Welcome to PennMARCH
There are significant health disparities in older African Americans. African American older adults have higher mortality and morbidity rates as well as and resulting disabilities. The disparities are apparent when comparing the rates of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and end-stage renal disease in African American older adults to white older adults. Disparities are also evident when examining access to treatment and testing for breast cancer, prostrate cancer, diabetes and depression.
Our center responds to the need for research across the stages of chronic illness in older adults, particularly in persons with multiple co-morbidities. We have selected this theme for several reasons:
- First, the prevalence and persistence of chronic illness and its resulting functional disabilities necessitates research across the stages of illness.
- Second, older adults with multiple co-morbidities, particularly with combined mental and physical co morbidities, are more the rule than the exception.
- Third, a broad focus, in contrast to a narrower one, has the potential to maximize the number and involvement of minority investigators, a major thrust of this center.
To respond to our theme, we engage multiple disciplines, diverse social and behavioral research methods, epidemiology and health services research, and mixed methods of data analysis. The MARCH Center is characterized by an interdisciplinary senior faculty, prominent minority leadership and participation. Engagement of community representatives and stakeholders as members of research teams is critical to research leading to effective interventions. Therefore we seek to engage community representatives whenever possible.