An approach to studying social disparities in health and health care.
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| Title: | An approach to studying social disparities in health and health care. |
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| Authors: | Braveman PA (AUTHOR), Egerter SA (AUTHOR), Cubbin C (AUTHOR), Marchi KS (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | American Journal of Public Health. Dec2004, Vol. 94 Issue 12, p2139-2148. 10p. |
| Subjects: | Public health, Medical care, Discrimination in medical care, Sociology, Human services |
| Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: We explored methods and potential applications of a systematic approach to studying and monitoring social disparities in health and health care. METHODS: Using delayed or no prenatal care as an example indicator, we (1) categorized women into groups with different levels of underlying social advantage; (2) described and graphically displayed rates of the indicator and relative group size for each social group; (3) identified and measured disparities, calculating relative risks and rate differences to compare each group with its a priori most-advantaged counterpart; (4) examined changes in rates and disparities over time; and (5) conducted multivariate analyses for the overall sample and 'at-risk' groups to identify particular factors warranting attention. RESULTS: We identified at-risk groups and relevant factors and suggest ways to direct efforts for reducing prenatal care disparities. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic approach should be useful for studying and monitoring disparities in other indicators of health and health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: We explored methods and potential applications of a systematic approach to studying and monitoring social disparities in health and health care. METHODS: Using delayed or no prenatal care as an example indicator, we (1) categorized women into groups with different levels of underlying social advantage; (2) described and graphically displayed rates of the indicator and relative group size for each social group; (3) identified and measured disparities, calculating relative risks and rate differences to compare each group with its a priori most-advantaged counterpart; (4) examined changes in rates and disparities over time; and (5) conducted multivariate analyses for the overall sample and 'at-risk' groups to identify particular factors warranting attention. RESULTS: We identified at-risk groups and relevant factors and suggest ways to direct efforts for reducing prenatal care disparities. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic approach should be useful for studying and monitoring disparities in other indicators of health and health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00900036 |
| DOI: | 10.2105/AJPH.94.12.2139 |
