Inclusion of the variable “skin color” in the Complementary Statistical Information Health Subsystem of Cuba

Ana Janet Cabal Armas, María del Carmen Roche Madrigal, María Elena Pérez Leyva and Carlos Rafael Araujo Inastrilla

South Health and Policy, 2025, vol. 4, 409-409

Abstract: Introduction: The inclusion of skin color as a sociodemographic variable in health information systems represents a challenge to strengthening health equity in Cuba. Despite having a universal and free healthcare system, the omission of this variable hinders analytical capabilities and the design of inclusive public policies. Objective: To characterize the status of the inclusion process of the “skin color” variable in Cuba’s Complementary Statistical Information Health Subsystem in 2024. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, combining document review, a focus group with specialists, and surveys of healthcare professionals. A total of 67 SIEC systems were analyzed, assessing primary and secondary records, the categories used, and staff perceptions regarding the inclusion of the variable. Results: The variable is present in only 25% of primary records and absent in all flow forms, preventing its consolidation at higher levels. A lack of standardization in the categories used was identified. Strategic systems were prioritized for initial inclusion, such as Classified patients in primary health care, Notifiable Diseases, and Outpatient Consultations. Conclusions: The study characterized the status of the inclusion of the skin color variable in Cuba’s SIEC health information systems in 2024, revealing limited and non-standardized integration. Effective incorporation requires a gradual and structured process that includes technical redesign, staff training, regulatory adjustments, and continuous monitoring.

Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:dbk:southh:2025v4a159

DOI: 10.56294/shp2025409

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in South Health and Policy from AG Editor (Argentina)
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Javier Gonzalez-Argote ().