Kids of Color Get Worse Health Care Across the Board in the U.S., Research Finds

Children of color in the U.S. face significant healthcare disparities, according to a study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. The research, reviewing various pediatric specialties, reveals widespread inequities. Kids of color experience longer wait times in emergency rooms, are less likely to receive diagnostic imaging, and face higher complications post-surgery.

The most striking disparity is in pain management, where they are less likely to be prescribed painkillers for conditions like broken bones or appendicitis. Dr. Monique Jindal, an author of the review, emphasizes the severity of these examples, and researchers note that the disparities persist even among insured children. Read more from NPR here.