This section of our site is divided into two categories, Demographics and Disparities. In 1999, the National Institute of Health (NIH) defined health disparities as, “differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of diseases and other adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States.” Populations can suffer from health disparities based on race/ethnicity, gender, age, income, insurance status, geographic location, sexual orientation, housing status, occupation, or health behaviors. Reasons for health disparities include differences in risk factors, lack of access to health care, inadequately targeted prevention messages, and cultural differences between the health care system and the populations it serves. Research shows that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States typically experience a lower quality of healthcare regardless of insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions. Increased awareness about disparities is the first step in overcoming the cultural and linguistic barriers to equitable health care for all Americans.

The data and statistics provided in Demographics & Disparities are intended to alert you to
the increasing diversity of the country, state, and constituent communities of UMDNJ, as well as inform you of existing health disparities that are often the result of cultural and linguistic differences.

Demographics features statistical information and population breakdowns by race/ethnicity adapted from various sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau for the U.S., New Jersey state, New Jersey counties and UMDNJ faculty, students, residents, and workforce.
To find out more, visit Demographics

Disparities features information on health disparities that disproportionately effect UMDNJ’s constituent racial and ethnic populations, with a breakdown by disease as well as links to online resources on health disparities.
To find out more, visit Disparities

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). (2000). Eliminating Health Disparities in the United States. HRSA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.hrsa.gov/OMH/OMH/disparities/default.htm (accessed September 1, 2004).

Institute of Medicine. (2002). Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care.
Washington, DC: National Academies Press. http://www.iom.edu/report.asp?id=4475 (accessed September 1, 2004).