Health disparities refer to which concept?

Health disparities refer to inequities in health care among different populations, emphasizing that certain groups experience worse health outcomes than others due to factors such as socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, gender, or geographic location. This concept highlights the differences in access to care, quality of care received, and overall health outcomes that can exist between various populations.

Understanding health disparities is critical for health professionals as it necessitates targeted interventions and policy changes aimed at reducing these inequities. By recognizing that not all populations have the same resources or receive the same level of care, public health efforts can focus on improving access and addressing the root causes of these disparities, such as social determinants of health.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects of healthcare that do not address inequities—such as equal access or uniform outcomes—rather than acknowledging the existing gaps that need to be bridged to improve health equity across different communities.