Diversity and demographics of APSA members: Understanding our identity.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2023
Identifier
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.09.035
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: There are existing healthcare disparities in pediatric surgery today. Identity and racial incongruity between patients and providers contribute to systemic healthcare inequities and negatively impacts health outcomes of minoritized populations. Understanding the current demographics of the American Pediatric Surgical Association and therefore the cognitive diversity represented will help inform how best to strategically build the organization to optimize disparity solutions and improve patient care.
METHODS: 1558 APSA members were sent an anonymous electronic survey. Comparative data was collected from the US Census Bureau and the Association of American Medical Colleges. Results were analyzed using standard statistical tests.
RESULTS: Of 423 respondents (response rate 27%), the race and ethnicity composition were 68% non Hispanic White, 12% Asian American and Pacific Islander, 6% Hispanic, 5% multiracial, and 4% Black/African American. Respondents were 35% women, 63% men, and 1% transgender, androgyne, or uncertain. Distribution of sexual identity was 97% heterosexual and 3% LGBTQIA. Religious identity was 50% Christian, 22% Agnostic/Atheist, 11% Jewish, 3% Hindu, and 2% Muslim. 32% of respondents were first-generation Americans. Twenty-four different primary languages were spoken, and 46% of respondents were conversational in a second language. These findings differ in meaningful ways from the overall American population and from the population of matriculants in American medical schools.
CONCLUSION: There are substantial differences in the racial, gender, and sexual identity composition of APSA members compared with the overall population in the United States. To achieve excellence in patient care and innovate solutions to existing disparities, representation, particularly in leadership is essential.
TYPE OF STUDY: Survey; original research.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
Journal Title
Journal of pediatric surgery
Volume
58
Issue
1
First Page
167
Last Page
171
MeSH Keywords
Male; Child; Humans; Female; United States; Ethnicity; Hispanic or Latino; Racial Groups; Black or African American; Healthcare Disparities
Keywords
APSA; Diversity equity and inclusion; Health disparities; Recruitment
Recommended Citation
Vernamonti J, Bowen-Jallow K, Paredes A, et al. Diversity and demographics of APSA members: Understanding our identity. J Pediatr Surg. 2023;58(1):167-171. doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.09.035
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