Health Inequality and Disparity

Health inequality refers to differences in health status or access to healthcare between groups of people, often based on factors like socio-economic status, race, or location. Health disparity is a specific type of health inequality that is unjust and avoidable, affecting marginalized populations more severely. In health geography, these concepts emphasize how where people live can influence their health outcomes. For example, urban areas might have better access to healthcare facilities than rural areas, leading to significant differences in health experiences and outcomes among different communities. Recognizing these differences is crucial for improving public health.