Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.3
Journals
IJERPH
Special Issues
Challenging Health Disparities through the Promotion of Health Equity
ijerph-logo
Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Challenging Health Disparities through the Promotion of Health Equity

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 21479

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Edith Marie Williams

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
Interests: development of behavioral interventions primarily for African American women with lupus with the goal of improving quality of life and disease outcomes
Dr. Joni D. Nelson

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
Interests: interprofessional oral health and improving health access to the rural safetynet; social determinants of health and community health equity; qualitative evaluation and public health policy
Dr. Elizabeth A. Brown

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Community & Environmental Health, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
Interests: social determinants of health; healthcare access; health policy; privilege/oppression; race/ethnicity; chronic conditions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A sustained challenge to our society has been the long-standing impacts of health inequities.  Health inequities are systematic differences in the opportunities groups have to achieve optimal health, leading to unfair and avoidable differences in health outcomes. The promotion of health equity requires epidemiologists and scientists to capture accurate race data to disseminate credible information about racial disparities, researchers to clearly communicate racial and health disparities, and leaders in public health and health policy to develop interventions and create just policies. Leadership must be willing to listen to the science and transform various systems, including healthcare systems, to address racial disparities. In addition to systemic change, those in public health should continue to work with individuals, communities, organizations, and policymakers to address behaviors and policies that promote deleterious behaviors. Minorities tend to be negatively impacted by structural decisions and policymaking that, in turn, impact their health and overall quality of life. The data cycle, specifically the collection and reporting of race data used to develop interventions and report disparities, needs to be re-examined in order to better promote public health and social justice efforts with the ultimate goal of achieving health equity.

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health invites manuscript submissions related to the advancement of health equity. All submissions will be subject to an extensive peer review. We encourage submissions of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives.

Suggested topic areas, among others, include:

  • Approaches to reduce risks for health inequities among vulnerable populations.
  • Strategies to increase preventive methods (e.g. screening, health education, etc.) in order to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups.
  • Interventions to address quality of life outcomes among underserved and safety net populations.
  • Policy and advocacy recommendations to improve health outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities as well as underserved, underinsured, and marginalized communities.
  • Approaches to capture accurate data related to race, racism, or structural racism.
  • Public health interventions focused on racial and ethnic minorities.
  • Policy evaluations focused on creating more just policies and dismantling systems that oppress racial and ethnic minorities.

Dr. Edith Marie Williams
Dr. Joni D. Nelson
Dr. Elizabeth A. Brown
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • structural racism
  • healthcare systems
  • public health
  • interventions
  • policy analysis
  • data collection
  • health equity
  • population health
  • social vulnerability
  • health disparities
  • social determinants of health
  • public health
  • social epidemiology

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

17 pages, 1349 KiB  
Article
The Dynamic Relationship between Social Cohesion and Urban Green Space in Diverse Communities: Opportunities and Challenges to Public Health
by Viniece Jennings, Alessandro Rigolon, Jasmine Thompson, Athena Murray, Ariel Henderson and Richard Schulterbrandt Gragg
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(6), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060800 - 19 Jun 2024
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7996
Abstract
Social cohesion is a key factor within social determinants of health and well-being. Urban green spaces can provide environments that potentially facilitate meaningful and positive social interactions that promote social cohesion, equity, human health, and well-being. However, the lack of integration of existing [...] Read more.
Social cohesion is a key factor within social determinants of health and well-being. Urban green spaces can provide environments that potentially facilitate meaningful and positive social interactions that promote social cohesion, equity, human health, and well-being. However, the lack of integration of existing research on social cohesion, urban green spaces, and public health in diverse (e.g., racially and ethnically) communities limits culturally relevant strategies to address health disparities. In this manuscript, we synthesize research on the potential of urban green spaces to promote social cohesion and public health in historically excluded communities. Particularly, we explore the development of social cohesion as it relates to the social environment, built environment, leisure opportunities, green space maintenance, safety, and green gentrification. We highlight key factors and their application to meet opportunities and challenges to social and public health. A conceptual framework is presented to provide an overview and illustrate connections found in the literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenging Health Disparities through the Promotion of Health Equity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

16 pages, 671 KiB  
Review
Economic and Cultural Assessment of the DASH Eating Plan for Low-Income African Americans: An Integrative Review
by Brandi M. White, Kendra OoNorasak, Nadia A. Sesay, Deidra Haskins and Cayla M. Robinson
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(11), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111480 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1907
Abstract
Diet is one modifiable risk factor for hypertension. The low-sodium DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, there is a lack of available health information on the economic [...] Read more.
Diet is one modifiable risk factor for hypertension. The low-sodium DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, there is a lack of available health information on the economic feasibility and cultural acceptability of DASH for low-income African American (AA) populations who are at the most risk for hypertension. An integrative review was conducted to summarize empirical literature on the economic feasibility and cultural acceptability of the DASH plan for low-income AAs using these databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, AGRICOLA, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest’s Dissertations, Theses Citation Index, and Google Scholar. Study elements from articles in the final analysis were extracted. Eleven (11) published works met the study’s inclusion criteria. Major themes were the availability and access of healthy foods, economic impact of obtaining healthy foods, material resources for cooking, food literacy, and the cultural acceptability of the DASH plan. These findings suggest that cost and cultural familiarity inhibit low-income AAs from benefiting from the DASH plan. Additional research is needed to develop and pilot test low-cost, culturally sensitive DASH eating plans for low-income AAs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenging Health Disparities through the Promotion of Health Equity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 319 KiB  
Review
Autoimmune Health Crisis: An Inclusive Approach to Addressing Disparities in Women in the United States
by Syreen Goulmamine, Sarah Chew and Irene O. Aninye
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101339 - 10 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4024
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are identified by the chronic inflammation and tissue damage resulting from unregulated immune responses throughout the body. Systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are among the 80+ characterized conditions, 80% of which are diagnosed in women. The [...] Read more.
Autoimmune diseases are identified by the chronic inflammation and tissue damage resulting from unregulated immune responses throughout the body. Systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are among the 80+ characterized conditions, 80% of which are diagnosed in women. The compounded effects of biological sex and hormones; social identities, such as age, race, and gender; and other determinants on health highlight a pressing need for an inclusive approach to address disparities for women living with autoimmune diseases. Such an approach must recognize and incorporate intersectional experiences of diverse populations of women into biomedical research, clinical practice, and policy solutions. Research must prioritize inclusive designs, data collection, and representation of women in clinical studies. Clinical care must focus on developing guidelines and promoting patient–provider interactions that meet a range of demographic needs. Health care policies must support financial investments in research and equitable access to care. This review provides an overview of the impacts of autoimmune diseases on women’s health through an intersectional lens, identifies persistent gaps in addressing the unique needs of women, and proposes recommendations for a comprehensive, equity-focused approach to mitigate disparities and better serve all women at risk for or living with autoimmune diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenging Health Disparities through the Promotion of Health Equity)
20 pages, 1866 KiB  
Review
The Influence of Social Dynamics on Biological Aging and the Health of Historically Marginalized Populations: A Biopsychosocial Model for Health Disparities
by Lok Ming Tam, Kristin Hocker, Tamala David and Edith Marie Williams
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050554 - 26 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4356
Abstract
Historically marginalized populations are susceptible to social isolation resulting from their unique social dynamics; thus, they incur a higher risk of developing chronic diseases across the course of life. Research has suggested that the cumulative effect of aging trajectories per se, across the [...] Read more.
Historically marginalized populations are susceptible to social isolation resulting from their unique social dynamics; thus, they incur a higher risk of developing chronic diseases across the course of life. Research has suggested that the cumulative effect of aging trajectories per se, across the lifespan, determines later-in-life disease risks. Emerging evidence has shown the biopsychosocial effects of social stress and social support on one’s wellbeing in terms of inflammation. Built upon previous multidisciplinary findings, here, we provide an overarching model that explains how the social dynamics of marginalized populations shape their rate of biological aging through the inflammatory process. Under the framework of social stress and social support theories, this model aims to facilitate our understanding of the biopsychosocial impacts of social dynamics on the wellbeing of historically marginalized individuals, with a special emphasis on biological aging. We leverage this model to advance our mechanistic understanding of the health disparity observed in historically marginalized populations and inform future remediation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenging Health Disparities through the Promotion of Health Equity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

7 pages, 262 KiB  
Conference Report
Structural Racism and Obesity-Related Cancer Inequities in the United States: Challenges and Research Priorities
by Catherine M. Pichardo, Adaora Ezeani, Laura A. Dwyer, Anil Wali, Susan Czajkowski, Linda Nebeling and Tanya Agurs-Collins
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081085 - 17 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1393
Abstract
Structural racism has been identified as a fundamental cause of health disparities. For example, racial, ethnic, and economic neighborhood segregation; concentrated poverty; community disinvestment; and sociocultural context influence obesity and cancer disparities. Effects of structural racism are also evident through neighborhood obesogenic conditions [...] Read more.
Structural racism has been identified as a fundamental cause of health disparities. For example, racial, ethnic, and economic neighborhood segregation; concentrated poverty; community disinvestment; and sociocultural context influence obesity and cancer disparities. Effects of structural racism are also evident through neighborhood obesogenic conditions such as limited access to affordable and healthy foods and physical activity opportunities within segregated communities that contribute to obesity and obesity-related cancer disparities. This article describes and expands on cross-cutting themes raised during a webinar held by the National Cancer Institute (NCI): (1) how structural factors, including neighborhood segregation and obesogenic conditions within racial and ethnic disadvantaged communities, influence disparities in the United States; (2) current research challenges and best ways to address them; and (3) selected priorities of the NCI aimed at addressing multilevel and intersecting factors that influence obesity-related cancer disparities. Further research is needed to understand how residential segregation and neighborhood obesogenic conditions influence cancer prevention and control across the continuum. Identifying the best approaches to address obesity and cancer disparities using social determinants of health framework and community-engaged approaches guided by a structural racism lens will allow researchers to move beyond individual-level approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenging Health Disparities through the Promotion of Health Equity)
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop