Health and Well-Being in Vulnerable Communities

Dear Colleagues,

Socioeconomically disadvantageous, discriminated, stigmatized or otherwise negatively labeled populations are often referred to as vulnerable groups. These may include immigrant populations, LGBTIQ+ people, racial or ethnic minorities, children, older adults, homeless, prisoners, etc. Now, while no strict lists of what groups may be considered as vulnerable exist, the available evidence shows that social inequalities perpetuate adverse health outcomes. Moreover, research also suggests that vulnerable communities are also at higher risk of issues in relation to accessing health care due to cultural, economic, societal or other reasons that have a disparate effect on various outcomes, including higher morbidity and mortality, as well as poorer quality of life and well-being. However, in spite of emerging evidence, the general level of understanding of the problems and needs of vulnerable communities is low. On the one hand, this is due to the general underrepresentation of vulnerable communities in scientific literature, and on the other, a lack of awareness within professional organizations and among political stakeholders.

The main goal of the “Health and Well-Being in Vulnerable Communities” Special Issue is to create a platform for researchers to showcase the newest results of research into physical, mental and social health of different vulnerable communities. As such, the Special Issue will not only focus on gathering research but also on voicing the need for action in improving the conditions for vulnerable communities. Therefore, we would like to invite you to submit original research articles, systematic reviews, pilot project results and intervention studies, as well as policy papers, focusing on all aspects of health and well-being of vulnerable communities.

Dr. Igor Grabovac
Dr. Lee Smith
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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.