Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2025
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
17.5K
Moving Towards an Equitable Future: Rethinking the use of Race in Pediatric Densitometry
Amira Ramadan1, Nessa Tantivit1, Alicia Pendleton1
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Summary
Pediatric bone density assessments using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) face challenges with race-based guidelines. Technologists report inconsistent data collection, risking racial bias and inequitable care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Medical Imaging
- Health Equity
Background:
- Current International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) guidelines for pediatric bone density z-scores (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry - DXA) incorporate race, sex, and age.
- Increasingly diverse patient populations challenge the equitable application of these race-based guidelines, potentially introducing bias.
Discussion:
- A survey of DXA technologists explored experiences with recording and using race demographics.
- Findings indicate varied race data collection, patient comfort levels, and concerns regarding potential racial bias perpetuation.
Key Insights:
- Inconsistent race data collection practices were identified among DXA technologists.
- There are significant concerns about the potential for racial bias in current pediatric DXA assessments.
- Perceived patient comfort with demographic data collection varies.
Outlook:
- Standardized guidelines are needed for sensitive and unbiased collection of race-related data in DXA.
- Developing new protocols can help mitigate bias and promote equitable pediatric healthcare.
- Further research is essential to refine race considerations in pediatric bone density assessments.
Related Concept Videos
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
6.3K
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when...
6.3K
01:25Strategies for Assessing and Addressing Confounding
83
Confounding is a critical issue in epidemiological studies, often leading to misleading conclusions about associations between exposures and outcomes. It occurs when the relationship between the exposure and the outcome is mixed with the effects of other factors that influence the outcome. Given that, addressing confounding is of high importance for drawing accurate inferences in research.
Confounding can be addressed at both the design phase of a study and through analytical methods after data...
Confounding can be addressed at both the design phase of a study and through analytical methods after data...
83
02:55Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
90.0K
Humans are very diverse and although we share many similarities, we also have many differences. The social groups we belong to help form our identities (Tajfel, 1974). These differences may be difficult for some people to reconcile, which may lead to prejudice toward people who are different. Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on one’s membership in a particular social group (Allport, 1954; Brown, 2010). Prejudice is common against people who...
90.0K