Health equity

Definition

Health equity is the fair and just opportunity for everyone to attain their highest level of health. It involves removing obstacles such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to good jobs and quality education.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Health equity aims to eliminate disparities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes among different populations.
2. Achieving health equity requires addressing social determinants of health such as economic stability, education, and healthcare access.
3. In pharmacology, health equity ensures all patients receive appropriate anti-infective drugs regardless of socioeconomic status.
4. Addressing health equity can lead to better management and treatment outcomes for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
5. Policies promoting health equity often include improving access to affordable medications and culturally competent care.

Review Questions

• How does health equity impact the treatment outcomes of sexually transmitted infections?
• Why is addressing social determinants crucial for achieving health equity?
• What role does pharmacology play in promoting health equity in STI treatment?

Related terms

Social Determinants of Health: Conditions like economic stability, education, and healthcare access that influence an individual's health.

Healthcare Disparities: Differences in health outcomes and access to care among different population groups.

Culturally Competent Care: Healthcare that respects diverse cultural backgrounds and effectively meets patients' cultural needs.