Dr. Olga Kovalchuk (left) and Dr. Anna Fiselier. (Photo supplied by the University of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

Researchers highlight negative health effects associated with discrimination

Jun 29, 2022 | 9:50 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A University of Lethbridge professor and her daughter are part of a team researching the negative health effects associated with discrimination.

Dr. Olga Kovalchuk, an MD/PhD and biology professor is working alongside her daughter, Dr. Anna Fiselier, a Family Medicine resident at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. They are both part of a team calling for more action to end discrimination, along with more studies to identify the health effects of discrimination as they relate to disease and aging.

Research has shown that discrimination is a chronic stressor that has a physiological impact on the body that could later manifest as disease. In addition to Kovalchuk, Fiselier and researchers from the Cumming School of Medicine, individuals from Yale University, the Newly Institute and Advanced Cardiology Consultants and Diagnostics Inc. are involved in the project.

Their paper, titled From discrimination and dis-ease to aging and disease — An epigenetic connection, was recently published in the journal Lancet Regional Health — Americas.

Fiselier said, “Despite the expansion of global equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) efforts, discrimination is still a challenge for large groups in our society.”

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“Those who experience discrimination daily include women, immigrants, the elderly, minorities, lower-income persons, people with disabilities, as well as people experiencing addiction and mental health challenges,” she said.

Kovalchuk added, “Persistent, chronic stress causes negative outcomes.”

“In addition to accelerating our efforts to end discrimination, we need to identify the health effects of discrimination and develop proper health measures to combat these issues,” Kovalchuk stated.

Ongoing stress impacts an individual’s metabolism and inflammation reactions. A University of Lethbridge release noted that when the stress-response systems are continually activated, they cause significant wear and tear.

One study has shown that discrimination can lead to accelerated aging. Other studies have found that age-related diseases, like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, asthma and autoimmune conditions, are associated with discrimination. These diseases have what is known as an epigenetic basis, which means that gene expression has been altered.

Fiselier explained that “epigenetic changes are pliable and reversible.”

She said, “That’s why timely intervention and the prevention of discrimination may help limit the potential of severe health consequences for those who experience discrimination.”

The researchers also considered the effects of COVID-19 on people who experience discrimination. The pandemic highlighted issues of systemic discrimination in access to care and researchers suspect individuals who experience discrimination may also be at a higher risk of long COVID.