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Health Disparities: Gender and Sexual Orientation

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Encyclopedia of Sexual Psychology and Behavior

Synonyms

Conceptual frameworks; Gender inequalities in healthcare; Health inequalities; Sexual orientation inequalities in healthcare; Social inequalities in health

Definition

Health disparities refer to preventable differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare services across different groups. These disparities are often influenced by various social, economic, environmental, and systemic factors.

Introduction

Public health science remains critical in understanding health disparities and achieving health equity (Mpofu, 2021). A common goal for many health researchers is to achieve health for all. Health researchers must first recognize the unique health needs and health disparities specific communities face for this goal to be met. Health disparities refer to differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of disease and other adverse health conditions (Healthy People 2020, n.d.; Mpofu, 2021). If a difference in health outcomes exists between populations,...

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Correspondence to Olivia Zant .

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Zant, O., Pomare, Z.S., Alagood, J. (2023). Health Disparities: Gender and Sexual Orientation. In: Shackelford, T.K. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sexual Psychology and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08956-5_2464-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08956-5_2464-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-08956-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-08956-5

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