HSC 380 Final Exam Guide 2026: Health
Equity, Disparities & Cultural Competence
Study Aid
Description:
Master your HSC 380 final exam with this comprehensive, updated 2026 study guide. We
provide a complete review of essential public health concepts, including health disparities,
social determinants of health, equity vs. equality, systemic racism, and the CLAS
standards. This resource breaks down complex topics like cultural competence,
environmental racism, and population health with clear definitions, key examples, and over
50 targeted practice questions with detailed explanations. Perfect for Public Health, Health
Science, and Nursing students, this guide translates coursework into exam-ready knowledge.
Stop stressing and start acing—download your ultimate study companion today!
, HSC 380 Final Exam Prep 2026: Health Disparities, Equity &
Cultural Competence Review
1. The term "food desert" accurately describes a situation where supermarkets exist in low-income
areas but residents cannot afford the food available there.
a. True
b. False
Answer: b. False
Explanation: This scenario is more accurately termed a "food mirage," where healthy food is
physically present but economically inaccessible. A "food desert" specifically refers to an area
with limited availability of nutritious and affordable food options.
2. Which of the following is a direct consequence of insufficient healthcare access in the United
States?
a. Improved health outcomes for all
b. A shift towards holistic medicine
c. Health inequality and poorer overall health
d. Reduced healthcare costs
Answer: c. Health inequality and poorer overall health
Explanation: Systemic lack of sufficient healthcare for segments of the population perpetuates
and exacerbates disparities in health outcomes, leading to measurable inequalities and poorer
health status among underserved groups.
3. The concept of "achieved equity" is best demonstrated when:
a. All community members receive identical resources.
b. Resources and services are distributed based on individual and group needs.
c. Historical injustices are formally acknowledged.
d. Economic growth is prioritized.
Answer: b. Resources and services are distributed based on individual and group needs.
Explanation: Achieved equity requires a needs-based approach that acknowledges varying
circumstances, ensuring everyone has access to the necessary tools (like schools, healthcare, etc.)
to reach an equal outcome, rather than simply receiving the same treatment.
, 4. An in-depth self-reflection on one's own cultural background, prejudices, and assumptions is the
foundation of:
a. Diversity
b. Cultural Awareness
c. Linguistic Competence
d. Inclusion
Answer: b. Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Cultural awareness begins with critical self-examination to understand one's own
cultural lens and how it shapes perceptions and interactions with others from different
backgrounds.
5. The concept that embraces differences while recognizing shared human commonalities across
race, ethnicity, religion, and other identities is:
a. Dominant Group Dynamics
b. Diversity
c. Equity
d. Ethical Relativism
Answer: b. Diversity
Explanation: Diversity involves the recognition, respect, and valuation of differences within a
community, coupled with an appreciation for the similarities that connect all people.
6. Corporate or governmental decisions that result in communities of color bearing a
disproportionate burden of environmental hazards is an example of:
a. Cultural Incongruence
b. Environmental Racism
c. Unconscious Bias
d. Health Disparity
Answer: b. Environmental Racism
Explanation: Environmental racism refers to institutional policies and practices that deliberately
or systematically place toxic waste and polluting industries in communities of color and low-
income areas, leading to disproportionate health and environmental risks.
Equity, Disparities & Cultural Competence
Study Aid
Description:
Master your HSC 380 final exam with this comprehensive, updated 2026 study guide. We
provide a complete review of essential public health concepts, including health disparities,
social determinants of health, equity vs. equality, systemic racism, and the CLAS
standards. This resource breaks down complex topics like cultural competence,
environmental racism, and population health with clear definitions, key examples, and over
50 targeted practice questions with detailed explanations. Perfect for Public Health, Health
Science, and Nursing students, this guide translates coursework into exam-ready knowledge.
Stop stressing and start acing—download your ultimate study companion today!
, HSC 380 Final Exam Prep 2026: Health Disparities, Equity &
Cultural Competence Review
1. The term "food desert" accurately describes a situation where supermarkets exist in low-income
areas but residents cannot afford the food available there.
a. True
b. False
Answer: b. False
Explanation: This scenario is more accurately termed a "food mirage," where healthy food is
physically present but economically inaccessible. A "food desert" specifically refers to an area
with limited availability of nutritious and affordable food options.
2. Which of the following is a direct consequence of insufficient healthcare access in the United
States?
a. Improved health outcomes for all
b. A shift towards holistic medicine
c. Health inequality and poorer overall health
d. Reduced healthcare costs
Answer: c. Health inequality and poorer overall health
Explanation: Systemic lack of sufficient healthcare for segments of the population perpetuates
and exacerbates disparities in health outcomes, leading to measurable inequalities and poorer
health status among underserved groups.
3. The concept of "achieved equity" is best demonstrated when:
a. All community members receive identical resources.
b. Resources and services are distributed based on individual and group needs.
c. Historical injustices are formally acknowledged.
d. Economic growth is prioritized.
Answer: b. Resources and services are distributed based on individual and group needs.
Explanation: Achieved equity requires a needs-based approach that acknowledges varying
circumstances, ensuring everyone has access to the necessary tools (like schools, healthcare, etc.)
to reach an equal outcome, rather than simply receiving the same treatment.
, 4. An in-depth self-reflection on one's own cultural background, prejudices, and assumptions is the
foundation of:
a. Diversity
b. Cultural Awareness
c. Linguistic Competence
d. Inclusion
Answer: b. Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Cultural awareness begins with critical self-examination to understand one's own
cultural lens and how it shapes perceptions and interactions with others from different
backgrounds.
5. The concept that embraces differences while recognizing shared human commonalities across
race, ethnicity, religion, and other identities is:
a. Dominant Group Dynamics
b. Diversity
c. Equity
d. Ethical Relativism
Answer: b. Diversity
Explanation: Diversity involves the recognition, respect, and valuation of differences within a
community, coupled with an appreciation for the similarities that connect all people.
6. Corporate or governmental decisions that result in communities of color bearing a
disproportionate burden of environmental hazards is an example of:
a. Cultural Incongruence
b. Environmental Racism
c. Unconscious Bias
d. Health Disparity
Answer: b. Environmental Racism
Explanation: Environmental racism refers to institutional policies and practices that deliberately
or systematically place toxic waste and polluting industries in communities of color and low-
income areas, leading to disproportionate health and environmental risks.
