Centering racial health equity in systematic reviews paper 3: a systematic review of definitions for “racial health equity” and related terms within health-related articles

Abstract

Objectives

To systematically evaluate definitions of “racial health equity” (RHE) and related terms within health-related academic literature.

Study Design and Setting

We systematically evaluated definitions of RHE and related terms within health-related academic articles. Articles published in English were included, and no date restrictions were imposed.

Results

We found 20 original articles containing relevant definitions out of 1816 retrieved articles, thirteen of which were published from 2020 to 2023. Themes used in the definitions varied; racism (n = 12) and quality of healthcare (n = 10) were the most common. Additional themes, including social hierarchy or marginalization, discrimination, justice, unmet social needs, and historical events were described within some definitions. Eleven of the included manuscripts defined race as a social construct.

Conclusion

This study depicts RHE as an emerging concept with limited consensus on racism, quality of health, and social determinants of health as important underlying frameworks. To center equity efforts and actions under a workable and shared vision, we recommend continued discussions regarding underlying meanings of RHE concepts and propose establishing a definition that promotes unity across health fields and prevents ambiguity.