Defining Health Disparities
Despite prevention efforts, some groups of people are affected by HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB more than other groups of people. The occurrence of these diseases at greater levels among certain population groups more than among others is often referred to as a health disparity. Differences may occur by gender, race or ethnicity, education, income, disability, geographic location and sexual orientation among others. Social determinants of health like poverty, unequal access to health care, lack of education, stigma, and racism are linked to health disparities.
Social Determinants of Health
CDC is developing future priorities and identifying best practices for addressing societal factors that increase risk for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs and TB. The goal of these efforts is to help reduce health disparities and promote health equity. To that end, CDC recently hosted an External Consultation on Social Determinants of Health (SDH).
Popular Links
African Americans
Overview of health disparities found in black communities
Hispanics
Summary of health disparities among Hispanics/Latinos
Asians
Information on health disparities among Asians in the United States
MMWR Publications
Health Disparities-related HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB MMWRs
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