An intersectionality framework for identifying relevant covariates in health equity research

Area of Science:

• Health Equity Research
• Impact Evaluation
• Intersectionality Theory

Background:

• Health equity research aims to reduce health disparities through impact evaluations.
• Failure to account for experiential factors in research can perpetuate or worsen health inequities.
• Identifying and including diverse experiential variables is crucial for accurate health equity evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To promote intersectionality as a framework for selecting covariates in health equity impact evaluations.
• To identify overlooked experiential factors that influence health equity.
• To enhance the precision of health equity interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review and definition of health equity concepts and terminology.
• Detailed exploration of four domains of intersecting experiential factors: Biological, Social, Environmental, and Economic.
• Application of the intersectionality framework to lupus research and minority patient evaluations.

Main Results:

• The intersectionality framework aids in identifying relevant covariates for health equity evaluations.
• Examples provided illustrate the framework's application in lupus research.
• Specific covariates used in health equity impact evaluations with lupus patients are presented.

Conclusions:

• Applying an intersectionality framework during covariate selection is key to achieving precision prevention.
• This approach provides a basis for identifying meaningful covariates to address persistent health inequities.
• The framework helps in developing sustainable solutions for health equity challenges.