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Health disparities refer to gaps in the quality of health and health care across racial and ethnic groups. [13] The US Health Resources and Services Administration defines health disparities as "population-specific differences in the presence of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care". [14]
These health disparities are in part caused by different levels of income across the five groups recognized by the U.S. Census. [14] There are also notable differences in access to healthcare and the quality of healthcare received by those who identify with different racial categories. Bias and racism also contribute to disparities in health ...
Health disparities are also due in part to cultural factors that involve practices based not only on sex, but also gender status. For example, in China, health disparities have distinguished medical treatment for men and women due to the cultural phenomenon of preference for male children. [91]
Furthermore, research reveals disparities in pain medication prescriptions, with white male physicians prescribing less to Black patients, fueled by perceptions of biological differences in pain reactions between races. These findings underscore the urgent need for reforms in medical education to address racial biases and promote sensitivity.
However, biological differences do not fully account for the large gender gap in the health outcomes of men and women. Social factors play a large role in gender disparities in health. [7] One of the main factors that contributes to the decreased life expectancy of males is their propensity to engage in risk-taking behaviors.
First, it seeks to identify and address gender-based differences and inequalities in all health initiatives; and second, it works to implement initiatives that address women's specific health needs that are a result either of biological differences between women and men (e.g. maternal health) or of gender-based discrimination in society (e.g ...
In 1995, Jo C. Phelan and Bruce G. Link developed the theory of fundamental causes.This theory seeks to outline why the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health disparities has persisted over time, [1] particularly when diseases and conditions previously thought to cause morbidity and mortality among low SES individuals have resolved. [2]
The way health care is organized in the U.S. contributes to health inequalities based on gender, socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. [77] As Wright and Perry assert, "social status differences in health care are a primary mechanism of health inequalities". In the United States, over 48 million people are without medical care coverage. [78]