Table 1.

Schema for organising the synthesis of research evidence and agenda

Dimension	Themes	Research agenda and questions
Dimension one	Type of research questions	I. Descriptive research that answers the ‘what’, ‘where’ and ‘when’ questions on the extent, nature and trends of health inequities II. Explanatory research that answers the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions on the pathways through which health inequities are created, and the political/policy environment that facilitates the process III. Explanatory research that answers ‘how’ health systems create or facilitate inequities in accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and quality IV. Intervention research that answers the ‘what works in addressing health inequities, in which context, and why?’
Dimension two	Determinants of health inequities	I. Socioeconomic position II. Caste/tribal status III. Gender IV. Other socially constructed vulnerable groups, e.g. people living with HIV/AIDS, migrants, elderly, sexual minorities, sex workers, persons living with physical disabilities, persons living with mental health conditions V. Health systems
Dimension three	Health conditions/outcomes	I. Maternal health, wellbeing and nutrition II. Child health, wellbeing and nutrition III. Non-communicable diseases IV. Communicable diseases V. Violence and injuries VI. Overall mortality, morbidity, nutrition