Health Inequalities can be defined as?

• A. Differences in health status between populations that are avoidable and preventable
• B. Differences in health outcomes that are random
• C. Inequalities due to genetics
• D. Differences in access to technology

Answer: (A)

Health inequalities refer to differences in health status or outcomes between populations that are avoidable and preventable, and arise from unequal social conditions, access to resources, and exposure to risk factors. This emphasis on avoidable and preventable gaps distinguishes health inequalities from random variation. Genetics can influence individual risk, but disparities defined as inequalities concern modifiable social determinants rather than biology alone. Differences in access to technology can contribute to disparities, but they don’t by themselves define the broader concept of health inequalities.