Exclusion and inclusion of nonwhite ethnic minority groups in 72 North American and European cardiovascular cohort studies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cohort studies are recommended for understanding ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to review the process for identifying, including, and excluding ethnic minority populations in published cardiovascular cohort studies in Europe and North America.

Methods and findings

We found the literature using Medline (1966-2005), Embase (1980-2001), Cinahl, Web of Science, and citations from references; consultations with colleagues; Internet searches; and RB's personal files. A total of 72 studies were included, 39 starting after 1975. Decision-making on inclusion and exclusion of racial/ethnic groups, the conceptual basis of race/ethnicity, and methods of classification of racial/ethnic groups were rarely explicit. Few publications provided deta

SUBMITTER: Ranganathan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1324792 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature