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Hing AK, Chantarat T, Fashaw-Walters S, Hunt SL, Hardeman RR. Instruments for racial health equity: a scoping review of structural racism measurement, 2019-2021. Epidemiol Rev 2024; 46:1-26. [PMID: 38412307 PMCID: PMC11405678 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Progress toward racial health equity cannot be made if we cannot measure its fundamental driver: structural racism. As in other epidemiologic studies, the first step is to measure the exposure. But how to measure structural racism is an ongoing debate. To characterize the approaches epidemiologists and other health researchers use to quantitatively measure structural racism, highlight methodological innovations, and identify gaps in the literature, we conducted a scoping review of the peer-reviewed and gray literature published during 2019-2021 to accompany the 2018 published work of Groos et al., in which they surveyed the scope of structural racism measurement up to 2017. We identified several themes from the recent literature: the current predominant focus on measuring anti-Black racism; using residential segregation as well as other segregation-driven measures as proxies of structural racism; measuring structural racism as spatial exposures; increasing calls by epidemiologists and other health researchers to measure structural racism as a multidimensional, multilevel determinant of health and related innovations; the development of policy databases; the utility of simulated counterfactual approaches in the understanding of how structural racism drives racial health inequities; and the lack of measures of antiracism and limited work on later life effects. Our findings sketch out several steps to improve the science related to structural racism measurements, which is key to advancing antiracism policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Hing
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Minnesota Population Center, Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Tongtan Chantarat
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Minnesota Population Center, Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Shekinah Fashaw-Walters
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Minnesota Population Center, Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Shanda L Hunt
- University Libraries, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Rachel R Hardeman
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Minnesota Population Center, Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Gudenkauf LM, Hathaway CA, Carroll JE, Small BJ, Li X, Hoogland AI, Castro E, Armaiz-Pena GN, Oswald LB, Jim HSL, Tworoger SS, Gonzalez BD. Inequities in the Impacts of Hurricanes and Other Extreme Weather Events for Cancer Survivors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024; 33:771-778. [PMID: 38385842 PMCID: PMC11147728 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In this minireview, we examine the impacts of hurricanes and other extreme weather events on cancer survivors, focusing on structural and social determinants of health. We briefly explore influences on biological, psychosocial, and behavioral outcomes and discuss risk and resilience factors in cancer survivorship during and after hurricanes. Our goal is to inform future directions for research that can identify areas in which we can most efficiently improve cancer outcomes and inform changes in health systems, clinical practice, and public health policies. This timely minireview provides researchers and clinicians with an overview of challenges and opportunities for improving disaster preparedness and response for cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Gudenkauf
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Judith E Carroll
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Brent J Small
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Xiaoyin Li
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Aasha I Hoogland
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Eida Castro
- School of Behavior and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Guillermo N Armaiz-Pena
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Laura B Oswald
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Heather S L Jim
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Shelley S Tworoger
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Brian D Gonzalez
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
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Montoya-Williams D, Barreto A, Laguna-Torres A, Worsley D, Wallis K, Peña MM, Palladino L, Salva N, Levine L, Rivera A, Hernandez R, Fuentes-Afflick E, Yun K, Lorch S, Virudachalam S. Philadelphia Latine Immigrant Birthing People's Perspectives on Mitigating the Chilling Effect on Prenatal Care Utilization. Med Care 2024; 62:404-415. [PMID: 38728679 PMCID: PMC11090453 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000002002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH DESIGN Community-engaged qualitative study using inductive thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. OBJECTIVE To understand Latine immigrants' recent prenatal care experiences and develop community-informed strategies to mitigate policy-related chilling effects on prenatal care utilization. BACKGROUND Decreased health care utilization among immigrants due to punitive immigration policies (ie, the "chilling effect") has been well-documented among Latine birthing people both pre and postnatally. PATIENTS AND METHODS Currently or recently pregnant immigrant Latine people in greater Philadelphia were recruited from an obstetric clinic, 2 pediatric primary care clinics, and 2 community-based organization client pools. Thematic saturation was achieved with 24 people. Participants' pregnancy narratives and their perspectives on how health care providers and systems could make prenatal care feel safer and more comfortable for immigrants. RESULTS Participants' recommendations for mitigating the chilling effect during the prenatal period included training prenatal health care providers to sensitively initiate discussions about immigrants' rights and reaffirm confidentiality around immigration status. Participants suggested that health care systems should expand sources of information for pregnant immigrants, either by partnering with community organizations to disseminate information or by increasing access to trusted individuals knowledgeable about immigrants' rights to health care. Participants also suggested training non-medical office staff in the use of interpreters. CONCLUSION Immigrant Latine pregnant and birthing people in greater Philadelphia described ongoing fear and confusion regarding the utilization of prenatal care, as well as experiences of discrimination. Participants' suggestions for mitigating immigration-related chilling effects can be translated into potential policy and programmatic interventions which could be implemented locally and evaluated for broader applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Montoya-Williams
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- CHOP PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandra Barreto
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alicia Laguna-Torres
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Diana Worsley
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- CHOP PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kate Wallis
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michelle-Marie Peña
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lauren Palladino
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicole Salva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa Levine
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Elena Fuentes-Afflick
- Division of General Pediatrics University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Katherine Yun
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott Lorch
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- CHOP PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Senbagam Virudachalam
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Adkins-Jackson PB, Kim B, Higgins Tejera C, Ford TN, Gobaud AN, Sherman-Wilkins KJ, Turney IC, Avila-Rieger JF, Sims KD, Okoye SM, Belsky DW, Hill-Jarrett TG, Samuel L, Solomon G, Cleeve JH, Gee G, Thorpe RJ, Crews DC, Hardeman RR, Bailey ZD, Szanton SL, Manly JJ. "Hang Ups, Let Downs, Bad Breaks, Setbacks": Impact of Structural Socioeconomic Racism and Resilience on Cognitive Change Over Time for Persons Racialized as Black. Health Equity 2024; 8:254-268. [PMID: 38665381 PMCID: PMC11043623 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2023.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Older adults racialized as Black experience higher rates of dementia than those racialized as White. Structural racism produces socioeconomic challenges, described by artist Marvin Gaye as "hang ups, let downs, bad breaks, setbacks" that likely contribute to dementia disparities. Robust dementia literature suggests socioeconomic factors may also be key resiliencies. Methods We linked state-level data reflecting the racialized landscape of economic opportunity across the 20th Century from the U.S. Census (1930-2010) with individual-level data on cognitive outcomes from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study participants racialized as Black. A purposive sample of participants born after the Brown v. Board ruling (born 1954-59) were selected who completed the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status between 2010 and 2020 (N=1381). We tested associations of exposure to structural racism and resilience before birth, and during childhood, young-adulthood, and midlife with cognitive trajectories in mid-late life using mixed-effects regression models. Results Older adults born in places with higher state-level structural socioeconomic racism experienced a more rapid cognitive decline in later life compared to those with lower levels of exposure. In addition, participants born in places with higher levels of state-level structural socioeconomic resilience experienced slower cognitive change over time than their counterparts. Discussion These findings reveal the impact of racist U.S. policies enacted in the past that influence cognitive health over time and dementia risk later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris B. Adkins-Jackson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Boeun Kim
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - César Higgins Tejera
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tiffany N. Ford
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- The Brookings Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ariana N. Gobaud
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Indira C. Turney
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease & The Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Justina F. Avila-Rieger
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease & The Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kendra D. Sims
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Safiyyah M. Okoye
- Department of Graduate Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Professions and Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Nursing and Health Professions and Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel W. Belsky
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tanisha G. Hill-Jarrett
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Laura Samuel
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gabriella Solomon
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jack H. Cleeve
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gilbert Gee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Roland J. Thorpe
- Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Deidra C. Crews
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel R. Hardeman
- Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Zinzi D. Bailey
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sarah L. Szanton
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer J. Manly
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease & The Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Cardenas-Iniguez C, Gonzalez MR. Recommendations for the responsible use and communication of race and ethnicity in neuroimaging research. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:615-628. [PMID: 38519749 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01608-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The growing availability of large-population human biomedical datasets provides researchers with unique opportunities to conduct rigorous and impactful studies on brain and behavioral development, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of neurodevelopment in diverse populations. However, the patterns observed in these datasets are more likely to be influenced by upstream structural inequities (that is, structural racism), which can lead to health disparities based on race, ethnicity and social class. This paper addresses the need for guidance and self-reflection in biomedical research on conceptualizing, contextualizing and communicating issues related to race and ethnicity. We provide recommendations as a starting point for researchers to rethink race and ethnicity choices in study design, model specification, statistical analysis and communication of results, implement practices to avoid the further stigmatization of historically minoritized groups, and engage in research practices that counteract existing harmful biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cardenas-Iniguez
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Fashaw‐Walters SA, Rahman M, Jarrín OF, Gee G, Mor V, Nkimbeng M, Thomas KS. Getting to the root: Examining within and between home health agency inequities in functional improvement. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14194. [PMID: 37356822 PMCID: PMC10915486 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify racial, ethnic, and income-based disparities in home health (HH) patients' functional improvement within and between HH agencies (HHAs). DATA SOURCES 2016-2017 Outcome and Assessment Information Set, Medicare Beneficiary Summary File, and Census data. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Not Applicable. STUDY DESIGN We use multinomial-logit analyses with and without HHA fixed effects. The outcome is a mutually exclusive five-category outcome: (1) any functional improvement, (2) no functional improvement, (3) death while a patient, (4) transfer to an inpatient setting, and (5) continuing HH as of December 31, 2017. The adjusted outcome rates are calculated by race, ethnicity, and income level using predictive margins. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Of the 3+ million Medicare beneficiaries with a HH start-of-care assessment in 2016, 77% experienced functional improvement at discharge, 8% were discharged without functional improvement, 0.6% died, 2% were transferred to an inpatient setting, and 12% continued using HH. Adjusting for individual-level characteristics, Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN), and low-income HH patients were all more likely to be discharged without functional improvement (1.3 pp [95% CI: 1.1, 1.5], 1.5 pp [95% CI: 0.8, 2.1], 1.2 pp [95% CI: 0.6, 1.8], 0.7 pp [95% CI:0.5, 0.8], respectively) compared to White and higher income patients. After including HHA fixed effects, the differences for Black, Hispanic, and AIAN HH patients were mitigated. However, income-based disparities persisted within HHAs. Black-White, Hispanic-White, and AIAN-White disparities were largely driven by between-HHA differences, whereas income-based disparities were mostly due to within-HHA differences, and Asian American/Pacific Islander patients did not experience any observable disparities. CONCLUSIONS Both within- and between-HHA differences contribute to the overall disparities in functional improvement. Mitigating functional improvement inequities will require a diverse set of culturally appropriate and socially conscious interventions. Improving the quality of HHAs that serve more marginalized patients and incentivizing improved equity within HHAs are approaches that are imperative for ameliorating outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekinah A. Fashaw‐Walters
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public HealthUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Momotazur Rahman
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, School of Public HealthBrown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, School of Public HealthBrown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Olga F. Jarrín
- Division of Nursing Science, School of Nursing, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew HampshireUSA
| | - Gilbert Gee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public HealthUniversity of California at Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Vincent Mor
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, School of Public HealthBrown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, School of Public HealthBrown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Center of Innovation in Long‐Term Services and SupportsU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical CenterProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Manka Nkimbeng
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public HealthUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Kali S. Thomas
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, School of Public HealthBrown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, School of Public HealthBrown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
- Center of Innovation in Long‐Term Services and SupportsU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical CenterProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
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Liang J, Yu K, Tung YH, Wu S, Chi I. "Do Your Best to Avoid it": Appraisals and Coping with Discrimination-Related Stress Among Older Chinese Immigrants in Affordable Senior Housings During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2024; 67:188-206. [PMID: 37477277 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2023.2239876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated how older Chinese immigrants in affordable senior housing facilities (ASHs) appraise and cope with anti-Asian discrimination and related stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 participants aged over 65, analyzing verbatim transcripts and field notes using thematic analysis. Four major domains were identified: (1) discriminatory experience, (2) appraisals of discrimination stress, (3) coping strategies, and (4) rationales behind coping. Among the participants, 11 (42%) reported experiencing discrimination either personally or by someone they know. Participants' appraisals of discrimination stress varied, and most of them opted for disengagement coping strategies (e.g., avoidance, rationalization) attributing them to health concerns, individual characteristics, environmental and societal factors, and low acculturation. The findings suggest the need for more social and community resources to enhance coping capacity and resilience in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Liang
- Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kexin Yu
- NIA-Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center, and Oregon Center for Aging & Technology, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Yi-Hsuan Tung
- Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shinyi Wu
- Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Iris Chi
- Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Kelley JA, Thorpe RJ. Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Quantitative Studies of Age and Life Course. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad075. [PMID: 37667657 PMCID: PMC10825828 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
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Robinson-Oghogho JN, Alcaraz KI, Thorpe RJ. Structural Racism as a Contributor to Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates Among Black Populations in the United States. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241248363. [PMID: 38698674 PMCID: PMC11067682 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241248363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although racial disparities in lung cancer incidence and mortality have diminished in recent years, lung cancer remains the second most diagnosed cancer among US Black populations. Many factors contributing to disparities in lung cancer are rooted in structural racism. To quantify this relationship, we examined associations between a multidimensional measure of county-level structural racism and county lung cancer incidence and mortality rates among Black populations, while accounting for county levels of environmental quality. METHODS We merged 2016-2020 data from the United States Cancer Statistics Data Visualization Tool, a pre-existing county-level structural racism index, the Environmental Protection Agency's 2006-2010 Environmental Quality Index (EQI), 2023 County Health Rankings, and the 2021 United States Census American Community Survey. We conducted multivariable linear regressions to examine associations between county-level structural racism and county-level lung cancer incidence and mortality rates. RESULTS Among Black males and females, each standard deviation increase in county-level structural racism score was associated with an increase in county-level lung cancer incidence of 6.4 (95% CI: 4.4, 8.5) cases per 100,000 and an increase of 3.3 (95% CI: 2.0, 4.6) lung cancer deaths per 100,000. When examining these associations stratified by sex, larger associations between structural racism and lung cancer rates were observed among Black male populations than among Black females. CONCLUSION Structural racism contributes to both the number of new lung cancer cases and the number of deaths caused by lung cancer among Black populations. Those aiming to reduce lung cancer cases and deaths should consider addressing racism as a root-cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle N. Robinson-Oghogho
- Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kassandra I. Alcaraz
- Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Roland J. Thorpe
- Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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10
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Bergman AJ, Szanton SL, LaFave SE, Fashaw-Walters SA, Taylor JL, Thorpe RJ, Nkimbeng M. Older Black Americans' Perspectives on Structural Racism-Resilience as a Form of Resistance. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01870-5. [PMID: 38019372 PMCID: PMC11133226 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01870-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to develop a deep understanding of the lived experiences of structural racism and discrimination among older Black Americans' and their perceptions of structural racism across their lives. We also considered individual and community resilience capacity and response in the face of systemic racism. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with Black community-dwelling adults aged 55 and older in and around Baltimore City. The interview guide used nine contexts to explore perceptions and experiences with structural racism over the life course. Two researchers used reflexive thematic analysis to code and analyze the data. RESULTS Participants endorsed structural racism to varying degrees across contexts of education, employment, neighborhood, healthcare, and income/wealth. Participants who denied structural racism placed blame for Black underachievement on factors such as personal and community deficiencies, unsafe neighborhoods, and institutional indifference. There was broad agreement about the existence of structural racism within the domains of policing and violence but participants were largely ambivalent about other domains such as environment, media, and civics. Resilience factors that helped individuals to resist and rebound from racism emerged as an unexpected and important theme. CONCLUSIONS We used Public Health Critical Race Praxis and the Cells to Society frameworks to contextualize these findings. Due to the ubiquitous nature of racism, individuals may not fully appreciate the impact of structural racism and its impact on Black well-being. This ordinariness of racism is harmful but may simultaneously contribute to resilience within Baltimore's Black community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanna J Bergman
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation - Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sarah L Szanton
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Roland J Thorpe
- Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Manka Nkimbeng
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Chapman C, Jayasekera J, Dash C, Sheppard V, Mandelblatt J. A health equity framework to support the next generation of cancer population simulation models. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2023; 2023:255-264. [PMID: 37947339 PMCID: PMC10846912 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, population simulation modeling has evolved as an effective public health tool for surveillance of cancer trends and estimation of the impact of screening and treatment strategies on incidence and mortality, including documentation of persistent cancer inequities. The goal of this research was to provide a framework to support the next generation of cancer population simulation models to identify leverage points in the cancer control continuum to accelerate achievement of equity in cancer care for minoritized populations. In our framework, systemic racism is conceptualized as the root cause of inequity and an upstream influence acting on subsequent downstream events, which ultimately exert physiological effects on cancer incidence and mortality and competing comorbidities. To date, most simulation models investigating racial inequity have used individual-level race variables. Individual-level race is a proxy for exposure to systemic racism, not a biological construct. However, single-level race variables are suboptimal proxies for the multilevel systems, policies, and practices that perpetuate inequity. We recommend that future models designed to capture relationships between systemic racism and cancer outcomes replace or extend single-level race variables with multilevel measures that capture structural, interpersonal, and internalized racism. Models should investigate actionable levers, such as changes in health care, education, and economic structures and policies to increase equity and reductions in health-care-based interpersonal racism. This integrated approach could support novel research approaches, make explicit the effects of different structures and policies, highlight data gaps in interactions between model components mirroring how factors act in the real world, inform how we collect data to model cancer equity, and generate results that could inform policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Chapman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, and the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety in the Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and the Houston VA, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jinani Jayasekera
- Health Equity and Decision Sciences Research Laboratory, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chiranjeev Dash
- Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vanessa Sheppard
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jeanne Mandelblatt
- Departments of Oncology and Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Cancer Prevention and Control Program at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Georgetown Lombardi Institute for Cancer and Aging Research, Washington, DC, USA
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12
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Stickley A, Shirama A, Sumiyoshi T. Perceived discrimination and mental health in the Japanese general population. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:1790-1800. [PMID: 37300412 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231175248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has shown that discrimination is prevalent in many countries and associated with poorer mental health. However, little is known about discrimination and its effects in Japan. AIMS To address this deficit this study examined the association between perceived discrimination and mental health outcomes in the Japanese general population and the role of general stress in these associations. METHOD Data were analyzed from 1,245 individuals (age 18-89) that were collected in an online survey in 2021. Perceived discrimination was assessed with a single-item measure as was lifetime suicidal ideation. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were respectively measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. General stress was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Logistic regression was used to assess associations. RESULTS Perceived discrimination was prevalent (31.6%) in the study sample. In fully adjusted analyses discrimination was associated with all of the mental health outcomes/general stress with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 2.78 (suicidal ideation) to 6.09 (general stress) among individuals with a high level of discrimination. When the analyses were adjusted for general stress (as a continuous score) there was a large reduction in the ORs although high discrimination continued to be significantly associated with anxiety (OR: 2.21), while a mid level of discrimination was related to depressive symptoms (OR: 1.87) and had a borderline association with suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION Perceived discrimination is common in the Japanese general population and associated with worse mental health, with stress possibly playing a role in this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stickley
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Shirama
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomiki Sumiyoshi
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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Kelley JA, Thorpe RJ. Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Quantitative Studies of Age and Life Course. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:2019-2023. [PMID: 37670440 PMCID: PMC10613006 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glad151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
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14
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Kelley JA, Thorpe RJ. Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Quantitative Studies of Age and Life Course. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:1702-1706. [PMID: 37667651 PMCID: PMC10561877 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
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15
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Kelley-Moore J, Thorpe R. Enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in quantitative studies of age and life course. GERONTOLOGY & GERIATRICS EDUCATION 2023; 44:503-512. [PMID: 37798899 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2023.2248712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
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16
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Kelley JA, Thorpe RJ. Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Quantitative Studies of Age and Life Course. THE PUBLIC POLICY AND AGING REPORT 2023; 33:140-144. [PMID: 38155933 PMCID: PMC10751370 DOI: 10.1093/ppar/prad018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
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17
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Kelley JA, Thorpe RJ. Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Quantitative Studies of Age and Life Course. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad059. [PMID: 37675245 PMCID: PMC10477705 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kelley
- Department of Sociology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Roland J Thorpe
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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18
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Dong TS, Gee GC, Beltran-Sanchez H, Wang M, Osadchiy V, Kilpatrick LA, Chen Z, Subramanyam V, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Labus JS, Naliboff B, Cole S, Zhang X, Mayer EA, Gupta A. How Discrimination Gets Under the Skin: Biological Determinants of Discrimination Associated With Dysregulation of the Brain-Gut Microbiome System and Psychological Symptoms. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:203-214. [PMID: 36754687 PMCID: PMC10684253 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discrimination is associated with negative health outcomes as mediated in part by chronic stress, but a full understanding of the biological pathways is lacking. Here we investigate the effects of discrimination involved in dysregulating the brain-gut microbiome (BGM) system. METHODS A total of 154 participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging to measure functional connectivity. Fecal samples were obtained for 16S ribosomal RNA profiling and fecal metabolites and serum for inflammatory markers, along with questionnaires. The Everyday Discrimination Scale was administered to measure chronic and routine experiences of unfair treatment. A sparse partial least squares-discriminant analysis was conducted to predict BGM alterations as a function of discrimination, controlling for sex, age, body mass index, and diet. Associations between discrimination-related BGM alterations and psychological variables were assessed using a tripartite analysis. RESULTS Discrimination was associated with anxiety, depression, and visceral sensitivity. Discrimination was associated with alterations of brain networks related to emotion, cognition and self-perception, and structural and functional changes in the gut microbiome. BGM discrimination-related associations varied by race/ethnicity. Among Black and Hispanic individuals, discrimination led to brain network changes consistent with psychological coping and increased systemic inflammation. For White individuals, discrimination was related to anxiety but not inflammation, while for Asian individuals, the patterns suggest possible somatization and behavioral (e.g., dietary) responses to discrimination. CONCLUSIONS Discrimination is attributed to changes in the BGM system more skewed toward inflammation, threat response, emotional arousal, and psychological symptoms. By integrating diverse lines of research, our results demonstrate evidence that may explain how discrimination contributes to health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien S Dong
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; UCLA Microbiome Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Gilbert C Gee
- Department of Community Health Sciences Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California; California Center for Population Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Hiram Beltran-Sanchez
- Department of Community Health Sciences Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California; California Center for Population Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - May Wang
- Department of Community Health Sciences Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Vadim Osadchiy
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lisa A Kilpatrick
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zixi Chen
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Vishvak Subramanyam
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yurui Zhang
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yinming Guo
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer S Labus
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; UCLA Microbiome Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bruce Naliboff
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; UCLA Microbiome Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Steve Cole
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xiaobei Zhang
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Emeran A Mayer
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; UCLA Microbiome Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Arpana Gupta
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; UCLA Microbiome Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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Wien S, Miller AL, Kramer MR. Structural racism theory, measurement, and methods: A scoping review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1069476. [PMID: 36875414 PMCID: PMC9978828 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1069476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epidemiologic and public health interest in structural racism has grown dramatically, producing both increasingly sophisticated questions, methods, and findings, coupled with concerns of atheoretical and ahistorical approaches that often leave the actual production of health or disease ambiguous. This trajectory raises concerns as investigators adopt the term "structural racism" without engaging with theories and scholars with a long history in this area. This scoping review aims to build upon recent work by identifying current themes about the incorporation of structural racism into (social) epidemiologic research and practice with respect to theory, measurement, and practices and methods for trainees and public health researchers who are not already deeply grounded in this work. Methods This review uses methodological framework and includes peer-review articles written in English published between January 2000-August 2022. Results A search of Google Scholar, manual collection, and referenced lists identified a total of 235 articles; 138 met the inclusion criteria after duplicates were removed. Results were extracted by, and organized into, three broad sections: theory, construct measurement, and study practice and methods, with several themes summarized in each section. Discussion This review concludes with a summary of recommendations derived from our scoping review and a call to action echoing previous literature to resist an uncritical and superficial adoption of "structural racism" without attention to already existing scholarship and recommendations put forth by experts in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Wien
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Dean LT, Thorpe RJ. What Structural Racism Is (or Is Not) and How to Measure It: Clarity for Public Health and Medical Researchers. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:1521-1526. [PMID: 35792088 PMCID: PMC9437815 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Interest in studying structural racism's impacts on health has grown exponentially in recent years. Across these studies, there is much heterogeneity in the definition and measurement of structural racism, leading to mixed interpretations of structural racism's impact on health. A precise definition of structural racism can offer conceptual clarity to inform what mechanisms to investigate and is imperative for conducting high-quality research on it and dismantling it. In this commentary, we trace the evolution of the definitions of structural racism and suggest ways in which the measurement of structural racism should move forward given these definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine T Dean
- Correspondence to Dr. Lorraine T. Dean, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6650, Baltimore, MD 21205 (e-mail: )
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