What's Happening?
A systematic review has revealed that neonatal clinical trials in the United States often underreport social determinants of health (SDOH), such as race, ethnicity, language, and socioeconomic status. This underrepresentation is significant as these factors
are crucial for understanding the generalizability of clinical trial findings and addressing disparities in neonatal care. The review, which analyzed trials published between 2017 and 2021, found that infants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and non-white races are underrepresented in trials, despite being overrepresented in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Why It's Important?
The lack of comprehensive SDOH reporting in neonatal trials can lead to skewed data that does not accurately reflect the diverse populations served by NICUs. This gap in data can hinder efforts to develop equitable healthcare policies and interventions that address the specific needs of marginalized groups. By highlighting these disparities, the review underscores the need for more inclusive research practices that can lead to improved health outcomes for all neonatal patients.
What's Next?
The findings of this review may prompt researchers and policymakers to prioritize the inclusion of SDOH in future clinical trials. This could lead to the development of guidelines and policies that ensure more representative sampling in research, ultimately contributing to more equitable healthcare practices.
