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. 2010 Apr 1;100 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S19-24.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.189167. Epub 2010 Feb 10.

Moving toward paradigm-shifting research in health disparities through translational, transformational, and transdisciplinary approaches

Irene Dankwa-Mullan  1 , Kyu B Rhee, David M Stoff, Jennifer Reineke Pohlhaus, Francisco S Sy, Nathaniel Stinson Jr, John Ruffin
Affiliations

Moving toward paradigm-shifting research in health disparities through translational, transformational, and transdisciplinary approaches

Irene Dankwa-Mullan et al. Am J Public Health. .

Abstract

Translational, transdisciplinary, and transformational research stands to become a paradigm-shifting mantra for research in health disparities. A windfall of research discoveries using these 3 approaches has increased our understanding of the health disparities in racial, ethnic, and low socioeconomic status groups. These distinct but related research spheres possess unique environments, which, when integrated, can lead to innovation in health disparities science. In this article, we review these approaches and propose integrating them to advance health disparities research through a change in philosophical position and an increased emphasis on community engagement. We argue that a balanced combination of these research approaches is needed to inform evidence-based practice, social action, and effective policy change to improve health in disparity communities.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
The intersections of translational, transformational and transdisciplinary research.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Translational continuum for health disparities research.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Innovations in health disparities science at the intersections of translational, transformational, and transdisciplinary research.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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