Health Disparities:
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC)
Office of Minority Health (OMH)
Definition
Source
Health Disparities
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.
The National Institute
of Health
Health Equity
When all people have the opportunity to be healthy as possible and no one is limited in achieving good
health because of their social position or any other social determinant of health.
SC DHEC: OMH
Any disparity or difference combined with conditions that are unfair, unjust, and avoidable.
SC DHEC: OMH
Defined as:
 Income
 Employment and working conditions
 Education
 Neighborhood and housing
 Environment
 Transportation
 Food security
 Access to social support networks and healthcare services
 Racism as well as other forms of discrimination
 Public Safety
 Chronic Stress
SC DHEC: OMH
Health Inequity
Social Determinants of
Health
According to SCDHEC OMH, in 1998 the nation committed to the elimination of health disparities in six targeted areas by the year 2010. These conditions were
chosen due to their longstanding disparity trends between racial and ethnic minorities and whites at all stages of life.
The SC DHEC OMH focuses its efforts on the six priority health problems that account for the large disproportionate number of preventable deaths and
disabilities affecting minorities in the state.
Six Targeted Disparity Areas
Disparity Area
Heart Disease/Stroke
Cancer



Prostate Cancer
Breast Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Infant Mortality
Diabetes
Immunizations
HIV/AIDS
Definition
Source
Includes conditions affecting the heart, such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, congestive
heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to
and within the brain.
SC DHEC: OMH
Begins when cells in a part of the body grow out of control. There are several kinds of cancer, but
they all start because of this out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.
SC DHEC: OMH
A disease that causes cells of the prostate gland to change and grow out of control. Although
prostate cancers grow slowly, there are some prostate cancers that spread quickly to other parts of
the body. Prostate cancer is most common among men who are 65 years or older, but African
American men are most likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and also die at all ages prostate
cancer only occurs in men.
SC DHEC: OMH
A disease that causes breast tissue cells in the body to change and grow out of control. These
cancer cells may form a lump or mass called a tumor, which can either remain in one area of the
breast or spread throughout the breast. If the spread of these cells are not controlled, death can
occur. Although White women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, minority women
stand the greatest chance of dying from the disease.
SC DHEC: OMH
Cancer that starts in either the colon or the rectum. Colon and rectal cancers begin in the digestive
system, also called the gastrointestinal system (GI).
SC DHEC: OMH
Death of a baby that occurs before his or her first birthday.
SC DHEC: OMH
A group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels that result from
defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin.
SC DHEC: OMH
Vaccines (shots); a product that produces immunity therefore protecting the body from the disease.
Vaccines are administered through needle injections, by mouth or by aerosol (nasal spray).
SC DHEC: OMH
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that can lead to acquired immune deficiency
syndrome (AIDS). HIV damages a person’s body by destroying specific blood cells that help the
body fight diseases.
SC DHEC: OMH
Alzheimer’s Disease and Septicemia
Alzheimer’s disease and septicemia are also conditions that afflict various regions in South Carolina and are among the leading causes of death in South
Carolina.
Alzheimer’s Disease
An irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and
eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s,
symptoms first appear after age 60.
The National Institute of
Health
Septicemia
The presence of bacteria in the blood (bacteremia) and is often associated with severe infections.
It can arise from infections throughout the body, including infections in the lungs, abdomen, and
urinary tract.
The National Institute of
Health
Alzheimer’s Disease Age-Adjusted Mortality Rate Among
South Carolina Residents by Region Year 2008
Rate per 100,000 population
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Age Adjusted to 2000 Standard Population
Data Source: SCDHEC SCAN; Generated by Office of Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Evaluation
SC
September 2010
Alzheimer’s Disease Crude Mortality Rate Among South
Carolina Residents by Region Year 2008
Rate per 100,000 population
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Data Source: SCDHEC SCAN; Generated by Office of Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Evaluation
SC
September 2010
Septicemia Age-Adjusted Mortality Rate Among South
Carolina Residents by Region Year 2008
Rate per 100,000 population
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Age Adjusted to 2000 Standard Population
Data Source: SCDHEC SCAN; Generated by Office of Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Evaluation
SC
September 2010
Septicemia Crude Mortality Rate Among South Carolina
Residents by Region Year 2008
Rate per 100,000 population
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Data Source: SCDHEC SCAN; Generated by Office of Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Evaluation
SC
September 2010