Health is a basic human right — yet, access to quality healthcare remains unequal for millions of people. Health disparities refer to preventable differences in health outcomes that affect marginalized or disadvantaged populations. These gaps in healthcare access and quality can be based on factors like race, ethnicity, income, geography, gender identity, or disability status.
In this review, we explore what causes health disparities, how they affect different communities, and what steps can be taken to improve healthcare access for all.
What Are Health Disparities?
Health disparities are differences in health outcomes and their causes among groups of people. These gaps often lead to worse health for communities that are already at a social or economic disadvantage.
Examples include:
- Higher infant mortality rates in Black communities
- Limited access to preventive care in rural areas
- Increased diabetes and heart disease among Native American populations
Key Causes of Health Disparities
- Socioeconomic Status: Income and education levels impact one’s ability to afford healthcare or understand medical information.
- Racism and Discrimination: Systemic racism affects diagnosis, treatment options, and trust in healthcare providers.
- Geographic Barriers: People in rural or remote areas often have fewer hospitals or clinics nearby.
- Lack of Health Insurance: Uninsured individuals are less likely to receive timely medical care.
- Cultural and Language Barriers: Non-English speakers or immigrants may struggle to communicate with providers or navigate the system.
Who Is Most Affected?
- Racial and ethnic minorities (e.g., African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans)
- Low-income individuals
- People living in rural areas
- LGBTQ+ communities
- Individuals with disabilities
These groups often face both structural and personal barriers that delay or prevent effective treatment.
Access to Care: The Core Problem
Access to healthcare means more than just being able to see a doctor. It involves:
- Availability: Are healthcare services nearby?
- Affordability: Can people pay for the care they need?
- Acceptability: Are services culturally appropriate and respectful?
- Accommodation: Are clinic hours and transportation options flexible?
When even one of these is lacking, people may delay or skip essential care.
Solutions to Reduce Health Disparities
- Expand Medicaid and Insurance Coverage
- Train Culturally Competent Healthcare Providers
- Invest in Telemedicine and Mobile Clinics
- Increase Community Health Programs
- Enforce Anti-Discrimination Policies in Healthcare
Closing the gap in healthcare requires effort at every level: government policy, community initiatives, and individual provider behavior.
Sources / Scientific References
Artiga, S., & Orgera, K. (2021). Disparities in Health and Health Care: Five Key Questions and Answers. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). https://www.kff.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Health Disparities. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/disparities/index.htm
World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Social Determinants of Health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). Understanding Health Disparities. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/
Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It’s time to consider the causes of the causes. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19–31.