Determinants of Health

health disparities

differences in health outcomes and their determinants between segments of the population which often arise from social, economic , or environmental disadvantages

health inequality

the quality of being unequal or uneven, disparity in distribution or opportunity

health inequity

favoritism or bias, an unfair circumstance

Health inequalities are measurable differences in quantities between groups. Health inequities are systemic barriers for certain groups that keep them from achieving optimal health, based on moral judegement.

Describe the difference between health inequalities and inequities

biological

Is the following a biological or gender based health disparity:

sickle cell disease predominantly affects individuals of African descent due to genetic inheritance patterns.

biological

Is the following a biological or gender based health disparity:

BRCA gene mutations have higher prevalence among some Jewish populations, increasing risk for breast and ovarian cancers.

biological

Is the following a biological or gender based health disparity:

lactose intolerance is more common in individuals of East Asian, African, and Native American descent due to genetic variation in lactase persistence.

biological

Is the following a biological or gender based health disparity:

Hypertension has increased prevalence and severity in African American populations, due to genetics.

biological

Is the following a biological or gender based health disparity:

Type 2 diabetes has hgigher rates observed in Native American, Hispanic, and African American populations, with genetic predisposition playing a role.

gender

Is the following a biological or gender based health disparity:

Women are less likely than men to receive adequate pain medication, even when presenting with similar symptoms.

gender

Is the following a biological or gender based health disparity:

Women’s cardiovascular disease symptoms are often under-recognized or misattributed, leading to delayed or less aggressive treatment compared to men.

gender

Is the following a biological or gender based health disparity:

Depression is more frequently diagnosed in women, while men may be underdiagnosed due to stigma or differences in symptom presentation.

gender

Is the following a biological or gender based health disparity:

Women face disparities in access to reproductive health services, including contraception and prenatal care.

gender

Is the following a biological or gender based health disparity:

Men are less likely to be screened for osteoporosis despite being at risk, especially in older age.

patient factors

These are individual-level characteristics and circumstances that influence a person's ability to access, understand, and engage with healthcare.

health literacy, cultural beliefs, language barriers, mistrust of providers

list examples of patient factors

systems factors

These refer to structural and institutional elements within the healthcare system that impact the delivery and quality of care.

provider bias, lack of interpreter services, fragmented care, access issues

list examples of systems factors

other factors

These are broader social and environmental determinants that shape health outcomes beyond the healthcare system.

socioeconomic status, education, housing, transportation, environmental risks

list some “other” factors for healthcare disparities

Revealed that Hispanic patients with long bone fractures were significantly less likely to receive analgesics compared to non-Hispanic white patients; highlighted racial and ethnic disparities in pain management

What were the findings of Dr. Knox Todd’s study?