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. 2004 Dec;94(12):2139-48.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.94.12.2139.

An approach to studying social disparities in health and health care

Paula A Braveman  1 , Susan A Egerter, Catherine Cubbin, Kristen S Marchi
Affiliations

An approach to studying social disparities in health and health care

Paula A Braveman et al. Am J Public Health. 2004 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: We explored methods and potential applications of a systematic approach to studying and monitoring social disparities in health and health care.

Methods: Using delayed or no prenatal care as an example indicator, we (1) categorized women into groups with different levels of underlying social advantage; (2) described and graphically displayed rates of the indicator and relative group size for each social group; (3) identified and measured disparities, calculating relative risks and rate differences to compare each group with its a priori most-advantaged counterpart; (4) examined changes in rates and disparities over time; and (5) conducted multivariate analyses for the overall sample and "at-risk" groups to identify particular factors warranting attention.

Results: We identified at-risk groups and relevant factors and suggest ways to direct efforts for reducing prenatal care disparities.

Conclusions: This systematic approach should be useful for studying and monitoring disparities in other indicators of health and health care.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Proportions of women with delayed or no prenatal care, by income: postpartum women surveyed in California in (a) 1994–1995 and (b) 1999–2001. Note. Width of bar shows percentage of population in each income group. *The proportion for this group in 1999–2001 was significantly different from that in 1994–1995 (at α = .05).
FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Proportions of women with delayed or no prenatal care, by income: postpartum women surveyed in California in (a) 1994–1995 and (b) 1999–2001. Note. Width of bar shows percentage of population in each income group. *The proportion for this group in 1999–2001 was significantly different from that in 1994–1995 (at α = .05).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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