Pandemic increased mail order pharmacy use by people with diabetes, but racial disparities persist
Kaiser Permanente study finds less use among Black, Hispanic, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander patients compared to white and Asian patients.
Kaiser Permanente
Division of Research Spotlight
The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research conducts, publishes, and disseminates epidemiologic and health services research to improve the health and medical care of Kaiser Permanente members and society at large. We seek to understand the determinants of illness and well-being, and to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care. Currently, DOR’s 550-plus staff is working on more than 350 epidemiological and health services research projects.
Stroke rate four times higher in Black young and middle-aged adults, compared to whites
Kaiser Permanente research shows the need for increased education about the dangers of high blood pressure.
American Indian, Alaska Native women less likely to start and complete hormone therapy for breast cancer
Kaiser Permanente study, believed to be the first to look at hormone therapy initiation and adherence in this population, suggests lower rates of use may be contributing to higher breast cancer death rates.
Analysis confirms racial disparities in COVID-19 infection
An analysis of Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California early in the COVID-19 pandemic found racial and ethnic disparities in the likelihood of testing positive for the coronavirus, but no significant disparities in mortality among those who were hospitalized.
Heart failure hospitalizations and deaths vary by race and ethnicity
Black patients with heart failure have higher rates of hospitalization for heart failure but lower rates of death than white patients with heart failure, a new Kaiser Permanente study shows.
5 Questions for . . . Anjali Gopalan
Research scientist uses her experiences as a physician to design studies that focus on and can improve care for people with early-onset type 2 diabetes.
Long-term exposure to air pollution increases risk of dying from heart disease and stroke
New study is first to quantify and compare the effects of long-term exposure to small particle pollution on risk for different types of cardiovascular disease.
Girls who do not live with both parents more likely to start puberty early
New study by research scientist Ai Kubo, MPH, PhD, adds to the evidence suggesting a link between early life family structure and onset of puberty.
Helping patients make informed decisions about prostate cancer screening
Listen to our new KP Research Radio episode and learn more about the risks and benefits of the PSA test to screen for prostate cancer.
Early colorectal cancer screening benefits African Americans
Kaiser Permanente researchers showed starting annual colorectal cancer screening at age 45 in African Americans can find colorectal cancers at a rate similar to that seen when screening starts after age 50 — the age most guidelines currently recommend.
