What does the term "health disparity" refer to?

The term "health disparity" specifically refers to preventable differences in health outcomes among various population groups. This concept highlights the inequalities that exist within health care systems and is often linked to a range of social, economic, and environmental factors that can affect an individual's ability to achieve good health.

By identifying these disparities, public health efforts can target interventions and policies aimed at reducing inequalities and improving health outcomes for those groups that face greater barriers to health due to factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, ethnicity, or other determinants of health. The focus on preventing differences in health outcomes underscores the importance of equity in health care, emphasizing that everyone should have the opportunity to attain their highest level of health regardless of their background.

In contrast to the other options, universal health care access emphasizes system-wide access rather than the differences in outcomes; differences in healthcare costs do not inherently relate to health outcomes; and variations in health insurance coverage do not capture the broader context of health inequalities that health disparities encompass.