Health disparities are best described as which of the following?

• A. Health disparities are groups at risk for more negative health outcomes due to systematic obstacles to health (discrimination or exclusion)
• B. Health disparities are universal across all populations
• C. Health outcomes are identical across racial, ethnic, and geographic groups
• D. Health disparities are caused solely by genetics

Answer: (D)

Health disparities describe differences in health outcomes between population groups that are systematic, avoidable, and unfair. These gaps arise from social determinants of health—where people live, work, and age; access to care and quality of care; economic stability; education; and the effects of discrimination and unequal treatment within the health system. Because of these structural factors, some groups bear a higher burden of disease and poorer health outcomes, not simply by chance or biology. Genetics can influence disease risk in individuals, but disparities across groups mainly reflect social and systemic forces, not genetics alone. Addressing disparities means reducing barriers, improving access to prevention and treatment, and tackling inequities in the social and health care environment.