220926 Medical research on ethnicity continues to neglect the social context

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Dane Bay, MPH Candidate , School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV
Daniel Cook, PhD , School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV
Background: Racial and ethnic categories are socially constructed schemes that constantly evolve. Health sciences research reports often neglect to consider the social context of race and its implications. Around 2003, some scientific journals revised their guidelines when studies revealed inappropriate use. Follow-up analysis is needed to determine if researchers have recently improved reports of ethnicity.

Objective: To identify how ethnicity variables are used in research reported in JAMA following a recommendation published in May 2003.

Methods: We developed a qualitative coding instrument for ethnicity in research grounded in the literature. We coded all JAMA articles from the May and November issues between May 2004 and November 2008, yielding 46 articles over 5 years. We assessed articles for 19 characteristics, including the presence of ethnic variables, explanations of how ethnicity was categorized and assigned, justification for use, statements of risk markers and factors, inclusion of covariates like socio-economic status (SES), and more.

Results: Of the 46 articles coded, 15 reported on more than one ethnicity. Of these 15, three included a justification for including ethnicity, and 4 explained the choice of categorization. Three of the 15 included SES in the analysis and 6 included other known potential confounders such as neighborhood. None of the articles suggested genetic associations with health, but one reported ethnicity as a risk factor. Thirteen disclosed federal funding.

Discussion/Conclusion: These results are similar to a 2003 study. Scientific journal policies could promote awareness of the most appropriate use of ethnicity and how to best describe the research.

Learning Areas:
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Diversity and culture
Ethics, professional and legal requirements
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines

Learning Objectives:
The learner will be able to identify how ethnicity variables are used in research reported in JAMA following a recommendation published in May 2003. The learner will be able to discuss the best practices for reporting race/ethnicity in research.

Keywords: Ethnicity, Research Ethics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a student in an MPH program expecting completion August 2010, conducting research under the supervision of a faculty member.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.