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3237531 
Journal Article 
Midwifery and Health Disparities: Theories and Intersections 
Cox, KimJ 
2009 
Yes 
Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health
ISSN: 1526-9523
EISSN: 1542-2011 
54 
1 
57-64 
WOS:000262293200009 
In the past decade, the reduction of health disparities has
become an important policy agenda in the United States. Clinicians in practice, however, may be
unfamiliar with the prevailing causal theories and uncertain about what they can do to help to
reduce inequalities in health. The purpose of this article is to provide women's health care
clinicians with an overview of the definitions, measurement issues, and theories that fall under
the rubric of health disparities. The intersecting roles of genetics, race/ethnicity,
environment, and gender are discussed. The article also provides practical suggestions for
interventions and health policy change that can be implemented by clinicians in practice. J
Midwifery Womens Health 2009;54:57-64 (C) 2009 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. 
health disparities; health inequalities; midwifery; midwives; social determinants of health; vulnerable populations