Home > Review Articles > Racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular medication use among older adults in the United States

Racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular medication use among older adults in the United States

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 30
Authors:
  • Qato DM et al
Summary:

This US-based investigation surveyed racial and ethnic disparities in the use of statins and aspirin among 3005 older community-dwelling adults (aged 57–85 years) at low (n=812), moderate (n=977), and high risk (n=1066) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) between June 2005 and March 2006. The paper reports the highest rates of use among respondents at high cardiovascular risk. Racial differences were highest among respondents at high risk, with Blacks less likely than Whites to use statins (38% vs 50%) and aspirin (29% vs 44%). Racial/ethnic disparities persisted after controlling for confounding factors.

Comment:
Importantly, although the authors talk about disparities in ‘participant use of medication’, on closer reading of the paper it appears that the researchers looked at ‘presence of medication’ in the home. This suggests that disparities in ‘adults use’ are in fact due to lower rates in ‘prescriptions’ for African Americans with high CVD risk. The fact that disparities increased with CVD risk is also alarming. Strategies to consider in our own practice may include clinical audits (to monitor prescribing practice) and health literacy interventions that empower patients/whānau.
Reference: Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2010;19(8):834-42.
Abstract
Download Article
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.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Related Articles

View All Reviews

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

Reviews

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Stay on this site
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
New Zealand
Australia
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.