The Science of Health Disparities Research - by Eliseo J Pérez-Stable & Irene Dankwa-Mullan & Kevin L Gardner & Xinzhi Zhang & Adelaida M Rosario

About the Book

"Health disparities research is a multi-faceted field that includes basic biological, clinical, social and behavioral sciences with the goal of identifying, understanding, preventing, diagnosing and treating or intervening on diseases, disorders and other conditions that are unique to, or more prevalent in racial and ethnic minority populations, socially disadvantaged communities (e.g. low education, low income) and rural communities. In the past decade, there has been growing interest in understanding and addressing disparities in health and outcomes that persist among various population subgroups. Addressing health disparities is of increasing importance nationally and globally. This has resulted in various efforts focused on promoting action to reduce and eventually eliminate avoidable inequalities, by addressing social, historical and contemporary injustices. This textbook will serve as the primary source of new knowledge on clinical and translational health disparities science. The overall purpose is to provide a comprehensive and cohesive framework on the principles and applications of health disparities research, which requires an interdisciplinary approach and inclusion of the community in a participatory manner"--

Book Synopsis

Integrates the various disciplines of the science of health disparities in one comprehensive volume

The Science of Health Disparities Research is an indispensable source of up-to-date information on clinical and translational health disparities science. Building upon the advances in health disparities research over the past decade, this authoritative volume informs policies and practices addressing the diseases, disorders, and gaps in health outcomes that are more prevalent in minority populations and socially disadvantaged communities. Contributions by recognized scholars and leaders in the field--featuring contemporary research, conceptual models, and a broad range of scientific perspectives--provide an interdisciplinary approach to reducing inequalities in population health, encouraging community engagement in the research process, and promoting social justice.

In-depth chapters help readers better understand the specifics of minority health and health disparities while demonstrating the importance of advancing theory, refining measurement, improving investigative methods, and diversifying scientific research. In 26 chapters, the book examines topics including the etiology of health disparities research, the determinants of population health, research ethics, and research in African American, Asians, Latino, American Indian, and other vulnerable populations. Providing a unified framework on the principles and applications of the science of health disparities research, this important volume:

• Defines the field of health disparities science and suggests new directions in scholarship and research
• Explains basic definitions, principles, and concepts for identifying, understanding and addressing health disparities
• Provides guidance on both conducting health disparities research and translating the results
• Examines how social, historical and contemporary injustices may influence the health of racial and ethnic minorities
• Illustrates the increasing national and global importance of addressing health disparities
• Discusses population health training, capacity-building, and the transdisciplinary tools needed to advance health equity

A significant contribution to the field, The Science of Health Disparities Research is an essential resource for students and basic and clinical researchers in genetics, population genetics, and public health, health care policymakers, and epidemiologists, medical students, and clinicians, particularly those working with minority, vulnerable, or underserved populations.

From the Back Cover

Integrates the various disciplines of the science of health disparities in one comprehensive volume

The Science of Health Disparities Research is an indispensable source of up-to-date information on clinical and translational health disparities science. Building upon the advances in health disparities research over the past decade, this authoritative volume informs policies and practices addressing the diseases, disorders, and gaps in health outcomes that are more prevalent in minority populations and socially disadvantaged communities. Contributions by recognized scholars and leaders in the field--featuring contemporary research, conceptual models, and a broad range of scientific perspectives--provide an interdisciplinary approach to reducing inequalities in population health, encouraging community engagement in the research process, and promoting social justice.

In-depth chapters help readers better understand the framework for conducting minority health and health disparities science, while demonstrating the importance of advancing theory, refining measurement, improving investigative methods, and diversifying scientific research. In 26 chapters, the book examines topics including the etiology of health disparities, the determinants of population health, and community-engaged research interventions in populations with health disparities. Providing a unified framework on the principles and applications of the science of health disparities research, this important volume:

• Defines the field of health disparities science and suggests new directions in scholarship and research.
• Explains basic definitions, principles, and concepts for identifying, understanding and addressing health disparities.
• Provides guidance on both conducting health disparities research and translating the results.
• Examines how social, historical and contemporary injustices may influence the health of racial and ethnic minorities.
• Illustrates the increasing national and global importance of addressing health disparities.
• Discusses population health training, capacity-building, and the transdisciplinary tools needed to advance health equity.

A significant contribution to the field, The Science of Health Disparities Research is an essential resource for students and basic and clinical researchers in genetics, population genetics, and public health, health care policymakers, and epidemiologists, medical students, and clinicians, particularly those working with minority, vulnerable, or underserved populations.

About the Author

IRENE DANKWA-MULLAN, MD, MPH, Chief Health Equity Officer, IBM Watson Health, IBM Corporation, and formerly Deputy Director, Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health.

ELISEO J. PÉREZ-STABLE, MD, Director, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health.

KEVIN L. GARDNER, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University and formerly Acting Scientific Director, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health.

XINZHI ZHANG, MD, PhD, FACE, FRSM, Program Director, Division of Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences and formerly Program Director, Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health.

ADELAIDA M. ROSARIO, PhD, Commissioned Corps Headquarters, Office of the Surgeon General, and formerly Program Director, Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health.