Except for the COVID-19 pandemic and the health equity issues it highlighted, the link between public opinion and health equity topics remains largely unexplored as other more traditional sources of information (health surveys and databases, administrative data, census etc.) are used for health equity research. The inclusion of the public’s opinion in health equity research is vital, as opinions influence and are influenced by the norms and policies through which we carry out our lives.
The AAMC Center for Health Justice conducts regular nationally representative polling to ask the public about health equity issues. Prior polls have asked respondents about health and civic engagement, birth experiences, trustworthiness of institutions, and more. If you could ask the public about any health equity topic, what would you like to know?
AAMC CHARGE answered: With your input, we designed a multi-topic poll and surveyed a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. The results are now in, and AAMC CHARGE members are invited to apply for access to the polling data so they can conduct their own research for evidence-based solutions to achieve health equity.
Applicants should submit a health equity-focused research proposal with research questions that can be answered using data from the AAMC CHARGE Investigates—A Call for Research dataset described below. The proposed studies should produce innovative, actionable, relevant research that uses the available data to answer important health equity-focused questions and inform health policy.
Team Selection
Eligible teams will consist of three to five members. Team members may be professional researchers, academic medicine instructors, medical providers, faculty, nonacademic professionals, or community members. This opportunity is open to AAMC CHARGE members.
Data Access
Up to five selected research teams will be given access to data at no cost to the selected teams. Data will be shared via secure electronic file transfer, and selected teams will be required to sign a data-use agreement with the AAMC prior to receiving the data. Access to the dataset will be provided for 24 months. Upon completion of studies and remittance of summary findings to the AAMC, the AAMC will consider support for researchers to present their findings on additional platforms, such as webinars or conferences.
About the Data
Selected teams will be provided with access to data from a nationally representative public opinion poll of 6,748 U.S. adults conducted online between Oct. 18 and Oct. 27, 2023. The survey instrument used for the poll includes 25 items across five subtopics.
Concepts of Health Equity and Health Justice
- Support for health equity
- Factors that contribute to healthy communities
Access to Health Care
- Barriers to accessing care
- Ease of access based on types of care
Child Health Equity
- Identification of the most pressing child health issues
Financial Equity
- Perceived financial security
- COVID-19 impacts on financial security
Disability Equity
- Access to essential services
- Perceived trustworthiness of public institutions
See the Codebook to learn more about the data
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Date | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Feb. 5, 2024 | Application opens |
| Feb. 15, 2024, 2 p.m. ET | Informational webinar |
| March 4, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET | Application closes |
| March 21, 2024 | Selected teams notified |
| May 1, 2024 - April 30, 2026 | Access to data |
Questions and Assistance
The center held an informational webinar on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET to explain the application process and expectations for participation, and to address applicants' questions.
Please contact us with any questions and include the subject line “AAMC CHARGE Investigates—A Call for Research.”