Data and measurement issues in the analysis of health disparities.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To describe measurement challenges and strategies in identifying and analyzing health disparities and inequities.

Methods

We discuss the limitations of existing data sources for measuring health disparities and inequities, describe current strategies to address those limitations, and explore the potential of emerging strategies.

Principal findings

Larger national sample sizes are necessary to identify disparities for major population subgroups. Collecting self-reported race and granular ethnicity data may reduce some measurement errors, but it raises other methodological questions. The assessment of health inequities presents particular challenges, requiring analysis of the interactive effects of multiple determinants of health. Indirect estimation and model

SUBMITTER: Bilheimer LT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2965888 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature