Focus on the majority leaves key research on minority populations untouched

*This is the problem: “Latinos and other minority groups are hardly researched, producing less information about how each of their respective cultures influence their health and overall well-being.” VL

By Khadija Saifullah, The Daily Texan (2.5 minute read) 

Most scientific research is conducted on the majority of the population, leading to a lack of research and knowledge on minorities. Latinos and other minority groups are hardly researched, producing less information about how each of their respective cultures influence their health and overall well-being. In addition, women are less researched than men, contributing to a higher risk when they are diagnosed with diseases and health issues.

The University launched the Latino Research Initiative this week, which will generate data, grants, and research about Latino Communities in both Texas and the nation at large. Texas has a prevalence of Latino culture and influence not found in other states, which will prove highly advantageous when performing healthcare research.

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This initiative is technically a year old but has only recently attained the stable leadership and $7.6 million in research grants needed to study health issues that affect Latino communities. Hosted by the College of Liberal Arts, the Initiative was created to form a database, provide grants and conduct research about Mexican American and Latino populations in Texas and the nation. READ MORE