Unmasking Structural Racism in Cardiovascular Health: Insights from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Time: -Topics: Health of Marginalized Populations , Cardiovascular Disease
This symposium examines the interplay between structural racism, cardiovascular health outcomes, and health promotion behaviors among diverse racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Using 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, we present an analysis that challenges traditional approaches to health disparities research. Our findings reveal persistent cardiovascular health inequities among historically marginalized populations, despite equal or higher engagement in health-promoting behaviors, underscoring the pervasive influence of structural racism on health outcomes.
The symposium will consist of three presentations followed by a discussion:
Presentation 1: Cardiovascular Health Disparities and Social Determinants
Introduction: Overview of cardiovascular health disparities across racial and ethnic groups.
Methods: Descriptive analysis of 2019 BRFSS data across eight racial/ethnic categories.
Results: Higher rates of cardiovascular conditions and greater barriers to healthcare access among historically marginalized groups.
Presentation 2: Health Promotion Behaviors Across Racial and Ethnic Groups
Introduction: Exploration of engagement in health promotion behaviors aligned with the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 guidelines.
Methods: Descriptive analysis of 2019 BRFSS data on health behaviors.
Results: Historically marginalized groups often demonstrated equal or higher rates of engagement in health promotion behaviors compared to White adults.
Presentation 3: Applying QuantCrit to Understand Structural Racism in Health Research
Introduction: Critical examination of the BRFSS and common analytical approaches through QuantCrit.
Methods: Application of QuantCrit principles to evaluate data collection, categorization, and analysis methods.
Results: Analysis reveals how current research methods may perpetuate racial biases and underestimate health disparities.
Discussion:
The discussant will synthesize the presentations, emphasizing the need for more equitable research approaches, including the development and use of structural racism measures, diverse reach teams, inclusion of people with lived experiences throughout the research process, and how to better remove tools and approaches grounded in racism from regular use.
The symposium will conclude by outlining future directions for cardiovascular health equity research and practice
Keywords: Cardiovascular disease, Self ManagementThe symposium will consist of three presentations followed by a discussion:
Presentation 1: Cardiovascular Health Disparities and Social Determinants
Introduction: Overview of cardiovascular health disparities across racial and ethnic groups.
Methods: Descriptive analysis of 2019 BRFSS data across eight racial/ethnic categories.
Results: Higher rates of cardiovascular conditions and greater barriers to healthcare access among historically marginalized groups.
Presentation 2: Health Promotion Behaviors Across Racial and Ethnic Groups
Introduction: Exploration of engagement in health promotion behaviors aligned with the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 guidelines.
Methods: Descriptive analysis of 2019 BRFSS data on health behaviors.
Results: Historically marginalized groups often demonstrated equal or higher rates of engagement in health promotion behaviors compared to White adults.
Presentation 3: Applying QuantCrit to Understand Structural Racism in Health Research
Introduction: Critical examination of the BRFSS and common analytical approaches through QuantCrit.
Methods: Application of QuantCrit principles to evaluate data collection, categorization, and analysis methods.
Results: Analysis reveals how current research methods may perpetuate racial biases and underestimate health disparities.
Discussion:
The discussant will synthesize the presentations, emphasizing the need for more equitable research approaches, including the development and use of structural racism measures, diverse reach teams, inclusion of people with lived experiences throughout the research process, and how to better remove tools and approaches grounded in racism from regular use.
The symposium will conclude by outlining future directions for cardiovascular health equity research and practice
Authors and Affliiates
Presenter: Jaclyn Schwartz, PhD, OTR/L, PhD, OTR/L, Washington University in St. LouisDiscussant: Kelly M. Harris, PhD, PhD, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine
Discussant: Catherine Hoyt, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, Washington University in St. Louis
Discussant: Sami Tayeb, MS, Washington Unviersity in St. Louis
Co-Author: Emily A. Kringle, PhD, OTR/L, PhD, OTR/L, University of Minnesota
Co-Author: Suzanne Burns, PhD, OTR/L, ECHM , University of New Mexico
Unmasking Structural Racism in Cardiovascular Health: Insights from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Category
Scientific > Panel Discussion