Can evidence drive health equity in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond?
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Published:2024-01-12
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ISSN:0197-5897
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Container-title:Journal of Public Health Policy
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language:en
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Short-container-title:J Public Health Pol
Author:
Bell KatyORCID, White Sam, Diaz Abbey, Bahria Priya, Sima Fiona, Al-Delaimy Wael K., dosReis Susan, Hassan Omar, Drabarek Dorothy, Nisha Monjura, Baptiste-Roberts Kesha, Gwiazdon Katy, Raynes-Greenow Camille, Taylor Wilson Robin, Gaudino James A., da Silveira Moreira Rafael, Jennings Bruce, Gulliver Pauline
Abstract
AbstractUsing scoping review methods, we systematically searched multiple online databases for publications in the first year of the pandemic that proposed pragmatic population or health system-level solutions to health inequities. We found 77 publications with proposed solutions to pandemic-related health inequities. Most were commentaries, letters, or editorials from the USA, offering untested solutions, and no robust evidence on effectiveness. Some of the proposed solutions could unintentionally exacerbate health inequities. We call on health policymakers to co-create, co-design, and co-produce equity-focussed, evidence-based interventions with communities, focussing on those most at risk to protect the population as a whole. Epidemiologists collaborating with people from other relevant disciplines may provide methodological expertise for these processes. As epidemiologists, we must interrogate our own methods to avoid propagating any unscientific biases we may hold. Epidemiology must be used to address, and never exacerbate, health inequities—in the pandemic and beyond.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine Fellowship University of Sydney Robinson Fellowship University of Sydney
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Health Policy
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