Review of health research and data on/with racially minoritised groups: Implications for addressing racism and racial disparities in public health practice and policies in Europe: a study protocol

Abstract

Historically, across Europe, data and research on/with racially minoritised groups have not been collected or carried out in a sufficient, adequate, or appropriate manner. Yet, to understand emerging and existing health disparities among such groups, researchers and policymakers must obtain and use data to build evidence that informs decision-making and action on key structural and social determinants of health. This systematic search and review aims to contribute to closing this gap and promote a race-conscious approach to health research, strengthening the utilisation and deployment of data and research on/with racially minoritised groups in Europe. Its ultimate goal is to improve equality and equity in health*. Concretely, the study will do so by reviewing and critically analysing the usage of the concepts of race, ethnicity, and their related euphemisms and proxies in health-related research. It will examine the collection, use, and deployment of data and research on/with racially minoritised groups in this area. The study will focus on Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, three countries with graphical proximity and several similarities, one of which is the limited attention that is given to racism and racial inequalities in health in research and policy. This choice is also justified by practical knowledge of the context and languages. The results of the review will be used to develop guidance on how to use and deploy data and research on/with racially minoritised groups. The review is part of a larger project which aims to promote race-conscious research and data. The project does this by a three-pronged approach which: 1) highlights the need for a race-conscious approach when collecting and using data, carrying out research on/with racially minoritised groups; 2) builds expertise for their effective use and deployment, and; 3) creates a knowledge network and community of practice for public health researchers working in Europe.

Keywords: health data; health research; racial health disparities; racialised minority groups; racism.