This refers to preventable and unjust differences in health outcomes or access to healthcare that exist between population groups. These disparities are often linked to social, economic, and environmental disadvantages and are influenced by factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, disability, geographic location, and sexual orientation. They reflect inequities in the distribution of resources and opportunities needed to achieve optimal health across communities.
Sources: SAMHSA_NCBI