Diversity

Every individual is unique in terms of their age, education, socioeconomic status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and physical and mental state. If healthcare and research do not take account of these differences, people’s health will suffer. We work to reduce health disparities by funding research into diversity.

Diversity in patients

The healthcare system was originally set up by and for white, well-educated men. It is therefore important that the system be made more inclusive, so that we can offer everyone the care that is most appropriate for them. Palliative care offers information on research and medical aids that are more broadly applicable. We have also collected knowledge to help care professionals take account of the differences between men and women.

Diversity in healthcare workers

The healthcare system is under pressure, with staff shortages and a huge workload. We are also seeing health problems among healthcare workers, which cause absence and loss of staff. Studies have shown that poverty, racism, discrimination, gender inequality and debt are leading causes of health problems among healthcare workers. In addition, too little consideration is given to the informal care responsibilities of female healthcare workers. Both publicationsoffer paths to solutions to work towards resolving the problems.

Differences between people can also play a big role in our society. Some people might feel that they do not belong, if they experience mental health problems for example, or have a disability or chronic condition. It takes a concerted effort from society to ensure that everyone finds their place and feels valued. We need to know more about how best to achieve this. By developing knowledge about inclusion we at ZonMw are helping to create an inclusive society.

Socioeconomic health disparities

Diversity is increasingly taken into account in the Netherlands. Differences in terms of education, income and labour market status create health disparities. People with low socioeconomic status are more likely to have health problems and a shorter healthy life expectancy. Research into disease prevention and health promotion helps reduce these differences. We encourage the development of local networks and effective integrated approaches to reduce health disadvantage.

If research takes proper account of the differences between people, the results will be more applicable to everyone. This applies particularly to people who cannot take good health for granted. But how can researchers integrate diversity into their studies? It helps to involve different people, such as people with a migrant background. We also have a frequently asked questions page with a collection of information and tools. The tools include e-books for grant applicants and those assessing applications, containing tips and checklists to help you give sex, gender and diversity proper consideration in research.

More information on focusing on diversity and inclusion in research.