Summary of three articles relating lupus and the environment in African-Americans
| Author, year | N | Objective | Results | Conclusions | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carroll et al, 201451 | 80 | To assess links between environmental exposures and autoimmunity | With more meticulously collected exposure data, chemicals associated with ANA status were identified | Even with a small sample significant exposure–outcome relationships can be detected | III |
| Terrell et al, 200852 | N/A | To use CBPR practices to educate impacted residents and enable their participation in efforts to get a nearby waste site remediated | The impacted community was involved in information gathering and analysis and gained necessary skills to assess current conditions and prevent duplication of injustices | CBPR methods were used to empower a community and enable a community-driven remediation plan to be endorsed by the governing agency | IV |
| Williams et al, 200953 | 13 | To explore patients' experiences and concerns with their living environment and their perceptions of environmental effects on their health and disease status | Participants had the perception that there are components in the environment that people come into contact with that are potentially hazardous, and there was a shared concern about the presence of toxic waste in the soil in their community | The community recognises need for education, environmental change and the impact of public policy on these efforts | III |
ANA, antinuclear antibodies; CBPR, community-based participatory research; N/A, not available.