Table 2 Definitions of broad narratives

Dismissal

Authors dismiss the role of racism and/or provide none or alternative explanations for racial/ethnic health inequities. The alternative explanations are related to biological/genetic differences or focus solely on behavior/lifestyle (blaming the victim).

Person-level

Authors discuss racial/ethnic health inequities and provide interpersonal explanations like interpersonal racism, behavior, physician bias or income/education (without mentioning social disadvantage). Authors may or may not mention the word racism in the excerpt. They provide no anti-racism strategies.

Societal

Authors discuss racial/ethnic health inequities and provide social/institutional explanations beyond biology, genetics, behavior, or physician bias (e.g., historical injustices, social inequalities, access). Authors may or may not mention the word racism and provide limited or no actionable strategies at the structural level.