ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 defines health disparities, taking into account the historical experiences of specific people groups, such as Native Americans and African Americans, and the historical trauma that such groups have experienced, and its implications on health outcomes. Central to this discussion is the notion that health disparities are rooted in historic as well as contemporary inequalities. Thus the concepts of racism, classism, implicit bias, and stereotype threat are explored, and how these lead to health disparities for certain populations, based on the literature. In an attempt to offer guidance on how to think about and address health disparities and our professional obligations specifically as nurses, the American Nurses Association code of ethics will offer guidance.
