Equity and Inequity in WONCA Europe Conferences: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Scientific Themes, 2008–2024
Mandehan GÜZELKAYA, Yasemin ÖZKAYA and Selma KAYA
Primary care operates closest to communities and plays a critical role not only in service delivery but also in shaping research priorities. Abstracts presented at international conferences offer insight into thematic trends, emerging needs, and knowledge gaps in general practice. WONCA Europe Conferences are a key source for understanding how primary care communities approach equity, fairness, and social justice over time. Aligned with the theme of the 30th WONCA Europe Conference, this study aimed to assess the frequency and thematic distribution of the terms “equity” and “inequity” across previous conference abstract books.To analyse how often equity-related concepts appear in WONCA Europe scientific outputs (2008–2024) and to identify the primary themes associated with these terms.In November 2025, past conference archives on the official WONCA Europe website were screened. Available PDF abstract books were searched for the terms “equity” and “inequity” across all submission types, including workshops, oral presentations, short communications, posters, and keynotes. Mentions in titles, keywords, or main text were included.Among 15 conferences held between 2008 and 2025, abstract books from 11 were available; due to a technical issue, 2018 was excluded, resulting in analysis of 10 books (2008, 2015–2017, 2019–2024). The term “equity” appeared in all 10 books, while “inequity” appeared in 9/10. “Inequity” became more prominent after 2008 and increased notably from 2015 onward, with further growth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Across these conferences, around 100 abstracts referenced equity-related concepts. Recurring themes included social determinants and socioeconomic inequalities; migrants, ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups; gender equity and women’s health/leadership; digital health and digital divides; planetary health and climate-related disparities; primary care organisation and financing; and education and advocacy on health equity, racism and implicit bias.The consistent presence of equity-focused themes and the growing visibility of inequity-related discussions reflect an evolving awareness within European primary care research.Equity has remained a stable part of WONCA Europe’s scientific agenda, while increasing attention to inequity and structural disparities suggests alignment with the 30th conference theme—liberty, equity, fraternity, and humanism—and highlights equity as a core and strengthening priority for the future of primary care research.
