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Shining a Light: Advancing Health Equity in Overlooked Epilepsy Communities.
Elaine T Kiriakopoulos1, Rebecca García Sosa2, Leah Blank3
1Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
Epilepsy Currents
|November 18, 2024
Summary
Achieving health equity in epilepsy necessitates tackling systemic barriers and social determinants of health for all individuals. This review highlights disparities in epilepsy care for minoritized groups and proposes solutions to improve access and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Health Equity
Background:
- Equitable health in epilepsy requires addressing systemic barriers and social determinants of health.
- Disparities in epilepsy care disproportionately affect minoritized populations.
- Social determinants of health significantly impact epilepsy prevalence, treatment access, and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on health disparities in epilepsy affecting minoritized groups.
- To share early solutions for low socioeconomic status, non-English preference, sexual and gender minority, and rural communities.
- To catalyze stakeholder investment in addressing epilepsy health disparities at provider and health system levels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of disparities affecting minoritized groups with epilepsy.
- Identification of early solutions and best practices for replication.
- Analysis of social determinants of health burden in underserved communities.
Main Results:
- Significant health disparities exist for minoritized populations living with epilepsy.
- Examples of replicable solutions are provided for diverse, underserved communities.
- Innovative research is needed to delineate prevalence, access, and outcomes in diverse populations.
Conclusions:
- Addressing systemic barriers and social determinants of health is crucial for epilepsy health equity.
- Evidence-based approaches are essential to lessen disparities and support individuals with epilepsy.
- Further research and stakeholder investment are required to achieve health equity in epilepsy care.
Keywords:
LGBTQA+health disparitieshealth equitynon-English language preferenceruralsexual and gender minoritiessocial determinants of healthsocioeconomic statusMore Related Videos
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