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Plamondon KM, Shahram SZ. Defining equity, its determinants, and the foundations of equity science. Soc Sci Med 2024; 351:116940. [PMID: 38761454 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Advancing equity as a priority is increasingly declared in response to decades of evidence showing the association between poorer health outcomes and the unfair distribution of resources, power, and wealth across all levels of society. Quandries present, however, through incongruence, vagueness and disparate interpretations of the meaning of equity dilute and fragment efforts across research, policy and practice. Progress on reducing health inequities is, in this context, unsurprisingly irresolute. In this article, we make a case for equity science that reimagines the ways in which we (as researchers, as systems leaders, as teachers and mentors, and as citizens in society) engage in this work. We offer a definition of equity, its determinants, and the paradigmatic foundations of equity science, including the assumptions, values, and processes., and methods of this science. We argue for an equity science that can more meaningfully promote coherent alignment between intention, knowledge and action within and beyond the health sciences to spark a more equitable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Plamondon
- Equity Science Lab, Faculty of Health & Social Development, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, ART360, 1147 Research Road, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
| | - Sana Z Shahram
- Equity Science Lab, Faculty of Health & Social Development, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, ART360, 1147 Research Road, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
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Macgregor C, Walumbe J, Tulle E, Seenan C, Blane DN. Intersectionality as a theoretical framework for researching health inequities in chronic pain. Br J Pain 2023; 17:479-490. [PMID: 38107758 PMCID: PMC10722103 DOI: 10.1177/20494637231188583] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is experienced unequally by different population groups; we outline examples from the pain literature of inequities related to gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic and migration status. Health inequities are systematic, avoidable and unfair differences in health outcomes between groups of people, with the fundamental 'causes of causes' recognised as unequal distribution of income, power and wealth. Intersectionality can add further theory to health inequities literature; collective social identities including class/socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, gender, migration status, age, sexuality and disabled status intersect in multiple interconnected systems of power leading to differing experiences of privilege and oppression which can be understood as axes of health inequities. The process of knowledge creation in pain research is shaped by these interconnected systems of power, and may perpetuate inequities in pain care as it is largely based on majority white, middle class, Eurocentric populations. Intersectionality can inform research epistemology (ways of knowing), priorities, methodology and methods. We give examples from the literature where intersectionality has informed a justice oriented approach across different research methods and we offer suggestions for further development. The use of a reductionist frame can force unachievable objectivity on to complex health concepts, and we note increasing realisation in the field of the need to understand the individuals within their social world, and recognise the fluid and contextual nature of this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Macgregor
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- NHS Lanarkshire Chronic Pain Service, Buchanan Centre, Coatbridge, UK
| | - Jackie Walumbe
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emmanuelle Tulle
- Department of Social Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christopher Seenan
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - David N Blane
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Lewis CL, Yan A, Williams MY, Apen LV, Crawford CL, Morse L, Valdez AM, Alexander GR, Grant E, Valderama-Wallace C, Beatty D. Health equity: A concept analysis. Nurs Outlook 2023; 71:102032. [PMID: 37683597 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2023.102032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although health equity is critically important for healthcare delivery, there are inconsistencies in its definitions or lack of definitions. PURPOSE Develop a comprehensive understanding of health equity to guide nursing practice and healthcare policy. METHOD Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used to establish defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of health equity. FINDINGS Health equity defining attributes are grounded in ethical principles, the absence of unfair and avoidable differences, and fair and just opportunities to attain a person's full health potential. Health equity antecedents are categorized into environmental; financial or economic; law, politics, and policy; societal and structural; research; and digital and technology. DISCUSSION Health equity's antecedents are useful to distinguish health disparities from health outcomes resulting from individual preferences. To achieve health equity, organizations need to focus on addressing the antecedents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystal L Lewis
- Department of Research and Health Equity, Stanford Health Care, Menlo Park, CA.
| | - Alice Yan
- Department of Research and Health Equity, Stanford Health Care, Menlo Park, CA
| | - Michelle Y Williams
- Department of Research and Health Equity, Stanford Health Care, Menlo Park, CA; Division of Primary Care and Population Health and Nursing Research Section, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Lynette V Apen
- Department of Research and Health Equity, Stanford Health Care, Menlo Park, CA
| | - Cecelia L Crawford
- Department of Research and Health Equity, Stanford Health Care, Menlo Park, CA
| | - Lisa Morse
- Department of Research and Health Equity, Stanford Health Care, Menlo Park, CA
| | - Anna M Valdez
- Department of Nursing, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
| | - G Rumay Alexander
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Dale Beatty
- Executive Administration, Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA
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Ran X, Huang T, Chen G. Subjective Socioeconomic Status, Class Mobility and Health Disparities of Older People. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13955. [PMID: 36360833 PMCID: PMC9654853 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113955] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is threefold: (1) investigate the impact of subjective socioeconomic status on the health of older people with a further exploration of its extent, (2) explore the relationship between diverse class mobility trajectories and health disparities among older people, and (3) examine the health disparities among older people with different subjective socioeconomic statuses in groups of various class mobility. The data for this study came from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) of 2017, and regression and moderation models are used. The results indicate that for each level of increase in the subjective socioeconomic status of older people, the health score significantly increased by 0.159. The health status of older people who experienced upward class mobility is significantly better than those who did not; therefore, different class mobility trajectories also shape health disparities. The moderation role of class mobility on the impact of subjective socioeconomic status on the health of older people is also confirmed. The results provide further support for the subjective socioeconomic status having a significant impact on the health of older people with different class mobility trajectories. An upward class mobility trajectory somewhat diminishes this influence. Therefore, policy interventions should be provided to enhance the subjective socioeconomic status of older people and increase their opportunities for upward class mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gong Chen
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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McCartney G, Popham F, McMaster R, Cumbers A. Defining health and health inequalities. Public Health 2019; 172:22-30. [PMID: 31154234 PMCID: PMC6558275 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2019.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine existing definitions of health and health inequalities and to synthesise the most useful of these using explicit rationale and the most parsimonious text. STUDY DESIGN Literature review and synthesis. METHODS Existing definitions of health and health inequalities were identified, and their normative properties were extracted and then critically appraised. Using explicit reasoning, new definitions, synthesising the most useful aspects of existing definitions, were created. RESULTS A definition of health as a structural, functional and emotional state that is compatible with effective life as an individual and as a member of society and a definition of health inequalities as the systematic, avoidable and unfair differences in health outcomes that can be observed between populations, between social groups within the same population or as a gradient across a population ranked by social position are proposed. Population health is a less commonly used term but can usefully be defined to encompass the average, distribution and inequalities in health within a society. CONCLUSIONS Clarifying what is meant by the terms health and health inequalities, and the assumptions, emphasis and values that different definitions contain, is important for public health research, practice and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G McCartney
- NHS Health Scotland, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6QE, UK; Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, R501 Level 5, Gilbert Scott Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - F Popham
- MRC / CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Top Floor, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB, UK
| | - R McMaster
- Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, R501 Level 5, Gilbert Scott Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - A Cumbers
- Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, R501 Level 5, Gilbert Scott Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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Shiramizu B, Shambaugh V, Petrovich H, Seto TB, Ho T, Mokuau N, Hedges JR. Leading by Success: Impact of a Clinical and Translational Research Infrastructure Program to Address Health Inequities. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2016; 4:10.1007/s40615-016-0302-4. [PMID: 27797013 PMCID: PMC5409875 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-016-0302-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Building research infrastructure capacity to address clinical and translational gaps has been a focus of funding agencies and foundations. Clinical and Translational Sciences Awards, Research Centers in Minority Institutions Infrastructure for Clinical and Translational Research (RCTR), and the Institutional Development Award Infrastructure for Clinical and Translational Research funded by the US government to fund clinical translational research programs have existed for over a decade to address racial and ethnic health disparities across the USA. While the impact on the nation's health cannot be made in a short period, assessment of a program's impact could be a litmus test to gauge its effectiveness at the institution and communities. We report the success of a Pilot Project Program in the University of Hawaii RCTR Award in advancing careers of emerging investigators and community collaborators. Our findings demonstrated that the investment has a far-reaching impact on engagement with community-based research collaborators, career advancement of health disparity investigators, and favorable impacts on health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Shiramizu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM), 651 Ilalo Street, BSB 325AA, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA.
| | - Vicki Shambaugh
- Pacific Health Research and Education Institute, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Helen Petrovich
- Pacific Health Research and Education Institute, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Todd B Seto
- Department of Medicine, JABSOM, UHM, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - Noreen Mokuau
- Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, UHM, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Al-Bannay H, Jarus T, Jongbloed L, Yazigi M, Dean E. Culture as a variable in health research: perspectives and caveats. Health Promot Int 2013; 29:549-57. [PMID: 23424161 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dat002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To augment the rigor of health promotion research, this perspective article describes how cultural factors impact the outcomes of health promotion studies either intentionally or unintentionally. It proposes ways in which these factors can be addressed or controlled in designing studies and interpreting their results. We describe how variation within and across cultures can be considered within a study, e.g. the conceptualization of research questions or hypotheses, and the methodology including sampling, surveys and interviews. We provide multiple examples of how culture influences the interpretation of study findings. Inadequately accounting or controlling for cultural variations in health promotion studies, whether they are planned or unplanned, can lead to incomplete research questions, incomplete data gathering, spurious results and limited generalizability of the findings. In health promotion research, factors related to culture and cultural variations need to be considered, acknowledged or controlled irrespective of the purpose of the study, to maximize the reliability, validity and generalizability of study findings. These issues are particularly relevant in contemporary health promotion research focusing on global lifestyle-related conditions where cultural factors have a pivotal role and warrant being understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Al-Bannay
- Rehabilitation Sciences Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tal Jarus
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lyn Jongbloed
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Maya Yazigi
- Scholar in Residence at the Centre for the Comparative Study of Muslim Societies and Cultures, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Dean
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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