Healthcare disparities

Differences in health and healthcare between groups that are closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage. These disparities can affect disease prevalence, treatment outcomes, and mortality rates, often stemming from factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. Efforts to reduce these disparities include policy changes, community health programs, and initiatives to improve access to and quality of care for underserved populations.