Health care segregation

Date and country of first publication

2011
United States

Definition

Health care segregation refers to the systematic separation of individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other factors in access to quality health care services. This can result in disparities in health outcomes and access to necessary medical treatment for marginalized communities. Health care segregation can be seen in various forms, such as the unequal distribution of resources and facilities in certain neighborhoods, the discrimination and mistreatment of patients based on their background, or the lack of culturally competent care for diverse populations. Efforts to address health care segregation should focus on promoting equity and access to care for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Health care segregation appears in the following literature

Strully K.W. (2011). Health care segregation and race disparities in infectious disease: The case of nursing homes and seasonal influenza vaccinations. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 52(4), 510-526. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146511423544