Eliminating Global Health Disparities

Advancing Research on Racial–Ethnic Health Disparities: Improving Measurement Equivalence in Studies with Diverse Samples

“…The challenge for epidemiologists is to cease using non-equivalent measures and methods, begin using alternatives that are equivalent across racial–ethnic groups, and define measurement equivalence as the gold standard in health disparities research. Doing so is critical because epidemiologic data on health disparities determine population forecasts, guide resource allocation, and shape efforts to reduce health disparities ( 13 , 14 ).…”

“…Those data shape population forecasts, motivate new programs and policies, and guide the allocation of resources and the evaluation of health services. In short, epidemiologic studies of health disparities are fundamental to plans to reduce disparities and are the evidence of progress in so doing ( 13 , 14 ).…”

Future cancer research priorities in the USA: a Lancet Oncology Commission

“…On an international basis, disparities in health care are predominantly associated with poverty, increased age, and geographical isolation, 374–376 whereas in the USA, race and ethnicity are additional factors, 382 even if this is based on self-identification. Notwithstanding that national cancer statistics are predominantly based on SIRE, there is clear evidence that increased incidence of cancer in minority groups and underserved populations is in many cases accompanied by reduced survival.…”