Social Epidemiology Unit

The Social Epidemiology Unit conducts research on health inequity by investigating its causes as well as developing and testing approaches to reduce inequity. In order to achieve this goal we analyze the influence of the causes of causes – social determinants and policies – on expositions, health behaviors and health status across the life course.

Complexity and diversity are of key concern when analyzing causes of inequity and potential remedies. The co-occurrence and entanglement of different dimensions of inequality (especially socioeconomic status, gender, and migration status) is hereby central for the attainment of an extended understanding of health inequities. To this end we draw on concepts such as intersectionality and superdiversity and analyze how the said concepts can contribute to our understanding of health inequities in epidemiologic research. As well as analyzing causes of health inequity, we aim to develop and evaluate sociocultural sensitive concepts of healthcare and preventive services that reflect the existing complexity and diversity. In our research we use both qualitative and quantitative methods. Addressing aspects of diversity (especially gender and migration sensitivity) during the different stages of the research process and in the development of preventive interventions is one of our core competencies.

Selected Publications

    Articles with peer review

  • Hübner W, Phillimore J, Bradby H, Brand T. Assessing the contribution of migration related policies to equity in access to healthcare in European countries: A multilevel analysis. Social Science & Medicine. 2023;321:115766.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115766
    https://repository.publisso.de/resource/frl:6440656
  • Müllmann S, Gansefort D, Zeeb H, Brand T. Addressing community readiness to promote physical activity in older adults in Germany. Health Promotion International. 2023;38(6):daad158.
    https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daad158
  • Brand T, Gerstmann M, Samkange-Zeeb F, Zeeb H. Involving trained community health mediators in COVID-19 prevention measures. A process evaluation from Bremen, Germany. Frontiers in Digital Health. 2023;5:1266684.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2023.1266684
  • Samkange-Zeeb F, Singh H, Lakeberg M, Kolschen J, Schüz B, Christianson L, De Santis KK, Brand T, Zeeb H. Health literacy needs among unemployed persons: Collating evidence through triangulation of interview and scoping review data. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022;10:798797.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.798797

Staff

Ahmed, Furqan
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56913
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56941
ahmedf(at)leibniz-bips.de

Barrera Bernal, Bibiana
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56981
bernal(at)leibniz-bips.de

Benson, Jennifer
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56982
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56941
benson(at)leibniz-bips.de

Brand, Tilman, Dr.
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56917
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56941
brand(at)leibniz-bips.de

Gencer, Hande
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56911
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56941
gencer(at)leibniz-bips.de

Martens, Lea
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56926
martens(at)leibniz-bips.de

Müllmann, Saskia, Dr.
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56914
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56941
muellmann(at)leibniz-bips.de

Samkange-Zeeb, Florence, Dr.
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56981
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56901
samkange(at)leibniz-bips.de

Schepan, Marie Lisanne
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56928
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56941
schepan(at)leibniz-bips.de

Schönbach, Dorothea, Dr.
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56906
dschoenbach(at)leibniz-bips.de

Wiersing, Rebekka
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-56965
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56941
wiersing(at)leibniz-bips.de

Tilman Brand
Head of Unit

Contact:
Dr. Tilman Brand
Tel: +49 (0)421 218-56917
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56941

Email:
brand(at)leibniz-bips.de


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