What term describes populations with an increased likelihood of health issues?

The term "High-Risk Groups" is used to describe populations that have a greater probability of experiencing health issues compared to the general population. This designation is based on various factors such as lifestyle, environmental exposure, genetic predisposition, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. Individuals in high-risk groups are often those who may have specific health conditions, face significant barriers to care, or are subject to greater environmental hazards.

Understanding this concept is essential in community and public health nursing because it helps nurses and healthcare professionals identify populations that may need targeted interventions, additional resources, or focused education to mitigate risk factors. By recognizing which groups are now classified as high-risk, practitioners can promote health equity, inform policy-making, and tailor health promotion strategies to improve outcomes in these communities.

While other terms like "At-Risk Groups," "Vulnerable Populations," and "Marginalized Communities" may encompass similar ideas, "High-Risk Groups" specifically emphasizes the increased likelihood of adverse health outcomes. "At-Risk Groups" can sometimes imply a broader categorization, "Vulnerable Populations" often includes individuals with multiple risk factors, and "Marginalized Communities" typically refers to inequalities faced by groups socially and economically, which may affect