Health and Its Determinants: A Case Study

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Health is dynamic and determined by the determinants of health that have factors that can both benefit and hinder our overall health (Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, p. 9). The primary health care (PHC) principles accessibility, inter-sectorial collaboration, appropriate technology, emphasis on health promotion and public participation helps all individuals at different social standings based on income levels and geographical location determined by the social determinants of health to access PHC and make an equitable health care system (McMurray & Clendon, 2011, pp. 36-44; Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, pp. 13-14). Social determinants of health encompasses ethnicity, gender and social class. It is seen as the essential determinant to structure and functions to society, the factors that contribute are social, economic, cultural and political (Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, p. 13). For example a female or male from a low socioeconomic background and from an ethnic minority group is more likely to have poorer health in all aspects than those who are from a majority ethnic group and high social standing (Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, p. 14). Primary health care should be holistic, balanced, personalised and equitable, where professionals use appropriate knowledge and gain knowledge from other, this occurs when an individual seeks medical advice (Greenhalgh, 2008, pp. 1, 12). Accessibility to PHC has the objective to create equity within society and health care, this eliminates social, economic and environmental disadvantages (McMurray & Clendon, 2011, p. 37). Accessibility has developed a link between poverty and poor health care by observing adult and infant mortality rates showing a disproporti... ... middle of paper ... ...PHC based on the PHC principles has resulted in a fatal consequence (Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, p. 9; McMurray & Clendon, 2011, pp. 36-44). Therefore the PHC principles and social determinants are used to establish access to health and high finances for health care hence proving that PHC is inequitable to low socioeconomic individuals and those that live in rural and remote areas (Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, p. 14; McMurray & Clendon, 2011, pp. 36-44). Works Cited Greenhalgh, T. (2008). Primary Health Care: Theory and Practice. Hoboken: Wiley. Liamputtong, P., Fanany, R., & Verrinder, G. (2012). Health Illness and Well-being. South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Oxford University Pres. McMurray, A., & Clendon, J. (2011). Community Health and Wellness: Primary Health Care in Practice (4 ed.). Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia: Mosby.

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