Am J Epidemiol. 2021 Sep 1;190(9):1721-1723. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwab081.
Using a bibliometric approach, Nobles et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2021;190(9):1710-1720) conducted a study to explore dimensions of participation at the annual meetings of the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER). Their findings suggested differences in representation by gender and affiliation in key presentation formats, which raises concerns about possible equity issues within the organization. In this commentary, I discuss the context, limitations, and strengths of the study, as well as reflections on interpretation and implications of the findings. Suggested next steps include: continuing the conversation; evaluating SER processes and making needed adjustments with equity in mind; and conducting ongoing surveillance and further research. Nobles et al. have provided a baseline for monitoring trends, as well as a starting point for future research efforts that should aim to refine methodologic aspects of the current study to obtain a more complete range of information. Although firm conclusions about possible determinants cannot be made at this time, the work of Nobles et al. can be expected to raise awareness of equity issues among SER members and the broader epidemiology community.
采用文献计量学方法，Nobles 等人（Am J Epidemiol. 2021;190(9):1710-1720）进行了一项研究，以探讨社会流行病学研究学会（SER）年会参与的各个维度。他们的研究结果表明，在主要的报告形式中，性别和所属机构的代表性存在差异，这引发了人们对该组织内部可能存在公平问题的关注。在这篇评论中，我将讨论该研究的背景、局限性和优势，以及对研究结果的解释和影响的思考。建议采取的下一步措施包括：继续对话；评估 SER 的流程，并在考虑公平性的基础上进行必要的调整；以及进行持续监测和进一步研究。Nobles 等人提供了监测趋势的基线，以及未来研究工作的起点，这些工作应旨在完善当前研究的方法学方面，以获得更全面的信息范围。虽然目前还不能就可能的决定因素得出确凿的结论，但可以预期，Nobles 等人的工作将提高 SER 成员和更广泛的流行病学界对公平问题的认识。
