How is "health disparity" defined?

Health disparity is defined as a higher burden of illness experienced by one population group relative to another. This definition captures the essence of health disparity, which focuses on the differences in health outcomes among various populations. These disparities can arise due to a range of factors, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, geographical location, and other social determinants of health.

Understanding health disparities is critical for public health professionals as it highlights the inequities that exist within the healthcare system and the need for targeted interventions to address these differences. By acknowledging that certain groups are more affected by health issues than others, appropriate strategies can be developed to mitigate these challenges and improve overall health equity in communities.

The other options do not encompass the broad and specific nature of health disparities effectively. For instance, the definition of a minimum standard of healthcare is focused on baseline healthcare requirements rather than health outcomes. The average lifespan merely summarizes demographic data without addressing the inequalities in health status. Lastly, differences in access to technology would only reference one aspect of health disparities and not the overall burden of disease or health outcomes among populations.