ABSTRACT
The term health disparities generally refers to a higher burden of incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of diseases and other adverse health conditions experienced by one population group relative to another group. In the United States, a health disparity is commonly viewed as affecting racial and ethnic populations; however, health disparity burdens may manifest in groups characterized by socioeconomic status (SES), age, location, gender, disability status, immigration status, and sexual identity and orientation; the medically underserved; and rural populations. The term healthcare disparity refers to differences between groups in health insurance coverage, access to and use of care, and quality of care (The Henry R. Kaiser Family Foundation 2012). Healthcare disparities may contribute to health outcome disparities.
