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.
There is a tremendous need for a book on health disparities research. For example, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducts short courses and academic training programs for early investigators. The NIH Academy trains future researchers and physician scientists to actively engage in promoting a society in which all people live healthy lives and have equal access to health care. The Academy offers trainees the opportunity to learn about health disparities, enhance their knowledge of gaps in health outcomes, and investigate what is being done to address health disparity issues through a health disparities short course and year-round seminars. The National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) conducts an annual two-week intensive course on health disparities research. The course attracts diverse participants nationally and internationally, from various disciplines interested in health disparities research and conducting interventions within their communities and regions. Furthermore, several academic and research institutions have begun to integrate similar health disparities research courses and seminar series into their education and training infrastructure. This textbook can serve as a primary resource for providing instruction on the principles and practice of conducting health disparities research, and translating results to inform practice and policy.
