The pursuit of health equity is a growing focus in research and medical practice, yet the path to achieving truly inclusive and just healthcare is riddled with challenges. On Feb. 19, at noon, Illinois researchers will have the opportunity to explore these challenges through a compelling Zoom presentation on Methodological Challenges in Health Equity Research. Hosted by the Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) team at the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (IHSI), and aligned with IHSI’s commitment to health equity, the event aims to shed light on the complexities of integrating equity considerations into health research.
Dr. Sima Sharghi is a Senior Statistician at Akron Children’s Hospital with over 15 years of expertise in statistical and mathematical modeling. She is passionate about advancing research methodologies to promote equitable healthcare outcomes, particularly for underrepresented populations. Dr. Sharghi's extensive training spans various statistical disciplines, including missing data analysis, causal inferences, time series, longitudinal, survival, and Bayesian analysis, as well as machine learning. She is dedicated to improving health outcomes, addressing systemic disparities in healthcare, and applying statistical techniques to medical, public health, educational, and social equity issues.
Last fall, Sharghi presented and participated in a health equity panel during the 2024 Women in Statistics & Data Science (WSDS) Conference, highlighting the need to adjust the research lens to better integrate principles of health equity. IHSI Research Biostatistician Aman Kaur attended the conference.
“Dr. Sharghi’s presentation at the WSDS Conference triggered me to critically examine how statistical methods are traditionally taught and applied and question the rationale for including certain factors in our models and how these choices are justified,” Kaur said. “Are we truly fulfilling an objective or reinforcing existing biases, and how do the models we build impact real people—whether today or ten years from now?”
Realizing the value of this critical reflection among researchers, the BERD team invited Sharghi to present this topic to the Illinois research community.
“Health equity is not about taking away rights from one group and handing them over to another … It should be about fairness and equal access, as defined both across the states and nationally. If these definitions are flawed, we must work to change them.”
— Sima Sharghi, Senior Biostatistician, Akron Children's Hospital
Dr. Sima Sharghi on methodology, race, and social justice
Sharghi has dedicated her work to unraveling these complexities, exploring how social patterns among people of color influence health outcomes. With a focus on innovative tools like the Child Opportunity Index (COI), Sharghi aims to shift the conversation from merely identifying disparities to addressing their root causes.
“Health equity is not about taking away rights from one group and handing them over to another,” Sharghi explained. “It should be about fairness and equal access, as defined both across the states and nationally. If these definitions are flawed, we must work to change them.”
Below is an excerpt from a conversation with Sharghi about her research journey, the challenges in health equity studies, and the steps needed to create lasting, meaningful change in this critical field.
Can you briefly share your background and what led you to your current research focus?
I have always been fascinated by the differences between people from various countries. Coming from an ethnically diverse country myself, I observed how these differences impact many aspects of our lives. This curiosity led me to explore the effects of race on our health. Understanding that race is a social construct rather than a biological factor, I became interested in identifying social patterns among people of color and how these patterns differ from those of other groups. This realization sparked my interest in this important topic.
Your work involves understanding race and ethnicity as social constructs in health research. Why is this important, and what challenges do researchers face in addressing these issues?
Race and ethnicity significantly shape our experiences and health outcomes. Recognizing their impact is crucial for developing effective interventions. However, researchers face challenges such as accurately measuring these constructs and addressing the biases they introduce. Ensuring our research truly reflects the diverse populations we aim to serve is essential to generalize our research findings.
The Child Opportunity Index (COI) is one of the alternative measures discussed in your research. Can you explain what COI is and how it can be used to improve health equity research?
The COI is a comprehensive measure that captures neighborhood resources and conditions affecting children's development. By using COI, researchers can better understand how environmental factors contribute to health disparities. This index allows us to move beyond individual-level data and consider broader social contexts, leading to more targeted and effective health equity interventions.
What are the biggest misconceptions about health equity research that you wish more people understood?
One major misconception is that health equity research is only about identifying disparities. But in my opinion, it's about understanding the root causes and developing strategies to eliminate these inequities. A multidisciplinary approach involving policymakers, statisticians, and community leaders is crucial. Efforts should start locally and expand to a broader scale. This could be as simple as voting for the right leaders for public office, partnering with the right researchers, or raising awareness through public discussions.
What advice would you give to students or early-career researchers who are interested in health equity research?
Stay curious and committed to learning. Health equity research is a dynamic field that requires a deep understanding of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Engage with communities and the right researchers, listen to their experiences, and let their voices guide your research. Remember, the goal is not just to study disparities but to drive meaningful change.
During her presentation, Sharghi will discuss topics around embedding justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity throughout the research process – from study inception to data dissemination. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A. Attendees can expect an in-depth exploration of the methodological challenges that often hinder the pursuit of health equity, and practical approaches to overcoming these obstacles.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Sharghi to discuss her work in addressing health disparities in research methodology,” said IHSI Research Scientist Brandi Barnes. “Her passion on the topic is evident and we hope this discussion on the importance of addressing disparate health outcomes at all stages of the research cycle will provide lasting insight to our research community.”
This event holds particular significance in today’s research landscape, where disparities in healthcare access and outcomes remain a pressing concern. Registration is open to all faculty, staff, and student researchers eager to deepen their understanding of health equity methodologies.