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Racial Disparities and Health Equity Resource Center

There are many types of health disparities – the differences in overall health and access to health care experienced among various population groups. These disparities may be affected by racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic or other factors, which often overlap. This Resource Center focuses on health disparities specific to allergy/immunology based on racial factors and inequities. It presents relevant information, data, education and other resources to help health care providers close gaps and reduce disparities in the quality of care for allergy/immunology patients.

Originally posted Dec. 9, 2020; most recently updated May 3, 2024.

Statement on race disparities in asthma

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology decries racial injustice wherever it is found. As physicians and healers, we know that racial disparities affect many aspects of life – often in the healthcare arena. We recognize that racism is a destructive force in our country, and we condemn it wherever it exists.

Proceedings of a Roundtable on Racial Disparities in Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergies are more prevalent and more severe in people with skin of color than White individuals. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) sought to understand the effects of racial disparities among patients with skin of color with AD and food allergies.

People of Color More Likely to Have Food Allergies Than White People, Study Finds

A study found that minorities are more likely to experience food allergies than white people.

Additionally, allergies were less prevalent among higher socioeconomic groups.

Experts note that while this research is important in highlighting certain health disparities, more research is needed, particularly among subpopulations of larger demographics.

From Annals

Explore research and perspectives from the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology about racial disparities in asthma and allergic diseases.

Effects of Extreme Weather on Health in Underserved Communities (April 20, 2024)
Sociodemographic factors linked to food allergy diagnosis among high-risk children with atopic dermatitis (April 19, 2024)
The value of proactive management of food allergy (March 2024)
Letter: Lack of health disparities during implementation of hospital-initiated care bundle among hospitalized adults with asthma (December 25, 2023)
Editorial: Opportunities to monitor disparities in asthma and other respiratory diseases using public health data (December 2023)
Asthma heterogeneity among Asian American children: The California Health Interview Survey (November 8, 2023)
Abrocitinib efficacy and safety in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis by race, ethnicity, and Fizpatrick skin type (November 8, 2023)
Black Children with Eczema and Possible Food Allergy are less likely to Undergo Objective Testing (November 2023)
Underrepresentation of Racial/Ethnic Minorities in U.S. Food Allergy Clinical Trials: A Call to Action (November 2023)
Healthcare Disparities Investigated in an Innovative Multicenter General Pediatric Directed Pathway to Remove Penicillin Allergies (November 2023)
Factors Related to Food Allergy in Asian American Children (November 2023)
Racial Disparities in Allergic Disease in an Urban Pediatric Population (November 2023)
Language Barriers are Associated with the Underdiagnosis of Allergy and Immunology Conditions in Children (November 2023)
Asthma and Atopic Dermatitis-Related Outcomes in Urban Children (November 2023)

See More Articles from Annals

Disparities in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps Miniseries

This three-part miniseries for the AllergyTalk podcast covers the CRSwNP subtypes, reviews the evidence of disparities, discusses the reasons for the disparities, how CRSwNP is affected by air pollution and environment, how this affects minority and underserved populations, and access to treatment disparities for nasal polyposis in minority and underserved populations.

Addressing diversity and reducing A/I heath care disparities

A word from ACAAI past president Luz Fonacier:

Addressing diversity and reducing health care disparities in allergy/immunology is one of my priority issues, and I hope that the work the College accomplishes during this year will carry on far into the future.

PIDD Podcast Miniseries

This three-part miniseries for the AllergyTalk podcasts covers the underdiagnosis of Primary Immunodeficiencies Disorder (PIDD) in underserved/minority populations; addressing the barriers to diagnosis; and barriers to immune globulin and transplantation and offers solutions.

Webinar: Moving Towards Equity: Disparities in Food Allergy

In this webinar, our experts address moving the needle towards equitable allergy and asthma care for all patients and practitioners, in all communities – particularly communities of color.

Disparities in Food Allergy – Racial, Ethnic and Socioeconomic Considerations

In this webinar, our experts address clinical care, community action and health policy to benefit minorities with asthma.

New Website Spotlights Unique Differences of Eczema in People of Color

In a mutual commitment to address disparities in treating eczema in skin of color, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the Allergy and Asthma Network have partnered to create EczemaInSkinofColor.org, a campaign to aid physicians and patients in recognizing eczema in people with all skin types.

Addressing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in A/I Populations

Our experts discuss how allergists can understand racial and ethnic disparities and address these issues with respect to caring for patients with food allergy, asthma and atopic dermatitis. This session is available as part of the 2020 Meeting on Demand.

The Allergists’ Foundation Community Grant Program

The Allergists’ Foundation has reimagined its programming to empower community practicing allergists on the front lines of patient care.

Disparities in Atopic Dermatitis Podcast Miniseries

This three-part miniseries for the AllergyTalk podcasts covers racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities related to atopic dermatitis; the influence of skin color in diagnosing and managing patients with atopic dermatitis; and best practices for addressing disparities in care for patients with atopic dermatitis.

Asthma Disparities and Differential Responses to Therapy

Asthma disparities persist most notably among minorities, children and the poor, and responses to asthma therapy may vary among certain high risk groups. Such differential response must be noted and inform effective management strategies. Learn more in this webinar.