Table 3 Equity categorisation and evaluation criteria

Equity is explicitly focussed on

The term “equity” is used to frame the study, interpret the results, or shape the method.

An equity focus is apparent, but not in those terms

The term equity is not present in the study. However, different terms are used – disparity, justice, etc.

No explicit equity focus or synonymous terminology

No value-laden term such as equity are used in the manuscript. Paper approach is dominantly positivist or agnostic in nature taking an impartial look at differences between rural and urban populations without offering a value-based interpretation.