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Many public health organizations are developing and implementing actions to collect and use sociodemographic and race-based data to advance population health and health equity. Sociodemographic data refer to characteristics of a population, including age, gender identity, primary language, racial identity and income.
This collection of resources from the Wellesley Institute can help support these efforts.
This literature review explores best practices to ensure data are not merely collected but used to advance equity. Best practices are presented in three categories: prepare the data, study the data and act on the data. A key finding is the importance of meaningful collaboration with communities throughout all stages of data use.
Literature review: Existing models of community governance of health data
Responding to ongoing calls for community governance of sociodemographic data, this literature review explores five existing models to support meaningful community involvement in data collection and use.
Plain language summary: Sociodemographic data for health
This short document summarizes the findings of the two literature reviews for a lay audience. It highlights best practices and resources for collecting, using and governing sociodemographic data to promote health equity.
Toolkit: Sociodemographic data collection, use and governance for health
This practical toolkit organizes best practices and resources from the literature into three stages of data use: prepare the data, study the data and act on the data. It also outlines five models of community governance, key considerations and 16 examples of successful community governance initiatives.
Use this resource to
- Guide efforts to responsibly collect and use sociodemographic data to respond to health inequities and advance health equity
- Inform development of a community governance strategy for the collection and use of sociodemographic data
- Communicate with diverse audiences about the importance of collecting and using sociodemographic data to advance population health and health equity
Alignment with NCCDH work
As outlined in the NCCDH’s Let’s Talk: Public health roles for improving health equity, one of the four core roles is to assess and report on the existence and impact of health inequities, and on effective strategies to reduce inequities. These resources from the Wellesley Institute support this role by offering practical guidance to public health organizations on collecting and using sociodemographic data to advance health equity.
Through its Health Equity Collaborative Network, the NCCDH has hosted presentations and facilitated discussions with public health practitioners on the collection, use and governance of sociodemographic and race-based data to advance health equity.
Reference
Demeke, J., Worku, F., & Fante-Coleman, T. (2024). Best practices to use sociodemographic data to improve access and outcomes of health services for equity-deserving populations. Wellesley Institute. https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Practices-to-Use-Sociodemographic-Data.pdf
Demeke, J., Worku, F., & Fante-Coleman, T. (2024). Existing models of community governance of health data. Wellesley Institute. https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Existing-Models-of-Community-Governance-of-Health-Data.pdf
Demeke, J., Worku, F., Fante-Coleman, T., & Noordermeer, J. (2024). Sociodemographic data for health. Wellesley Institute. https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Plain-Language-Summary-Sociodemographic-Data-Collection-Use-and-Governance.pdf
Demeke, J., Worku, F., & Fante-Coleman, T. (2024). Toolkit: sociodemographic data collection, use and governance for health. Wellesley Institute. https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Toolkit-Sociodemographic-Data-Collection-Use-and-Governance-for-Health.pdf