SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE INFERENTIAL STATISTICS

Based on my proposed DSP topic and construct(s)/variable(s) of interest (see below):

Purpose Statement: This study examines how the social determinants of health and related factors influence the prevalence, disease manifestations, management, and health outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) across various ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Specifically, the research aims to uncover several aspects of the disease. The main objective of the study is to evaluate how the prevalence of SLE varies among ethnic populations and socioeconomic strata and identify factors contributing to these differences. Another objective of the study will be to determine the role of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (including poverty, education, and health insurance), social support, and environmental exposures in shaping the clinical presentation, severity, and organ involvement of SLE. Additionally, the research will examine the ways in which socioeconomic factors and health inequities affect individuals with SLE from a variety of backgrounds in terms of access to specialized care, available treatments, medication adherence, and illness management techniques. Another important goal of the research is evaluating the impact of socioeconomic and health disparities on mortality outcomes, quality of life, job disability, direct and indirect costs, and SLE patients from various racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups. In order to improve the equitable delivery of care and optimize health outcomes for all SLE patients, regardless of race/ethnicity or socioeconomic level, the research will finally explore viable interventions and methods to address health disparities and socioeconomic barriers. This study will inform efforts to decrease disparities, improve culturally competent care, and promote health equality for individuals with SLE across all communities by clarifying the intricate interactions between health disparities, socioeconomic conditions, and SLE burden (Ramos, 2021). According to Leedy (2019), The purpose statement builds upon the foundation laid by the problem statement, outlining the specific objectives and goals of the study aimed at addressing the identified research problem.

Problem Statement: People with lower socioeconomic position and members of specific racial/ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune illness (Williams et al., 2021; Buie et al., 2023). Significant differences still exist in the epidemiology, clinical symptoms, management, and health outcomes of SLE among a variety of populations, despite advancements in lupus research and therapeutic choices (Drenkard & Lim, 2019). Due to hurdles preventing them from accessing healthcare, racial/ethnic minorities and socioeconomically poor populations are more likely to have higher prevalence rates of SLE, more severe disease manifestation involving essential organ systems, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate treatment (Carter et al., 2016). In comparison to more affluent, non-minority patient populations, these groups also have worse drug adherence, which leads to increased disease morbidity, disability, and premature mortality in the context of SLE. A major public health concern is the combined effects of these health inequities in SLE on the physical, psychological, social, and economic domains (Ramos, 2021). To achieve health equity and optimize clinical status, quality of life, and longevity for every individual, irrespective of their demographic background or socioeconomic circumstances, it is imperative to comprehend and address the complex factors that contribute to disparities in lupus burden (Hasan et al. 2022; Buie et al. 2023).

**Write a Research Question and Hypotheses (null and alternate) that reflect the need to conduct a t-test OR ANOVA OR other related comparative difference statistic in order to test the hypotheses.

How do race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and health disparities influence direct and indirect economic costs related to SLE?
H0:Direct and indirect costs associated with SLE do not differ among racial/ethnicand socioeconomic groups.
H1:Direct and indirect costs associated with SLE will be higher for racial/ethnicminorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients compared to moreaffluent, non-minority populations.
Do quality of life, work disability, organ damage accumulation, and mortality outcomes differ for SLE patients from disadvantaged backgrounds?
H0:There is no difference in outcomes (quality of life, work disability, organdamage, more comorbidities, and mortality risk) among SLE patients fromdifferent socioeconomic backgrounds.
H1:SLE patients from disadvantaged backgrounds will experience worse quality oflife, higher work disability, accelerated organ damage, more comorbidities, andincreased mortality risk.