What are health disparities?

Health disparities refer to the differences in health outcomes that are observed among different groups of people. These disparities can be influenced by a variety of factors, including socioeconomic status, geographic location, education, race, and ethnicity. The existence of health disparities indicates that certain populations may face higher risks of certain diseases or may have less access to healthcare resources, leading to poorer health outcomes compared to other groups.

In contrast, universal access to healthcare and equal distribution of healthcare services imply that everyone would receive the same level of care without disparities in health outcomes. Health equity, on the other hand, symbolizes the goal of achieving fair and just health conditions across different populations, rather than the reality of existing disparities. Thus, the focus on "differences in health outcomes among different groups" succinctly captures the essence of health disparities, making it the correct choice.