Health Disparities Beginning in Childhood: A Life-Course Perspective

摘要: In this article we argue for the utility of life-course perspective as a tool understanding and addressing health disparities across socioeconomic racial or ethnic groups, particularly that originate in childhood. Key concepts terms used research are briefly defined; resources, examples existing literature outcomes covered provided along with longitudinal databases have often been research. The focuses on how early-life experiences can shape an entire lifetime potentially generations; it systematically directs attention to role context, including social physical context biological factors, over time. This approach is relevant disparities, because contextual factors underlie racial/ethnic health. A major focus epidemiology has understand (particularly related economic adversity disadvantages accompany it) adult health, chronic disease its risk consequences. strong influences could provide powerful rationale policies at all levels--federal, state, local--to give more priority investment improving living conditions children strategy reducing life course.