Final answer:
Health disparities refer to the unequal health outcomes and healthcare provision seen among different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Social determinants of health and systemic inequalities play a significant role in perpetuating these disparities. Addressing them requires a multifaceted approach involving healthcare policy reform and community interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
"Differences in health problems, status and use of health services among people who differ in ethnicity, gender and other characteristics" defines the concept of health disparities. Health disparities refer to the inequalities that occur in the provision of healthcare and access to healthcare across different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. A myriad of factors influence these disparities, including, but not limited to, socioeconomics, environment, healthcare access, health literacy, and systemic racism.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) like poverty, education, housing, and employment status are key drivers of these inequities. African Americans, for instance, suffer more from chronic diseases and have higher morbidity and mortality rates when compared to White Americans. Addressing these disparities is crucial and requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses cultural competence, healthcare policy reform, and community-based interventions to enhance health literacy and access. Community psychologists have an essential role in identifying the needs of diverse populations and developing tailored interventions.
It's important to note the historical context of these disparities, as discussed by Lisa Berkman, who observed narrowing during the Civil Rights movement but a subsequent widening in the early 1980s. Studies have shown that even when insurance differences are accounted for, minorities still receive lower-quality care than their white counterparts. Consequently, the U.S. government's Healthy People 2020 initiative aims to eliminate these disparities, demonstrating the ongoing effort to achieve health equity.