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Policy in pediatric nephrology: successes, failures, and the impact on disparities
Jill R Krissberg1, Scott M Sutherland2, Lisa J Chamberlain3
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room G-306, Stanford, 94304, CA, USA. jkrissbe@stanford.edu.
Insights
Social determinants significantly impact pediatric kidney diseases, causing disparities. This review highlights initiatives to improve health equity for children with kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Public Health
- Health Equity
Background:
- Pediatric nephrology has advanced child health policy for kidney diseases.
- Significant social disparities persist for vulnerable children with kidney disease.
- Multiple factors including genetics, environment, social risks, and healthcare access influence disease progression and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review global literature on social determinants of health in pediatric kidney disease.
- To identify policy-based initiatives that address adverse social factors.
- To promote greater health equity in pediatric kidney disease care.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search on social determinants of health in pediatric kidney disease.
- Analysis of studies examining risk factors and disparities.
- Synthesis of policy-based interventions and their impact on equity.
Main Results:
- Social determinants profoundly affect the emergence and progression of pediatric kidney disease.
- Disparities in outcomes are linked to genetic, environmental, social, and healthcare access factors.
- Policy initiatives show potential for mitigating adverse social factors.
Conclusions:
- Addressing social determinants is crucial for reducing health inequities in pediatric kidney disease.
- Targeted policy interventions are necessary to ensure equitable access to care and improve outcomes.
- Further research and advocacy are needed to achieve health equity for all children with kidney disease.
Abstract:
Pediatric nephrology has a history rooted in pediatric advocacy and has made numerous contributions to child health policy affecting pediatric kidney diseases. Despite this progress, profound social disparities remain for marginalized and socially vulnerable children with kidney disease. Different risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, social risk factors, or health care access influence the emergence and progression of pediatric kidney disease, as well as access to life-saving interventions, leading to disparate outcomes. This review will summarize the breadth of literature on social determinants of health in children with kidney disease worldwide and highlight policy-based initiatives that mitigate the adverse social factors to generate greater equity in pediatric kidney disease.
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