What defines a "vulnerable population"?

A "vulnerable population" is characterized by groups at greater risk of experiencing health disparities. This encompasses various factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, race, ethnicity, age, gender, mental and physical health conditions, and education, among others. Vulnerable populations often face barriers to accessing healthcare, which can lead to poorer health outcomes compared to the general population. These barriers might include lack of insurance, low income, language barriers, and systemic inequalities.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of what makes a group vulnerable. For instance, groups with access to high-quality healthcare are generally not considered vulnerable, as this access reduces their risk of health disparities. Individuals with chronic health issues represent only a subset of vulnerable populations and do not encompass the broader range of risks and barriers that define vulnerability. Lastly, healthy individuals lacking social support may have their own challenges, but they are not inherently classified as vulnerable populations without the context of additional risk factors that contribute to health disparities. Thus, recognizing vulnerability requires a comprehensive understanding of how various social determinants of health contribute to overall health risks.