Dataset Information

Systematic review of methods used to study the intersecting impact of sex and social locations on health outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Independent health impacts of sex or social circumstances are well-studied, particularly among older adults. Less theorized or examined is how combinations or intersections of these underpin differential health effects. Nevertheless, and often without naming it as such, an intersectional framework aligns with studies of social determinants of health, life-course epidemiology and eco-epidemiology. In this systematic review we examined and aimed to identify research methods used to operationalize, whether intentionally or inadvertently, interconnected effects of sex and social locations on health outcomes for 45+ year olds.

Methods

Using broad search terms, numerous databases, and following Prisma guidelines, 732 of 9214 papers initially identified, met inclusion criteria for full review.

Results

Of the 501 papers included after full review, methods used in considering intersections of sex and social circumstances/location(s) included regression (112 of 365 papers), growth curves (7 of 22), multilevel (15 of 25), decomposition (6 of 9), mediation (10 of 17), structural equation modelling (23 of 25), and other (2 of 3). Most (n = 157) approximated intersectional analyses by including interaction terms or sex-stratifying results.

Discussion

Few authors used the inherent strength of some study methods to examine intersecting traits. As even fewer began with an intersectionality framework their subsequent failure to deliver cannot be faulted, despite many studies including data and methodologies that would support intersectional analyses. There appeared to be a gap, not in analytic potential but rather in theorizing that differential distributions of social locations describe heterogeneity within the categories 'men' and 'women' that can underlie differential, gendered effects on older adults' health. While SEM, mediation and decomposition analyses emerged as particularly robust methods, the unexpected outcome was finding how few researchers consider intersectionality as a potential predictor of health.

SUBMITTER: Phillips SP

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7726337 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Systematic review of methods used to study the intersecting impact of sex and social locations on health outcomes.

Phillips S P SP A Vafaei V S Yu Y R Rodrigues R S Ilinca I E Zolyomi Z S Fors F

SSM - population health 20201201

<h4>Purpose</h4>Independent health impacts of sex or social circumstances are well-studied, particularly among older adults. Less theorized or examined is how combinations or intersections of these underpin differential health effects. Nevertheless, and often without naming it as such, an intersectional framework aligns with studies of social determinants of health, life-course epidemiology and eco-epidemiology. In this systematic review we examined and aimed to identify research methods used to ...[more]

PMID: 33319029

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundSocial media has been widely adopted by young adults, consequently health researchers are looking for ways to leverage this engagement with social media for the delivery of interventions and health promotion campaigns. Weight gain and sub-optimal dietary choices are common in young adults, and social media may be a potential tool to facilitate and support healthier choices.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods systematic review of studies examining social media use for nutrition-related outcomes in young adults. Seven databases [EBscohost, ERIC, ProQuest Central, PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and Emerald] were systematically searched; 1225 abstracts were screened, and 47 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Study designs included both quantitative, such as experimental and observational studies, and qualitative, such as focus groups and interviews, approaches. Quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Quantitative and qualitative results were examined separately, and then synthesized.ResultsTwenty-one studies were included although their use of social media was highly variable. The main purpose of social media was to provide information and social support to participants. In the nine randomized controlled trials, social media was used as one aspect of a multi-faceted intervention. Interventions had a positive statistically significant impact on nutritional outcomes in 1/9 trials. Engagement with the social media component of interventions varied, from 3 to 69%. Young adults appear to be open to receiving healthy eating and recipe tips through social media, however, they are reluctant to share personal weight-related information on their online social networks.ConclusionsInformation-dissemination is now an acceptable use of social media by young adults. Using social media effectively for social support, either via private groups or public pages, requires careful evaluation as its effectiveness is yet to be demonstrated in experimental designs. Concerns about public social media use may be a contributing factor to poor engagement with social media in research intervention studies aimed at influencing weight. Future research should consider how to best engage with young adults using social media, how to more effectively use social media to support young adults and to facilitate social and peer-to-peer support in making healthier choices.

Dataset Information

Systematic review of methods used to study the intersecting impact of sex and social locations on health outcomes.

Purpose

Methods

Results

Discussion

Publications

Systematic review of methods used to study the intersecting impact of sex and social locations on health outcomes.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets