Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

What do "health disparities" refer to?

1. General differences in lifestyle choices

2. Differences in health closely related to social, economic, or environmental disadvantages

3. Variations in healthcare costs across geographical regions

4. Changes in public health trends over time

The correct answer is: Differences in health closely related to social, economic, or environmental disadvantages

"Health disparities" specifically refer to differences in health outcomes that are closely related to social, economic, or environmental disadvantages. This concept emphasizes the inequitable nature of these differences, highlighting that certain groups may experience poorer health due to factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, or geographic location. Understanding health disparities is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies and interventions aimed at improving health equity. The other options do not capture the nuanced definition of health disparities. General differences in lifestyle choices can contribute to health outcomes but don’t specifically address the systemic issues that lead to disparities. Variations in healthcare costs and changes in public health trends, while relevant in health discussions, do not specifically define health disparities as those rooted in social and economic inequities. Hence, recognizing that health disparities involve more complex societal factors is key to addressing them effectively.