What are health inequalities

Health inequalities refer to the systematic, unfair, and preventable differences in health outcomes observed across the population and among various social groups.

They are caused by the conditions in which we are born, live, work and grow. These conditions influence how we think, feel and act and can affect both our physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Which groups experience health inequalities?

Health inequalities can be experienced by people grouped by a range of different factors including:

  • socioeconomic status and deprivation

  • sharing certain protected characteristics

  • belonging to vulnerable or excluded groups of society

  • geography.

These factors often overlap, meaning people can fall into combinations of these categories. This can compound the severity of health inequalities experienced.

What are the effects of health inequalities?

Health inequalities can be seen and measured through differences in:

  • prevalence of conditions and mortality

  • behavioural risks to health such as smoking

  • the wider determinants of health such as housing and employment

  • access to care

  • the quality and experience of healthcare services.

The impact of health inequalities was starkly exposed and exacerbated by COVID-19. This is because the pandemic showed how inequalities increase the risk of becoming ill among some groups in society.

How NICE can help you tackle health inequalities

Reducing health inequalities is a core part of our DNA. In fact it’s one of our core principles. So, our guidance supports strategies that improve population health as a whole, while offering particular benefit to the most disadvantaged.

We consider the protected characteristics stated in the Equality Act 2010. We also consider inequalities arising from socioeconomic factors and the circumstances of vulnerable groups of people. These include looked-after children and people who are homeless.

By incorporating our recommendations into your work, you can ensure the care you provide is:

  • effective

  • reduces inequalities

  • makes efficient use of resources.