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Discussion—Health Equity, Health Disparity, and Health Inequality

One of the most basic principles of public health is that all people have a right to health. Unfortunately, a right to health does not guarantee good health or equivalent health status amongst people. Although the term “disparities” is often interpreted to mean racial or ethnic disparities, many dimensions of disparities exist in the United States, particularly in health. If a health outcome is seen in a greater or lesser extent between populations, there is disparity. Race, ethnicity, sex, sexual identity, age, disability, socioeconomic status, and geographic location all contribute to an individual’s ability to achieve good health.

The purpose of this assignment is to consider the historic background of health disparities. You will also relate this history to the current state of healthcare, changes that have occurred over time and changes that are still needed in public health.

Using the readings for this module, Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, respond to the following:

• Examine the differences between health equity, health disparity, and health inequality, using examples and scholarly references for support.
• Review the article and answer the question that follows:
  
  
  
  
• What aspects of the article do you think are still applicable in health services today and which do you think are not?

Support your statements with appropriate examples and scholarly references.

Write your initial response in approximately 200 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

By Saturday, September 16, 2017, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through Wednesday, September 20, 2017, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses. Explore any points you had not previously considered or on which you disagree.

Ibrahim, S. A., Thomas, S. B., & Fine, M. J. (2003). Achieving health equity: An incremental journey. American Journal of Public Health, 93(10), 1619–1621.

DQ Grading CriteriaPoints

Initial response was:

• Insightful, original, accurate, and timely.
• Substantive and demonstrated advanced understanding of concepts.
• Compiled/synthesized theories and concepts drawn from a variety of sources to support statements and conclusions.

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