King's College London

National surveys indicate that common mental health conditions are more prevalent among systematically disadvantaged groups, with strong associations noted between broader social determinants and the onset of mental distress and illness. Health inequities are large, avoidable, and unjust differences in the experience of health and illness.

They are caused by systems of discrimination, powerlessness, and disadvantage that intersect across social class, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age, and disability. Co-produced research that integrates an intersectional equity lens can reduce these inequalities. 

The objective of this cross-cutting platform is to develop and refine measures for the assessment of intersectional inequalities to ensure population-based, policy, and systems interventions are equitable.

Throughout, we will use Equality Impact Assessments and the Health Inequalities Assessment Toolkit to integrate an intersectional equity lens into our research and involve individuals with lived experience and policy/practice expertise. This tool will allow us to map inequalities, integrate intersectional equity into all research questions, prioritise evidence for action, and ensure accountability in tackling identified inequalities.

We will develop and refine quantitative and qualitative methods to enable assessments of intersectional inequalities in population mental health and ensure that interventions and policies do not contribute to a widening of inequalities.

Key outputs for the platform will include:

1. Evidence-based policy recommendations to reduce health disparities.
2. Interactive mapping of place-based inequities.
3. Insights on drivers of mental health inequalities across intersecting identities.
4. Amplified lived experiences through a photovoice exhibition.

Collaborators

London Association of Directors of Public Health, North East London Integrated Health and Care System, NHS Race and Health Observatory, Traumascapes, Dr Tassia Oswald (King's College London)