Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

11-13-2025

Journal

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

DOI

10.1177/15598276251392848

PMID

41246045

PMCID

PMC12615234

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

11-13-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Background: Despite the documented success of medical-legal partnerships (MLPs), there is a dearth of robust experimental-based research on their efficacy. This review synthesizes the findings of MLP interventions and identifies opportunities for MLP expansion in vulnerable communities.

Methods: Articles were eligible if they tested the experimental effects of an MLP intervention on health-harming legal needs (HHLNs) and had full text for review. Two reviewers independently screened articles for inclusion and assessed the quality (risk of bias) of each study.

Results: Seven studies were eligible. Populations were largely women, of color, and of lower socioeconomic status. All studies demonstrated positive effects on primary endpoints including stress, diabetes, and immunization. Two studies were randomized controlled trials; each presenting with low risk of bias.

Conclusion: Studies highlighted the transdisciplinary impact of MLPs. However, additional research on efficacy is needed given the small number of studies in review.

Keywords

health disparity, health risk behaviors, social determinants of health, underserved populations, medical-legal partnership, healthcare settings, health-harming legal needs

Published Open-Access

yes

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