Table 1 Regional Health Equity Survey Thematic Code Definitions [22]
Broad Code | Definition |
|---|---|
Health Inequity | Health inequities are the systematic, avoidable, unfair, and unjust differences in health status across population groups. These inequities are sustained overtime and generations and are beyond the control of individuals. These differences follow the larger patterns of inequality that exist in society. This is different from the term health disparities, which emphasizes that differences exist, but does not consider their relationship patterns of social inequalities. |
Root Causes of Health Inequity | The root causes of health inequity are the underlying social, economic, and environmental inequalities which create different living conditions. Discrimination based on class, race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, disability and other ‘isms’ influence the distribution of resources and power. Past discriminatory practices are reinforced in the policies and practices of institutions that define the context of our daily lives. This in turn creates an unequal distribution of beneficial opportunities and negative exposures, resulting in health inequities. |
Social Determinant of Health (SDoH) | The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age (e.g. air quality, schools, parks, jobs, and housing conditions etc.). This term does not address how or why these social, economic, and environmental conditions are inequitably distributed throughout society. |