How were the subgroups included in the report selected?
The population subgroups graded in the Report Card were selected to illustrate the variety of characteristics, or domains, across which health disparities exist. A total of four domains were selected for inclusion in the Report Card: gender, education, urbanization of county, and race/ethnicity. This list does not cover all of the disparity domains reflected in the Healthy People 2010 goal to eliminate health disparities, such as income, disability, and sexual orientation, because comparable and reliable data on populations defined by those important characteristics were not readily available. Gender: Although some differences in health between males and females may be due to biological differences between the sexes, other gender differences in health represent inequities – or differences in health that are unfair or unjust. For example, homicide rates are higher for men and depression is more common among women. Education: The domain of education was included in the Report Card as an
