Advancing health equity through observational research: dissemination and uptake of the STROBE-equity extension

Health equity is achieved when all individuals have the opportunity to attain their full health potential. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were developed to enhance the transparency of reporting in observational research, enabling readers to assess methodological rigor and limitations. The STROBE-Equity extension builds on this by promoting comprehensive and transparent reporting of health equity considerations to improve the usability of observational evidence in health equity decision-making. For STROBE-Equity to achieve meaningful impact, coordinated efforts from diverse interest holders are required.

Using established frameworks and iterative discussions within the STROBE-Equity Knowledge Translation (KT) Task Force, we identified key interest-holder groups for whom the guideline is most relevant.

We proposed low-risk, actionable strategies to support its uptake and dissemination.

Tailored KT strategies are still needed to align the implementation of the guidance with the roles, capacities, and motivations of different interest holder groups.