Section outline

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    Lecture: Basic measurement issues in health disparities research

    How do we describe the magnitude of health disparities, or decide whether health disparities are getting smaller or larger?  Although it may sound simple, there are many different approaches to quantifying disparities, and sometimes they give very different insights.  In this class we will compare some approaches, such as focusing on absolute versus relative inequalities and how to choose a reference category. We will also address some basic concepts in measurement of variables in health disparities research.  Rigorous, reproducible measurement protocols are essential to scientific progress, but many key variables in health disparities research are controversial to define or difficult to measure, such as segregation, racism, or social capital.  We will discuss some strategies to overcoming these measurement challenges and to give health disparities research a strong scientific grounding.

    Faculty:  Maria Glymour

    Location:     Mission Hall 1407

    • Session Slides:

    • Measurementv4-2016 File

    • Session Audio/Video Recording (Access restricted to registered students):

    • Required Reading:

    • Krieger EverydayDiscrimination File
      Not available unless: Your ID number contains 02
    • Harper and Lynch reading on measuring health disparities only read exec summary File
      Not available unless: Your ID number contains 02
    • Capistrant et al-2014-Journal of the American Geriatrics Society File