5 Vulnerable Populations in Healthcare
For vulnerable populations, their health and healthcare issues may be exacerbated by social factors. Here are just 5 vulnerable populations who experience greater risk factors, worse access to care, and increased morbidity and mortality compared with the general population.
In the United States, significant disparities exist in healthcare for vulnerable populations. There are a number of groups that are considered vulnerable populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, the economically disadvantaged, and those with chronic health conditions.
For vulnerable populations, their health and healthcare issues may be exacerbated by social factors. Here are just 5 vulnerable populations who experience greater risk factors, worse access to care, and increased morbidity and mortality compared with the general population.
1. Chronically ill and disabled
People with chronic diseases are at risk of poor health outcomes and they, obviously, consume more healthcare dollars than healthy individuals. The chronically ill are
Disabled individuals, like the chronically ill, usually have many interactions with the health system, but, due to their disability, they may have difficulty accessing care. The chronically ill and the disabled may face
2. Low-income and/or homeless individuals
In general, low-income individuals are more likely to have chronic illnesses, and the impact of those illnesses can be more severe. People with low incomes are also disproportionately racial and ethnic minorities. Being low-income, they may be less likely to have coverage and, as a result, have less interaction with the healthcare system,
People with lower incomes are also
Since people experiencing homelessness may not have a safe place to stay, they are at an increased risk for adverse health-related outcomes. In 2017, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development
3. Certain geographical communities
Americans living in rural areas often have worse health than the general population. The reason for this
Exacerbating these issues in rural communities is the fact that this population has trouble accessing care.
Native Americans living on reservations are also vulnerable. The Indian Health Service
Native Americans also have issues accessing care, partly because their health programs are
4. LGBTQ+ population
Nearly 1 in 5 members of the LGBTQ community has
Healthy People 2020
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5. The very young and very old
The American Public Health Association
Similarly, older adults are more vulnerable to health issues since they also have low immunity and often numerous medical conditions. A
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