What is meant by "health disparities"?

The term "health disparities" refers specifically to the differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare that exist among different populations. This concept underscores the inequities that can be seen based on a variety of factors including socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, and other social determinants of health.

When we discuss health disparities, we are addressing how certain groups may experience worse health outcomes due to systemic barriers, lack of resources, or discrimination within healthcare systems. This definition highlights the importance of understanding the varied experiences of different demographic groups in relation to health and healthcare access.

In contrast, terms like uniformity in health outcomes, global health advancements, and equal healthcare services do not accurately encapsulate the concept of disparities. Instead, they suggest a scenario where everyone experiences the same level of health or access to healthcare, which is the opposite of what "health disparities" aims to highlight.