Lewis et al: Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of

Clinical Problems, 7th edition

Key Points

Chapter 2: Health Disparities

• Determinants of health are those factors that influence the health of individuals.

• Health disparities refer to differences in measures in the health status among groups of
people in a community, a state, or the entire nation.

• Racial, ethnic, and cultural differences exist in the health screening behaviors, treatments
provided, and access to health care providers.

• Factors such as stereotyping and prejudice can affect health care seeking behavior in
minority populations.

• Discrimination and bias occur when negative treatment occurs based on race, ethnicity,
gender, aging, and sexual orientation.

• Use of standardized evidence-based guidelines can reduce health disparities in diagnosis

and treatment.

• Interpersonal skills such as active listening, relationship building, and effective

communication are basic to the delivery of high quality and equitable health care.

Copyright © 2007 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.