Supporting documentation for intervention approaches to health disparities associated with allostatic load: A Scoping Review Across High- and Low/Middle-Income Countries

This scoping review examines the breadth of literature on intervention approaches targeting health disparities associated with allostatic load. The allostatic load framework provides a foundation for understanding the impact of chronic stress on health outcomes and disparities. While aspects of the framework have been well studied, targeted approaches to addressing health disparities remain under-explored.

The review includes selected studies from both high-income countries (HICs) and low/middle-income countries (LMICs) to illustrate meaningful interventions in different settings. Carroll et al.’s U.S.-based study demonstrated allostatic load reduction through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Tai Chi Chih, while Zeng Jie Ye et al.’s China-based study explored supportive-expressive group therapy’s impact on psychological and physiological outcomes in metastatic breast cancer patients.

The uploaded materials include key articles referenced in the review, covering HIC and LMIC contexts, as well as works cited by the authors. Additionally, the query process deriving these materials are supported the PRISMA flow diagram. Collated materials are referenced in relevant tables supporting the review’s findings.

The findings highlight a substantial gap in research on interventions addressing allostatic load-associated health disparities. Future studies should focus on systematic intervention analyses to develop effective strategies for reducing the global burden of disease and mortality linked to allostatic load.