Two new studies have shed light on the impact of police violence on Black Americans. The first study, published in #JAMA Internal Medicine, reveals a link between police-involved deaths and sleep disturbances among Black individuals. Researchers examined data from over 2 million people between 2013 and 2019, focusing on reports of sleep patterns following police killings of unarmed Black individuals.
They found that Black people experienced sleep disturbances, particularly getting less than six hours of sleep, in the six months following such incidents, while white individuals did not exhibit this pattern. The study suggests that exposure to police use of force may contribute to sleep disturbances, which can increase the risk of various diseases and early death.
The second study, also published in JAMA Internal Medicine, is the first comprehensive national analysis of injuries resulting from police use of Tasers and similar weapons. Researchers analyzed emergency department data from October 2019 to December 2020, identifying 1,276 cases where injuries coincided with the use of "conducted energy" devices. The study found that nearly 36% of those injured were Black, significantly higher than their 13.6% representation in the U.S. population.
White individuals accounted for 39% of the injuries, while Hispanic, Native American, and Asian/Pacific Islander individuals made up the rest. The injuries included puncture wounds, concussions, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries, but the study couldn't determine whether the injuries resulted from incorrect weapon use or other factors.
The researchers emphasized the importance of proper law enforcement training to minimize the risk of such injuries. These studies highlight the need for documenting and addressing the health disparities and risks associated with police violence against Black Americans.
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Link: Amsterdam News
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