According to the NIH National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities,
Health disparities are largely preventable health differences that adversely affect populations who experience greater challenges to optimal health and are closely linked with intergenerational social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantages—primarily based on identification as an individual from a racial and/or ethnic minority group and/or by low socioeconomic status (SES) in society.
Health disparities may be observed in the risks, prevalence, or problems resulting from specific behaviors, as well as the incidence, prevalence, and mortality from conditions, diseases, and/or disorders. Health disparities also can be observed in health care access, quality, and utilization, and within the delivery of clinical care.
(NIMHD, 2025)
NIMHD Health Disparity Factsheet (pdf)
NIHMD NIH-Designated Populations with Health Disparities (pdf)
