Behavioral and Social Science Research on Understanding and Reducing Health Disparities

Additional Information:
R01 - http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-13-292.html
R21 - http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-13-288.html




Description:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issues this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to encourage research project grant applications (R01, R21) employing behavioral and social science theories, concepts, and methods (1) to improve understanding of the causes of disparities in health and disability among the various populations of the United States and (2) to develop and test interventions for reducing and eventually eliminating health disparities. The purpose of this FOA is to encourage behavioral and social science research on the causes and solutions to health and disabilities disparities in the U. S. population. 

Health disparities between, on the one hand, racial/ethnic populations, lower socioeconomic classes, and rural residents and, on the other hand, the overall U.S. population are major public health concerns. Emphasis is placed on research in and among three broad areas of action: 1) public policy, 2) health care, and 3) disease/disability prevention. Particular attention is given to reducing “health gaps” among groups. Applications that utilize an interdisciplinary approach, investigate multiple levels of analysis, incorporate a life-course perspective, and/or employ innovative methods such as systems science or community-based participatory research are particularly encouraged.