What does the term health disparity refer to?

The term health disparity specifically refers to the differences in health and healthcare outcomes that exist among different populations or demographic groups. These disparities can be influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, geographic location, and other social determinants of health. Recognizing health disparities is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve health equity and ensure that all groups can achieve optimal health outcomes.

This concept underscores the importance of addressing the inequalities that exist within health systems and the broader societal factors that contribute to these differences. By focusing on improving healthcare access and quality for underserved populations, efforts can be made to reduce these disparities and promote health equity.