Open AccessMoving Toward Paradigm-Shifting Research in Health Disparities Through Translational, Transformational, and Transdisciplinary Approaches
Author(s) -
Irene DankwaMullan,
Kyu Rhee,
David M. Stoff,
Jennifer Reineke Pohlhaus,
Francisco S. Sy,
Nathaniel Stinson,
John Ruffin
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2009.189167
Subject(s) - health equity , transformational leadership , mantra , translational research , sociology , health policy , community based participatory research , health services research , community engagement , public relations , social determinants of health , political science , engineering ethics , participatory action research , medicine , health care , philosophy , theology , pathology , anthropology , law , engineering
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.