How does the CDC define "health disparities"?

The definition of "health disparities" as provided by the CDC encompasses differences in health outcomes that are closely linked to social, economic, or environmental disadvantages. This means that certain populations or groups experience worse health outcomes due to a variety of factors, such as socioeconomic status, race, geographic location, or other inequities. The emphasis is on how these disparities highlight systemic inequalities that affect certain groups more adversely than others, leading to a significant gap in health status, outcomes, and quality of life.

In contrast, variations in healthcare access, inconsistencies in treatment methods, and variations in health insurance coverage are specific factors that can contribute to health disparities but do not capture the full essence of what health disparities represent. They focus more on aspects of the healthcare system and access rather than on the outcomes and underlying causes of inequalities among different populations.