CDC report explores root causes of health disparities

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that income, education level, sex, race, ethnicity, employment status and sexual orientation are all related to health and health outcomes (Source: “CDC Report Documents Health Disparities,” Hannah News Service, Nov. 21, 2013).

The "CDC Health Disparities and Inequalities Report -- United States, 2013," is the second CDC report that highlights differences in mortality and disease risk for multiple conditions related to behaviors, access to health care and social determinants of health -- the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, age and work. 

The CDC says the report underscores the need for more consistent data on population characteristics that have often been lacking in health surveys, such as disability status and sexual orientation.

“It is clear that more needs to be done to address the gaps and to better assist Americans disproportionately impacted by the burden of poor health,” said Dr. Chesley Richards, director of CDC’s Office of Public Health Scientific Services, which produced the report. “We hope that this report will lead to interventions that will allow all Americans, particularly those most harmed by health inequalities, to live healthier and more productive lives.”