Global Disparities Research Articles

Strategies for improving image quality in prostate MRI.

Prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stands as the cornerstone in diagnosing prostate cancer (PCa), offering superior detection capabilities while minimizing unnecessary biopsies. Despite its critical role, global disparities in MRI diagnostic performance persist, stemming from variations in image quality and radiologist expertise. This manuscript reviews the challenges and strategies for enhancing image quality in prostate MRI, spanning patient preparation, MRI unit optimization, and radiology team engagement. Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) processes are pivotal, emphasizing standardized protocols, meticulous patient evaluation, MRI unit workflow, and radiology team performance. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) advancements offer promising avenues for improving image quality and reducing acquisition times. The Prostate-Imaging Quality (PI-QUAL) scoring system emerges as a valuable tool for assessing MRI image quality. A comprehensive approach addressing technical, procedural, and interpretative aspects is essential to ensure consistent and reliable prostate MRI outcomes.

Global trends in antibiotic consumption during 2016–2023 and future projections through 2030

Antibiotic resistance is a global public health threat. Many factors contribute to this issue, with human antibiotic consumption being significant among them. Analyzing trends and patterns in consumption can aid in developing policies to mitigate the burden of antimicrobial resistance and global disparities in access to antibiotics. Using pharmaceutical sales data licensed from IQVIA, we estimate national-level trends in antibiotic consumption in 67 countries during 2016–2023 and analyze the effects of economic growth and the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, we estimate global human consumption and project growth through 2030 assuming current trends. We find that estimated antibiotic consumption in reported countries increased 16.3% from 29.5 to 34.3 billion defined daily doses (DDDs) from 2016 to 2023, reflecting a 10.6% increase in the consumption rate from 13.7 to 15.2 DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day. Increases were most pronounced in upper-middle- and lower-middle-income countries. While the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced consumption globally, this was most pronounced in high-income countries, and in these countries, reductions in antibiotic use in 2020 were sharper, and lasted longer, than in other countries. By 2030, we project that, without reductions in rapidly developing nations, such as investments to improve infrastructure, particularly water and sanitation, along with improved access to vaccination, global antibiotic consumption will increase by 52.3% from an estimated 49.3 billion in 2023 to 75.1 billion DDDs.

Global disparities in cancer care: Bridging the gap in affordability and access to medications between high and low‐income countries

AbstractBackgroundCancer remains a significant challenge for health care systems, despite notable progress in the field. These advancements have significant financial implications that disproportionately affect low‐income countries. This review article aims to explore the present state of drug development, assessing the availability of drugs in different income countries, and proposing potential solutions to address the inequality in access to new cancer treatments.MethodsA search was conducted on MEDLINE and PubMed on October 2, 2023 and updated on December 14, 2023, limited to English language articles.ResultsThere is a projected rise in cancer cases worldwide, particularly in low‐income countries where most cancer‐related deaths are expected. Although the approval rate of cancer treatments has risen, their excessive cost and lack of affordability pose significant barriers to widespread access. Disparities in the costs of crucial cancer medications are influenced by geographic location and procurement connections. Potential solutions to address the inequity in drug distribution include sharing production secrets, implementing price discrimination, international funding, improved primary health care measures, and the implementation of cost‐effective screening methods.ConclusionPreventing, screening for, and treating cancer should be a global priority with minimal differences in access to therapy among various countries.

The burden and trends of heart failure caused by ischemic heart disease at the global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2021.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cause of heart failure (HF), a condition expected to increasingly affect global health and economics. This study evaluates the global burden, trends, and disparities of HF linked to IHD, aiming to inform health policy development. Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD2021) is analyzed using Joinpoint regression, decomposition analysis, and Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis (BAPC). Health disparities are assessed through the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) via the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Concentration Index (CI), with future trends projected from 2022 to 2045. In 2021, global HF cases due to IHD were over 19.16 million, with an age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of 228.31 per 100 000 [95% UI, 188.18 to 279.55] and age-standardized years lived with disability (ASYLDs) rate of 20.43 per 100 000 [95% UI, 13.55 to 28.7].In 2021, there was a 2.87% increase in ASPR and ASYLDs compared to 1990, primarily driven by population growth and aging.Significant reductions in global ASPR and ASYLDs disparities are observed, though the disease burden has intensified in countries with lower SDI levels. Projections indicate that by 2045, while the prevalence and YLDs for HF caused by IHD will increase, while the ASPR and ASYLDs are expected to decrease. The global burden of HF from IHD remains a significant concern. Urgent improvements in the allocation of medical resources and the implementation of effective prevention and management strategies are necessary to address this issue.

Poverty, Development and Hunger in a Global Age

This paper opines that the issues of poverty, development, and hunger have become increasingly prominent since the end of World War II. It stresses that in the early phase, this occurred as decolonization failed to bring about economic and social progress in what was then portrayed as the Third World, at the same time that industrially advanced Western countries were experiencing historically unprecedented levels of economic growth. As global economic disparities widened, some argued that colonialism had given way to ‘neocolonialism’, political domination having been replaced by more subtle but no less effective economic domination. Others heralded the emergence of a ‘North–South divide’. This paper emphasizes that in this context, bodies as different as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the one hand, and a host of development Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and activist groups on the other, came to view the task of reducing the gap between rich countries and poor countries as amoral imperative. However, the paper stresses that poverty, development, and hunger are complex and deeply controversial issues. It examines the orthodox mainstream understanding of poverty, development, and hunger, and contrasts this with a critical alternative approach. Consideration is given to how successful the development orthodoxy has been in incorporating and thereby neutralizing the concerns of the critical alternative. The paper then closes with an assessment of the likelihood of a globalization with a human face in the twenty-first century.

Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: A Narrative Review of Current Knowledge and Advancements.

This review aims to provide an update on current knowledge regarding paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), focusing on recent advancements in diagnosis and treatment, as well as future directions in the field. ALL is the most frequently diagnosed paediatric malignancy, with advances leading to a 90% survival rate. The heterogeneity of childhood ALL requires a precise diagnostic algorithm incorporating morphological, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic analyses. Research is exploring next-generation sequencing and artificial intelligence-aided techniques for future diagnostic approaches. Despite these advancements, global disparities in healthcare access hinder prompt diagnosis and management. The pathophysiology of ALL involves chromosomal and genetic alterations which disrupt cell-cycle regulation and result in uncontrolled lymphoblast proliferation. Environmental factors also contribute to leukaemogenesis. Risk-stratification based on genetic subtypes has significant implications for risk-based therapy. Chemotherapy is administered in three phases: induction, consolidation, and maintenance, with prophylactic intrathecal chemotherapy considered essential. For high-risk, refractory, or relapsed ALL, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and novel therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, and blinatumomab immunotherapy, have improved outcomes. Ongoing clinical trials aim to further improve treatment efficacy, reduce toxicity, and increase survival. Although prevention strategies for ALL exist at three levels, the supporting evidence remains limited, highlighting a need for further research. Continued research and clinical trials are essential to addressing the gaps treatment efficacy and prevention strategies. Efforts to improve global healthcare access and integrate novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are crucial for advancing outcomes for paediatric patients with ALL.

Particulate matter pollution and older adult health: global trends and disparities, 1991–2021

BackgroundParticulate matter pollution (PMP) is a major global health concern, with the older adult being particularly vulnerable. This study aimed to analyze global trends in PMP-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among the older adult from 1991 to 2021.MethodsUsing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we examined the impacts of ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP) and household air pollution from solid fuels (HAP-SF). We analyzed trends across different regions, socioeconomic development levels, age groups, and genders.ResultsAPMP-related older adult deaths increased from 1,745,000 to 3,850,000, and DALYs from 32,000,000 to 70,000,000. However, age-standardized mortality rate decreased from 384 to 337 per 100,000. HAP-SF-related deaths decreased from 2,700,000 to 2,100,000, and DALYs from 54,000,000 to 42,000,000. Age-standardized mortality rate for HAP-SF declined from 580 to 188 per 100,000. High APMP burden was concentrated in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, while high HAP-SF burden was found in parts of Africa and South Asia. East Asia had the highest APMP-related older adult deaths (1,680,000) with an age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of 619 per 100,000. For HAP-SF, South Asia bore the heaviest burden with 1,020,000 deaths and an ASMR of 616 per 100,000. Females consistently experienced higher age-standardized DALYs rate than males for both APMP and HAP-SF across all regions and years. APMP burden showed a weak negative correlation with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) at the regional level (r = −0.25, p < 0.001) but no significant correlation at the country level. HAP-SF burden exhibited strong negative correlations with SDI at both regional (r = −0.74, p < 0.001) and country levels (r = −0.83, p < 0.001).ConclusionDespite overall improvements, PMP continues to significantly impact older adult health globally, with substantial regional and gender disparities. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, particularly in developing regions, and continued global efforts in air quality improvement and clean energy promotion.

Telesurgery: humanitarian and surgical benefits while navigating technologic and administrative challenges.

Telesurgery, the remote execution of surgical procedures through telecommunication and robotic systems, has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, promising to address global healthcare disparities and enhance surgical expertise. This paper explores the humanitarian and surgical benefits of telesurgery, emphasizing its potential to provide expert surgical care to underserved regions. Despite its transformative potential, telesurgery faces significant technologic challenges, including issues of data transmission, latency, and the need for advanced robotic platforms. The advent of 5G networks and innovative robotic systems provides a promising technological landscape, yet global disparities in 5G coverage remain a concern. Ethical considerations, ranging from preserving the surgeon-patient relationship to addressing patient vulnerability and conflicts of interest, are pivotal aspects that demand attention. The paper underscores the importance of clear regulatory frameworks and international collaboration to navigate legal complexities and ensure ethical standards. As telesurgery progresses, integrating artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and haptic feedback technologies holds promise for further advancements. Despite these challenges, telesurgery has the potential to achieve equitable access to expert surgical care; however, it requires a collective effort to overcome its intricate technologic and administrative hurdles.

Global Disparities of Cancer and Its Projected Burden in 2050

Cancer prevention and care efforts have been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflicts, resulting in a decline in the global Human Development Index (HDI), particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These challenges and subsequent shifts in health care priorities underscore the need to continuously monitor cancer outcome disparities and statistics globally to ensure delivery of equitable and optimal cancer prevention and care in uncertain times. To measure the global burden of 36 cancers in 2022 by sex, age, and geographic location and to project future trends by 2050. This cross-sectional study used population-based data from 2022 in 185 countries and territories were obtained from the Global Cancer Observatory database. Data extraction and analysis were carried out in April 2024. Counts, rates, prevalence, mortality to incidence ratios (MIRs), and demography-based projections were used to characterize current and future cancer burden. This population-based study included 36 cancer types from 185 countries and territories. By 2050, 35.3 million cancer cases worldwide are expected, a 76.6% increase from the 2022 estimate of 20 million. Similarly, 18.5 million cancer deaths are projected by 2050, an 89.7% increase from the 2022 estimate of 9.7 million. Cancer cases and deaths are projected to nearly triple in low-HDI countries by 2050, compared to a moderate increase in very high-HDI countries (142.1% vs 41.7% for cancer cases and 146.1% vs 56.8% for cancer deaths). Males had a higher incidence and greater number of deaths in 2022 than females, with this disparity projected to widen by up to 16.0% in 2050. In 2022, the MIR for all cancers was 46.6%, with higher MIRs observed for pancreatic cancer (89.4%), among males (51.7%), among those aged 75 years or older (64.3%), in low-HDI countries (69.9%), and in the African region (67.2%). In this cross-sectional study based on data from 2022, cancer disparities were evident across HDI, geographic regions, age, and sex, with further widening projected by 2050. These findings suggest that strengthening access to and quality of health care, including universal health insurance coverage, is key to providing evidence-based cancer prevention, diagnostics, and care.

The lifetime risk of maternal near miss morbidity in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America: a cross-country systematic analysis

Life-threatening maternal near miss (MNM) morbidity can have long-term consequences for the physical, psychological, sexual, social, and economic wellbeing of female individuals. The lifetime risk of MNM (LTR-MNM) quantifies the probability that a female individual aged 15 years will have an MNM before age 50 years, given current mortality and fertility rates. We compare the LTR-MNM globally to reveal inequities in the cumulative burden of severe maternal morbidity across the reproductive life course. We estimated the LTR-MNM for 40 countries with multifacility, regional, or national data on the prevalence of MNM morbidity measured using WHO or modified WHO criteria of organ dysfunction from 2010 onwards (Central and Southern Asia=6, Eastern and Southeastern Asia=9, Latin America and the Caribbean=10, Northern Africa and Western Asia=2, sub-Saharan Africa=13). We also calculated the lifetime risk of severe maternal outcome (LTR-SMO) as the lifetime risk of maternal death or MNM. The LTR-MNM ranges from a 1 in 269 risk in Viet Nam (2010) to 1 in 6 in Guatemala (2016), whereas the LTR-SMO ranges from a 1 in 201 risk in Malaysia (2014) to 1 in 5 in Guatemala (2016). The LTR-MNM is a 1 in 20 risk or higher in nine countries, seven of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. The LTR-SMO is a 1 in 20 risk or higher in 11 countries, eight of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. The relative contribution of the LTR-MNM to the LTR-SMO ranges from 42% in Angola to 99% in Japan. There exist substantial global and regional disparities in the cumulative burden of severe maternal morbidity across the reproductive life course. The LTR-MNM is an important indicator to highlight the magnitude of inequalities in MNM morbidity, once accounting for obstetric risk, fertility rates, and mortality rates. The LTR-SMO can be used to highlight variation in the relative importance of morbidity to the overall burden of maternal ill-health across the female reproductive life course, given countries' stage in the obstetric transition. Both the LTR-MNM and LTR-SMO can serve as important indicators to advocate for further global commitment to end preventable maternal morbidity and mortality. UK Economic and Social Research Council, EU Horizon 2020 Marie Curie Fellowship, and Leverhulme Trust Large Centre Grant.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Role of Nurses in Addressing Urban and Rural Public Health Disparities

This bibliometric analysis study explores the thematic and collaborative dynamics within the field of public health research, particularly focusing on the period from 2000 to 2024. Utilizing VOSviewer, we analyzed keyword occurrences and authorship data to identify central themes and the interconnections between researchers. The analysis reveals a strong emphasis on health disparities, with specific attention to access, quality, and policy issues. The emergence of COVID-19 as a significant research theme highlights the field's responsiveness to global health crises and its impact on existing inequalities. The study also maps out key contributors and their collaboration patterns, providing insights into the intellectual structure and potential gaps in the research community. Our findings emphasize the need for interdisciplinary approaches and greater collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges of global health disparities effectively.

A Systematic Review of Digital Competence Evaluation in Higher Education

University students’ digital skills depend significantly on educators’ proficiency, necessitating regular assessments. Tools like DigComp and the TPACK model are provided in this technological context. A systematic review, following PRISMA criteria, aims to evaluate digital competencies through globally used tools. DigCompEdu is prominent, with Spain leading the research, while unvalidated instruments from Asia highlight global disparities. This review will identify key tools and expose geographical and validation gaps, stressing the need for standardized assessments. Understanding the predominance of DigCompEdu and seeing the variation that is generated in Asia highlights the poor ability to transmit self-perceived competencies to learners.

Artificial intelligence for low income countries

The global adoption rate of artificial intelligence (AI) is rising, indicating its transformative potential. However, this adoption is far from uniform, with low-income countries (LICs) trailing behind significantly. Despite needing AI for development, LICs face multiple challenges in harnessing its benefits, exacerbating existing global disparities in technology adoption. In spite of the potentially important role that AI can play in the development of LICs, AI literature overlooks these countries, with research predominantly focused on more advanced economies. This lack of inclusivity contradicts the principles of distributive justice and global equity, prompting us to explore the importance of AI for LICs, offer a theoretical grounding for AI catch-up, identify effective AI domains, and propose strategies to bridge the AI gap. Drawing insights from the leapfrogging and absorptive capacities literature, our position paper presents the feasibility of AI catch-up in LICs. One crucial finding is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving AI catch-up. LICs with strong foundations could favor leapfrogging strategies, while those lacking such foundations might find learning and acquisition prescriptions from absorptive capacity literature more relevant. The article also makes policy recommendations that advocate for the swift integration of AI into critical LIC domains such as health, education, energy, and governance. While LICs must address challenges related to digital infrastructure, human capital, institutional robustness, and effective policymaking, among others, we believe that advanced AI economies and relevant international organizations like UNESCO, OECD, USAID, and the World Bank can support LICs in AI catch-up through tech transfer, grants, and assistance. Overall, our work envisions global AI use that effectively bridges development and innovation disparities.

Big data research is everyone's research-Making epilepsy data science accessible to the global community: Report of the ILAE big data commission.

Epilepsy care generates multiple sources of high-dimensional data, including clinical, imaging, electroencephalographic, genomic, and neuropsychological information, that are collected routinely to establish the diagnosis and guide management. Thanks to high-performance computing, sophisticated graphics processing units, and advanced analytics, we are now on the cusp of being able to use these data to significantly improve individualized care for people with epilepsy. Despite this, many clinicians, health care providers, and people with epilepsy are apprehensive about implementing Big Data and accompanying technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Practical, ethical, privacy, and climate issues represent real and enduring concerns that have yet to be completely resolved. Similarly, Big Data and AI-related biases have the potential to exacerbate local and global disparities. These are highly germane concerns to the field of epilepsy, given its high burden in developing nations and areas of socioeconomic deprivation. This educational paper from the International League Against Epilepsy's (ILAE) Big Data Commission aims to help clinicians caring for people with epilepsy become familiar with how Big Data is collected and processed, how they are applied to studies using AI, and outline the immense potential positive impact Big Data can have on diagnosis and management.

The Link Between PM2.5 Exposure and Cardiovascular Health Risks

A major environmental contaminant with great consequences for cardiovascular health is particulate matter with a size less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5). The present studies on the worldwide influence of PM2.5 exposure on cardiovascular disease risks are synthesised in this review. Originating from both natural and manmade sources, PM2.5 can pass far into the respiratory tract and bloodstream to induce systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. These systems help different cardiovascular diseases to grow and advance, so PM2.5 exposure becomes a major public health issue. Although some areas have improved in lowering PM2.5 levels, global average concentrations remain high and especially impact low- and middle-income nations. PM2.5-related cardiovascular hazards disproportionately affect vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and economically poor areas. Effective interventions span policy-level reforms to community projects and personal protective actions. Effective case studies show how much focused efforts can help to enhance cardiovascular health results and air quality. Combining strict laws, creative monitoring technologies, and public health initiatives, this assessment emphasises the need of a multifarious approach to handle PM2.5 pollution. Future studies should concentrate on clarifying biological processes, pinpointing vulnerable individuals, and creating reasonably priced treatments to lower the worldwide prevalence of cardiovascular illness related with PM2.5 exposure. Keywords: PM2.5, Cardiovascular disease, Air pollution, Environmental health, Global health disparities

Cost-effectiveness analysis of valvular surgery in high- and low- to middle-income countries: A scoping review.

Global disparities in valvular surgery services exist. Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost-utility analysis can be used to guide national investment decisions. This scoping review aims to synthesize economic evaluations for valvular surgery by income settings and provide recommendations. A systematic literature review identified primary CEAs or CUAs in English comparing surgical management strategies for valvular heart disease. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Business Source Complete were searched using keywords "valvular surgery," "valve disease," "cost-effectiveness," and "cost-benefit analysis". Articles comparing outcomes or costs only were excluded. Search results were uploaded and screened on COVIDENCE. Variables from eligible articles were charted in a spreadsheet. Twenty articles were eligible, six from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and 14 from high-income countries (HICs). In HICs, the top conditions were degenerative aortic valve disease (7/14) and mitral valve disease (4/14) compared to congenital (2/6) and rheumatic heart diseases (2/6) in LMICs. HICs evaluated new technologies and techniques, whereas LMICs compared different valve types or surgery versus no intervention. Most articles used published studies (12/20) or databases (7/20) to conduct their CEA and quality-adjusted life years was the most common effectiveness measure (12/20). Comparator interventions were cost-effective in all LMIC articles and in 8/14 for HICs. Economic evaluations are mostly conducted in HICs and for adult conditions. More analyses in LMICs are needed. This can be facilitated by maintaining databases, documenting costs, and implementing quality of life assessments.

MNGA-04 SOCIOECONOMIC DISPARITIES IN ACCESS TO SUBSPECIALTY CARE FOR MENINGIOMA PATIENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract Meningiomas, the most prevalent brain tumors, constitute nearly 40% of all head tumors, with the majority being benign. Presenting symptoms vary widely, including headaches, vision changes, seizures, and extremity weakness. Given the frequency of meningiomas and their diverse symptoms, access to subspecialty care is crucial for determining treatment necessity. However, existing global healthcare disparities often limit access to the necessary subspecialty care for addressing meningiomas. This literature review investigates the impact of socioeconomic disparities on neuro-oncologic care access, drawing from retrospective cohort studies and multi-cohort analyses. PubMed was utilized to search for articles published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and care access, treatment, and outcomes among meningioma patients. Demographic analyses across studies revealed disparities in access to care across age groups, from young adults (20-39 years old) to the elderly (60 years and older). Additionally, disparities were noted among racial and ethnic groups, including African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian populations. Geographic disparities were also evident, with studies spanning regions within the United States and globally, underscoring variations in healthcare access and outcomes. Findings consistently emphasized the disproportionate burden borne by individuals from lower SES backgrounds, characterized by delayed diagnosis, limited treatment options, and poorer survival rates compared to their higher SES counterparts. Structural barriers, such as inadequate health literacy, limited insurance coverage, and geographical constraints, were significant contributors to these disparities, perpetuating health inequities among meningioma patients. Addressing disparities requires comprehensive interventions, including policy reforms to improve insurance coverage, enhance specialist access, and promote culturally sensitive care. Prioritizing initiatives targeting socioeconomic barriers ensures equitable care for all meningioma patients. In conclusion, concerted efforts at all levels are needed to dismantle structural barriers and foster equitable healthcare access and delivery.

Global Disparities in Surgical Oncology: Bridging the Gap in Cancer Care A challenge to overcome.

Global Disparities in Surgical Oncology: Bridging the Gap in Cancer Care A challenge to overcome.

Identifying disparities in pediatric cystic fibrosis care between low-middle and middle-high income countries in the Middle East

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) care has advanced tremendously in the United States (US), North America, Australasia, and Europe in recent decades. Given the concern for global disparities in pediatric medical care in other parts of the world, we wanted to assess the availability of key aspects of current pediatric CF care in the Middle East as-compared to the US. We collected electronic surveys from pediatric CF providers in the Middle East and surrounding countries assessing whether treatments known to be widely available in the US were also available in surveyed countries. Many countries in the Middle East, as-compared to the US, do have less overall availability of many key CF diagnostic and treatment modalities. Within the Middle East, 80 % of higher-income countries had inhaled tobramycin available compared to none in lower-income countries. This study highlights the additional global collaboration needed to ensure all children with CF receive optimal care globally.

Integrating traditional knowledge of non-Western humanities and social sciences: a research agenda through the Chinese lens

ABSTRACT The global knowledge asymmetries, dominated by academic centers in Western societies, have marginalized traditional non-Western knowledge. In line with the call for intellectual pluriversality, non-Western scholars in the humanities and social sciences (HSS) have witnessed a revitalization of traditional knowledge in research. Nonetheless, how they integrate their traditional knowledge into research lacks theoretical grounding and empirical substantiation. This study specifically examines the research agenda of contemporary Chinese HSS academics who are attempting to integrate traditional Chinese and modern Western knowledge. Through interviews, it seeks to understand their reasons, goals, principles, and strategies related to such knowledge integration. It first underscores the rationales stemming from global knowledge disparities and Chinese individuals’ limited exposure to their traditional knowledge. It then reveals guiding principles for understanding traditional Chinese knowledge. Last, it provides strategies for knowledge integration, including comparative analysis and the transformation of traditional Chinese knowledge into modern theories and methodologies. Such a research agenda transcends critical reflection on the hegemonic and inequitable global knowledge system, promoting tangible actions to facilitate HSS research in China and beyond.