What is the intersection of race/ethnicity with health inequalities?

• A. Genetic differences explain most disparities
• B. Structural racism, discrimination, and social determinants lead to differences in exposure, access, and outcomes (e.g., maternal mortality disparities)
• C. Access to care is uniform across groups
• D. Race has no effect on health

Answer: (B)

Health inequalities across racial and ethnic groups arise from how society structures opportunity and care, not from biology alone. Structural racism and discrimination shape where people live, work, and access health services, influencing exposure to risks, availability of healthy foods, safe housing, education, income, and the quality of medical care. These social determinants accumulate to produce different health outcomes—for example, maternal mortality disparities seen across racial/ethnic groups. While genetics plays some role in health, it does not explain the majority of these differences; the patterns persist even when genetics are considered, and access to care is not uniform across groups. Therefore, the intersection is best understood through the pathway of structural racism and social determinants shaping exposure, access, and outcomes.