Problems with parsimony in research on socioeconomic determinants of health.
Despite growing evidence that social and economic factors are important determinants of health disparities, there is a lack of understanding of how these factors operate in relation to health. This article explores 3 conceptual and methodological issues impeding nursing research in this area: (1) ambiguity surrounding socioeconomic status (SES), both conceptually and as a scientific indicator; (2) the narrow focus on biological and behavioral risks for chronic disease development; and (3) the persistent centrality of individual behavior in studies examining SES-health contextual relationships. A brief overview of emerging approaches for enhancing nursing science in the area of SES and health disparities is presented.
Kneipp
Shawn M
SM
Department of Health Care Environments & Systems, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla 32610-0187, USA. skneipp@nursing.ufl.edu
Drevdahl
Denise J
DJ
D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D012923:Social Class; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology