New research reveals the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on historically marginalized and underserved communities, including African Americans, Latinx, and Native Americans. Focusing on patient experiences, it uncovered three key themes:
Stigma and stigmatization: Patients face stigma related to their race, class, and illness status, adding to the burden of CKD.
Continuity of illness and treatment experiences: The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly alter patients' experiences with CKD and its treatment, highlighting existing systemic challenges.
Coping strategies and support systems: Patients rely on a combination of personal, social, and institutional resources to cope with CKD, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems.
These findings underscore the urgent need for interventions that address both the medical and social determinants of health for individuals with CKD, particularly in marginalized communities.
Soulivity had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Dinushika Mohottige, a leading researcher in the field of health equity and nephrology. As a faculty member of the Mount Sinai Institute for Health Equity Research (IHER) and Assistant Professor for Population Science and Policy, and Medicine for the Mount Sinai Barbara T. Murphy Division of Nephrology, Dr. Mohottige shared valuable insights into the disproportionate impact of chronic kidney disease on marginalized communities, shedding light on the urgent need for targeted interventions and systemic change.
