Chapter 7& 8: Health disparities & Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable Population

Groups at greater risk for poor health outcomes due to social, economic, or environmental disadvantages, such as the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with chronic illnesses.

Ex) Chronically ill, disabled, low income, homeless, poverty, LGBTQ+

Vulnerability

is the degree to which an individual, population, or organization is unable to anticipate, cope with, resist, prepare for, and recover from the impact of disease and disasters

Causes linked to vulnerability

Structural Racism

Ethnicity

Age

Gender

Disability

Sexual Orientation

History of Incarceration

Socioeconomic Status

Exposure to War and Violence

Lack of a Permanent Residence

Social determinants of health

the social and environmental conditions in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age.

• cause health disparity and inequities resulting in population vulnerability to disease and disaster.

What are the 5 categories of social determinants of health

• social and community context

• economic stability

• education access and quality

• healthcare access and quality

• neighborhood and built environment

Health disparity

exists when health outcomes are observed to a greater or lesser extent between populations.

Health equity

is providing a fair and just opportunity to obtain optimal health outcomes for every individual regardless of SDOH by providing all the necessary resources.

Healthy inequities

result in avoidable gaps in health outcomes for individuals and populations

Health equality

is equal treatment and available healthcare services for all people.

Health inequality

general differences in health status between populations.

Social Capital

Presence and strength of social networks.

Resources obtained through relationships.

Trust in individuals and organizations.

Ties to neighborhood and community organizations.

Social Justice

• Equal rights and opportunities including the right to good health for all populations and individuals.

• Accessibility to affordable, high-quality healthcare for all people.

• Equal healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of personal characteristics.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

• Framework for Assuring Health Equity

• All levels (Global, National, State, Local)

• Articles in the Declaration set Standards for Compliance and Assuring Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

Physical determinants

• Natural environment, such as green space (e.g., trees and grass) or weather (e.g., climate change)

• Built environment, such as buildings, sidewalks, bike lanes, and roads

• Worksites, schools, and recreational settings

• Housing and community design

• Exposure to toxic substances and other physical hazards

• Physical barriers, especially for people with disabilities

• Aesthetic elements (e.g., good lighting, trees, and benches