TY - JOUR

T1 - Recommendations for ethnic equity in health

T2 - A Delphi study from Denmark

AU - Smith Jervelund, Signe

AU - Vinther-Jensen, Kirsten

AU - Ryom, Knud

AU - Villadsen, Sarah Fredsted

AU - Hempler, Nana Folmann

PY - 2023

Y1 - 2023

N2 - Aims A key issue in public health is how to approach ethnic inequities. Despite an increased focus on the health of people from ethnic minorities in the last 15 years, significant ethnic health inequities still exist in Denmark. These arise during pregnancy and are exacerbated by higher rates of exposure to health risks during the life course. This study aimed to formulate recommendations on both structural and organisational levels to reduce ethnic health inequities. Methods Nine decision-makers - representing municipalities, regions, the private sector and voluntary organisations in Denmark - participated in the formulation of recommendations inspired by the Delphi method. The consensus process was conducted in three rounds during spring 2020, resulting in eight overall recommendations, including suggestions for action. Results The recommendations address both structural and organisational levels. They aim to strengthen: 1) health policies and strategies related to the needs of people from ethnic minorities, including health literacy, linguistic, cultural and social differences; 2) health-promoting local initiatives developed in co-creation with people from ethnic minorities; 3) health promotion and prevention from a life course perspective with a focus on early intervention; 4) cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaborations that facilitate transitions and coordination; 5) competencies of professionals in terms of cultural knowledge, awareness, reflexivity and skills; 6) access to healthcare services by increasing information and resources; 7) interpreting assistance for, and linguistic accessibility to, healthcare services; 8) documentation and intervention research. Conclusions To reduce ethnic health inequities, it is crucial that Danish welfare institutions, including their strategies, approaches and skills of employees, are adapted to serve an increasingly heterogeneous population.

AB - Aims A key issue in public health is how to approach ethnic inequities. Despite an increased focus on the health of people from ethnic minorities in the last 15 years, significant ethnic health inequities still exist in Denmark. These arise during pregnancy and are exacerbated by higher rates of exposure to health risks during the life course. This study aimed to formulate recommendations on both structural and organisational levels to reduce ethnic health inequities. Methods Nine decision-makers - representing municipalities, regions, the private sector and voluntary organisations in Denmark - participated in the formulation of recommendations inspired by the Delphi method. The consensus process was conducted in three rounds during spring 2020, resulting in eight overall recommendations, including suggestions for action. Results The recommendations address both structural and organisational levels. They aim to strengthen: 1) health policies and strategies related to the needs of people from ethnic minorities, including health literacy, linguistic, cultural and social differences; 2) health-promoting local initiatives developed in co-creation with people from ethnic minorities; 3) health promotion and prevention from a life course perspective with a focus on early intervention; 4) cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaborations that facilitate transitions and coordination; 5) competencies of professionals in terms of cultural knowledge, awareness, reflexivity and skills; 6) access to healthcare services by increasing information and resources; 7) interpreting assistance for, and linguistic accessibility to, healthcare services; 8) documentation and intervention research. Conclusions To reduce ethnic health inequities, it is crucial that Danish welfare institutions, including their strategies, approaches and skills of employees, are adapted to serve an increasingly heterogeneous population.

KW - Inequity

KW - ethnic minorities

KW - Delphi method

KW - recommendations

KW - health policies

KW - health promotion

KW - cultural competences

KW - access to healthcare

KW - interpreters

KW - Denmark

KW - SELF-PERCEIVED HEALTH

KW - CULTURAL COMPETENCE

KW - IMMIGRANTS

KW - POPULATION

KW - MINORITIES

KW - MIGRANTS

KW - SERVICES

U2 - 10.1177/14034948211040965

DO - 10.1177/14034948211040965

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 34515598

VL - 51

JO - Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Supplement

JF - Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Supplement

SN - 1403-4956

IS - 3

ER -