A particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social or economic disadvantage. They adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater social or economic obstacles to health based on their racial or ethnic group, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, mental health, cognitive, sensory, or physical disability, sexual orientation, geographic location, or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion.

Recommendations for the framework and format of Healthy People 2020 | Carter-Pokras O. et al | The Playbook Digital Healthcare Edition