How Do Healthcare Disparities Impact Health Outcomes?

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How do healthcare disparities impact health outcomes? Health disparities are defined as preventable differences that socially disadvantaged populations face in terms of the burden of diseases, injuries, violence, or opportunities to reach optimal health. Populations can be described by race, ethnicity, gender, education or financial status, disability, and geographic location orientation. According to Healthy People 2020, all of these factors, in addition to race and ethnicity, shape an individual's ability to achieve optimal health (Healthy People 2020, 2016). The historical and current unequal distribution of social, political, economic, and environmental resources is a direct cause of unfair health disparities. Healthcare disparities are …show more content…
Addressing healthcare disparities requires a multifaceted policy approach that encompasses underlying causes and encourages equitable access to quality care. “Nonelderly adults of color were more likely than nonelderly White adults to report not having a usual doctor or provider and going without care (Hill et al., 2023).” These gaps disproportionately affect marginalized groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, LGBTQ+ people, and those with disabilities. These disparities not only go against fundamental principles of fairness and justice, but also lead to more sickness, higher death rates, and increased financial strain. Additionally, factors like how much money someone makes, their level of education, and whether they have a job greatly affect their ability to get good healthcare. What's more, prejudices that people might not even realize they have, and systemic racism within healthcare, can mean that people get treated differently based on their race, ethnicity, gender, or other …show more content…
This was especially common among LGBT+ people with low incomes and those covered by Medicaid (Hill et al., 2023).” For members of the LGBTQ+ community, going to the doctor can sometimes mean facing discrimination or feeling judged because of who they are. This can make it harder for them to get the care they need, and can lead to differences in how healthy they are compared to other people. To effectively address healthcare disparities, a more thorough understanding of the underlying causes as well as a multifaceted approach that takes into account both immediate and broader influences is needed.. Prioritizing equitable and accessible healthcare services, offering culturally competent treatment, and conveying the socioeconomic determinants of health should be the top priorities for policy interventions aimed at reducing disparities. But it's not just about policies; we also need to make sure that everyone's voice is heard when healthcare decisions are made. This means making sure that people from communities that are often overlooked are involved in making those decisions and ensuring diversity and inclusivity within the healthcare
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