Final answer:
The term describing “differences in health outcomes among groups of people” is health disparities. These are influenced by social, economic, genetic, and environmental factors, and are evident in diseases like type 2 diabetes being more prevalent in Black adults compared to White adults in the U.S. Addressing health disparities requires a comprehensive approach that includes cultural sensitivity and tackling both underlying and immediate causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Differences in health outcomes among groups of people” is the definition of health disparities. Health disparities are closely linked to social or economic disadvantages and involve variations in the quality, access, and utilization of health care, as well as medication adherence and overall health outcomes. For example, in the U.S., there has been an increasing racial health disparity where Black adults are nearly twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to White adults.
Health disparities can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors including genetic differences, health literacy, environmental influences, and specific health behaviors. Community psychologists recognize the importance of addressing these disparities comprehensively by tackling both the underlying and immediate causes.