Health Disparity, health inequality and health inequity; similarities and differences

Health inequalities, health disparities and health inequities are confusing terms to health care executives, junior medical and nursing staff and policy makers. This article has broken down these concepts for easy understanding. The writer defined the above terms, brought differences and similarities. Grossly, health inequalities are unjust and avoidable differences, and health
inequities go against the principles of social justice because they are avoidable, while health disparities occur when there is a difference in health status rates between population groups ie; Worst health among socially disadvantaged racial / ethnics groups. Health inequities are avoidable groups
of people within countries and between countries [8]. When there is health inequities, health disparities emerge. Factors that lead to inequalities have been well outlined using the acronym progress (P= Place of residence ,R = Race, ethnicity, culture and language, O = Occupation, G = Gender and Sex, R = Religion, E = Education, S = Socio economic status, S = Social capital, Plus = Age, other disability, migratory status). The cycle of monitoring health inequality has also been clarified. This includes:

– Select relevant health and social indicators
– Collect data
– Analyze data,
– Report results and
– Implement change
The authors went further to use drawings to best understanding health inequalities, health inequities and health disparities towards the end of this article, there are actions needed to overcome these public health concepts.