes relating to multiple physiological systems and biological processes in childhood and adolescence. A total of 42 studies focused on physical health or biomarker outcomes were identified from Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, and ERIC. Minimal to moderate positive associations were found between racism and C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, body mass index (BMI), obesity, systolic blood pressure, salivary cortisol, asthma, and somatic symptoms. Marginal positive associations were found between racism and tumour necrosis factor-α, cortisol collected via saliva, urine and hair, BMI-z score, and diastolic blood pressure. The study authors noted that collective and structural changes to eliminate racism and create a healthy and equitable future for all children and youth are urgently required.

Comment:
Important that we also consider these physiological effects of interpersonal racism within the context of institutionalised racism and intersectionality for our rangatahi.
Reference: Soc Sci Med. 2024;361:117324.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

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