Understanding Health Disparities: A Key DEI Concept
In the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), understanding and addressing health disparities is crucial. Health disparities is a significant aspect of this discourse, but what exactly does it entail?
Definition:
Health disparities are preventable gaps in the burden of disease, injury, or access to healthcare experienced by specific populations. These differences are often associated with characteristics such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, age, geographic location, disability status, or sexual orientation.
Understanding Health Disparities:
Health Disparities refer to differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare across various population groups. These differences are often linked to social, economic, and environmental factors and disproportionately affect marginalised or underserved communities. Addressing health disparities is vital in promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in society.
Why It Matters in the DEI Context:
In the DEI framework, health disparities highlight systemic inequities that perpetuate inequality. Tackling these disparities requires addressing the root causes of social and economic inequities while promoting inclusive practices within healthcare systems.
Example:
A notable example is the disparity in maternal mortality rates in the U.S. Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women. This gap is attributed to systemic issues such as bias in medical treatment, limited access to prenatal care, and socioeconomic challenges.
Conclusion:
Health disparities represent a critical challenge in achieving equity and inclusion within society. By addressing the underlying causes of these disparities, we can create a more just healthcare system that ensures everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to achieve optimal health.
References:
Braveman, P. (2006). Health disparities and health equity: concepts and measurement. Annual review of public health, 27(1), 167-194. https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.27.021405.102103
Diez Roux, A. V. (2012). Conceptual approaches to the study of health disparities. Annual review of public health, 33(1), 41-58. https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031811-124534
Braveman, P. A., Kumanyika, S., Fielding, J., LaVeist, T., Borrell, L. N., Manderscheid, R., & Troutman, A. (2011). Health disparities and health equity: the issue is justice. American journal of public health, 101(S1), S149-S155. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2010.300062
National Institute of Child Health, & Human Development (US). (2000). Health disparities: Bridging the gap. The Development. https://books.google.com.ng/books?hl=en&lr=&id=58A8Q3zkykwC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=Health+disparities++&ots=xkUh6DfOg_&sig=aSyGBUxSxNXlW-kQiH8T1vSysDA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Health%20disparities&f=false
Be impressively well informed
Get the very latest research intelligence briefings, video research briefings, infographics and more sent direct to you as they are published
Be the most impressively well-informed and up-to-date person around...