The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs conducted an analysis of 3.1 million patients and found black patients fare much than whites when they receive the same quality of care, according to Los Angeles Times.
Here are five notes:
1. The findings indicated the adjusted mortality rate of black patients was 24 percent less than that of white patients over a nine-year period.
2. Researchers projected the patients would fare the same if they had the same quality of care. The results indicate blacks may have genetic or other biological advantages over whites that make them healthier. Societal factors often nullify these advantages.
3. In the study, white men were 37 percent more likely to develop heart disease than black men and women. The researchers did not find a racial difference in the rate of strokes.
4. Researchers conducted a comparable analysis using six years of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found the adjusted death rate was 42 percent higher for blacks than for whites.
5. The VA offers open-access to healthcare for all veterans who qualify. However, racial differences may determine how treatment is provided.
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