Key Principles

These terms are vague and imply that the condition is inherent to the group rather than the actual causal factors. Consider using terms and language that focus on the systems in place and explain why and/or how some groups are more affected than others. Also try to use language that explains the effect (i.e., words such as impact and burden are also vague and should be explained).

Instead of this…

• Vulnerable groups
• Marginalized groups
• Hard-to-reach communities
• Underserved communities
• Underprivileged communities
• Disadvantaged groups
• High-risk groups
• At-risk groups
• High-burden groups
• The needy

Try this…

• Groups that have been economically/socially marginalized
• Groups that have been marginalized
• Communities that are underserved by/with limited access to [specific service/resource]
• Under-resourced communities (Should be used only in the literal sense when an area lacks resources, for example clean water. Be specific about which resources are lacking.)
• People who are not equitably served by [programs, initiatives, infrastructure, or systems]
• Groups experiencing disadvantage because of [reason]
• Groups placed at increased risk/put at increased risk of [outcome]
• Groups with higher risk of [outcome]
• People living with increased risk of [outcome] because of [reason]

For scientific publications:

• Disproportionately affected groups
• People [from area/population] who are disproportionately affected by [outcome]
• Groups experiencing disproportionate prevalence/rates of [condition]
• Groups experiencing disproportionate risk of/impact from [factor]

Describe people as having a condition or circumstance, not being a condition. A case is an instance of disease, not a person. Use patient to refer to someone receiving healthcare. Humanize those you are referring to by using people or persons.

Instead of this…

• Diabetics
• Diabetes patients
• The diabetes population
• The obese or the morbidly obese
• The homeless
• Disabled person
• Handicapped
• Inmates
• Victims of abuse
• Cases (when referring to people affected by a disease or condition) or subjects  (when referring to people participating in a study)
• Individuals
• Referring to people only as acronyms (for example, MSM for ‘men who have sex with men’)

Try this…

• People/persons with [disease]
• Patients with [disease] (if referring to people who are receiving healthcare)
• People experiencing [health outcome or life circumstance]
• People with obesity; people with severe obesity
• Patients or persons with COVID-19
• Reported cases of [disease/condition] (when referring to case reports, not people)
• Study participants
• People who are experiencing homelessness
• People who are experiencing [condition or disability type]
• Person with mobility disability
• Person with vision impairments
• People who are incarcerated
• Survivors [of abuse, cancer, violence]

Note: Spell out acronyms on first use and ensure the acronym and its use follow person-first language.

Use of the term minority/minorities should be limited, in general, and should be defined when used. Be as specific as possible about the group you are referring to (for example, be specific about the type of disability if you are not referring to people with any disability type).

Instead of this…

• Minorities
• Minority
• Ethnic groups
• Racial groups
• Disability Groups

Try this…

• Specify the type of subpopulation:
  • (People from) racial and ethnic groups
  • (People from) racial and ethnic minority groups
  • (People from) sexual/gender/linguistic/religious minority groups
  • (People with/living with) mobility/cognitive/vision/hearing/independent living/self-care disabilities

These terms should also be avoided, in general, when communicating about public health activities.

Instead of this…

• Target communities for interventions
• Target population
• Tackle issues within the community
• Aimed at communities
• Combat or fight against [disease]
• War against [disease]

Try this…

• Engage/prioritize/collaborate with/serve [population of focus]
• Population of focus
• Consider the needs of/Tailor to the needs of [population of focus]
• Communities/populations of focus
• Intended audience
• Eliminate/eradicate [issue/disease]
• Prevent/control spread of [disease]

Notes:

• Metaphors can be helpful when communicating some types of information.
  • Use metaphors carefully since no metaphor will perfectly apply to everything or everyone. Examine local, historical, and situational context to determine which metaphor is most appropriate.
• Words and framing that refer to war or violence can send the wrong message.

Consider the context and the audience to determine if language used could potentially lead to negative assumptions, stereotyping, stigmatization, or blame. However, these terms may be appropriate in some instances. Do not assume that people are refusing or choosing not to participate in a behavior or access a service – access, acceptability, or other structural issues may play a role.

Instead of this…

• People who refuse [vaccination/specific behavior]
• Workers who do not use PPE
• People who do not seek healthcare

Try this…

• People who are unvaccinated
• People who have yet to receive/do [vaccination/specific behavior]
• People with limited access to [specific service/resource]
• Workers under-resourced with [specific service/resource]