The two phrases ‘health inequalities’ and ‘health inequities’ are often used interchangeably to refer to differences in the health status of varied population groups. In fact, both are not synonymous (1,2). Health inequalities arise from the often-inescapable consequences of varied biological and external factors that influence a person’s health status. In contrast, health inequities are unjust and avoidable differences that affect not only an individual’s health but also those of groups already considered disadvantaged due to health inequality (1,2). By addressing what constitutes health inequality and providing examples of how the inequalities gap for certain outcomes is widening. This assignment aims to put forward and discuss how wider determinants of health and differences in access to services contribute to this growing inequality. Inequalities in health To classify where health inequality exists, it becomes necessary to define the meaning of the word ‘health’. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is not merely the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being (1,3). Thus, a person’s health not only relates to the presence and absence of physical disease, but also encompasses wider social determinants, such as housing and education (4). Meaning that when referring to health inequalities between individuals and more broadly of populations, it becomes necessary to observe their position in society, e.g. socioeconomic groups (2,5). Any resulting disparity in the standard of health between individuals, groups or populations based on their socioeconomic standing, race or gender is then known as the inequalities gap (6). Examples of the widening inequalities gap Numerous rep... ... middle of paper ... ...e available health resources or even difficulty in accessing these service can lead to decreased motivation to adopt healthier behaviours (23). Furthermore, peers influence behaviours, if family members, work colleagues or friends are quitting smoking an individual is more likely to also do so (23). Therefore, the discrepancy in health can be partly explained by behaviour or lifestyle factors of the least affluent. It may also stem from a lack of educational or occupational opportunities, which maybe further compounded by the inaccessibility of certain health care services (whether physical or perceived) or green outdoor spaces (9). To narrow the gap in health inequalities, many health policies need to be implemented. Health equity can only be achieved if such actions are universal, target all the determinants of health and be proportionate to the level of need (9).
Social determinants of health have attracted the attention of governments, policy makers and international health organisations over the last three decades (Hankivsky & Christoffersen 2008). This is because social conditions which people are born in, live and work play an important role in their health outcomes (WHO 2015). According to Kibesh (1200) social determinants drive health disparities, disrupts the human developmental process and undermine the quality of life and opportunities for people and families (ref). Thus, several theories have been developed over the years to provide in-depth understanding of the social determinants of health and to reduce health inequalities (Hankivsky & Christoffersen, 2008). However, there is still significant
Adler, N. E., & Newman, K. (2002). Socioeconomic disparities in health: pathways and policies. Health affairs, 21(2), 60-76.
...nts of Health and the Prevention of Health Inequities. Retrieved 2014, from Australian Medical Association: https://ama.com.au/position-statement/social-determinants-health-and-prevention-health-inequities-2007
Rowlingson, K. ( 2011). Does inequality cause Health and Social Problems? Birmingham: Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Working Group on Inequalities in Health (1982) Inequalities in Health (The Black Report), London, HMSO, 1982.
Current research suggests the countries with the smallest income differences have the best health status rather than the richest countries. Where income differences remain great, as in this country, health inequalities will persist. For example: Children in the lowest social class are five times more likely to die from an accident than those in the top social class, Infant mortality rates are highest among the lowest social
Health Disparities and Racism is an ongoing problem that is reflected among society. Health is when an individual is physically, mentally and social well being is complete. However health disparities seems to be a social injustice within various ethnicities. Health disparities range from age, race, income, education and many other things. Even though we realize health disparities are more noticeable depending on the region of country where they live in. Racism is one of the most popular factors, for why it’s known that people struggle with health.
The essay will be looking at , poverty, employment and unemployment, poor diets as determinants of health in this context amongst other factors such as housing, mental health, social support network, education, culture, individual behaviours, genetics, gender because they have the best documented evidence on research in health inequalities in Britain available in the Black Report (DHSS 1980; Townsend, Davidson and Whitehead, 1992), Acheson Report (Acheson 1998), and FairSociety, HealthyLives Report, and other academic sources.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are increasingly becoming a major problem of Public Health around the World. The impact of resources and material deprivation among people and populations has resulted in an increase in mortality rate on a planetary scale. Social determinants of health are defined as the personal, social, economic and the environmental conditions which determines the health status of an individual or population (Gardner, 2013). Today’s society is characterized by inequalities in health, education, income and many other factors which as a result is becoming a burden for Public Health around the world. Research studies have shown that the conditions in which people live and work strongly influenced their health. Individuals with high levels of education and fall within the high income bracket turn to have stable jobs, live in the best neighborhood and have access to quality health care system than individuals who have low education and fall with the low income bracket. This paper is to explain different social determinants of health and how they play ...
Marmot in his famous article titled Social Determinants of Health Inequalities firmly stated that actions targeted to improve healthcare access should not be focused only on healthcare system but rather on the social determinants of health. Marmot reiterated that health inequalities, disparities and social determinants of health are totally preventable through more inclusive wider social policies. He insists that inequalities of health between and within geographical areas can be reduced through positive actions.3 And such actions should be focused towards improving the social determinants of health in all areas to give everyone equal access to healthcare services.2-3 Explaining that lack of healthcare access are driven by SDOH, Marmot further argues that health cannot be improved by itself alone, but by enhancing those factors that determine health.
Steinbach, R (2009) Equality, equity and policy [online] Health Knowledge. Available at: http://www.healthknowledge.org.uk/public-health-textbook/medical-sociology-policy-economics/4c-equality-equity-policy/inequalities-distribution [Accessed 3 January 2012]
...on, race, and political belief, economic or social condition. Improving the poor health of disadvantaged individuals and reducing health gaps is important but not enough to level up health through socioeconomic groups. The objective of tackling health inequalities can be changed to local needs and priorities of a community allowing wide-ranging partnerships of support to be organised. However it needs to be made clear that what can be done to help improve the life chances and health prospects of individuals living in poverty may not come close to bringing their health prospects closer to the average of the rest of the population or prevent the gap living on throughout the generations. Being clear about what is trying to be overcome and achieved needs upmost importance in the development and delivery of policies that will promote health equality across the population.
Socioeconomic Disparities and health are growing at a rapid rate throughout the United States of America. To further understand the meaning of Socioeconomic Disparities, Health and Socioeconomic disparities & health, this essay will assist in providing evidence. Disparities can be defined in many ways, of which include ethnic and racial background and class types that deal with it the most. Due to the low income some individuals receive, they have less access to health care and are at risk for major health issues. Although, ethnicity and socioeconomic status should not determine the level of health care one should receive or whether not the individual receives healthcare.
The World Health Organisation define health inequalities as; ‘differences in health status or in the distribution of health determinants between different population groups. Some health inequalities are attributed to biological variations or free choice and others are attributable to the external environment and conditions mainly outside the control of the individuals concerned’ (Who.int, 2013). Therefore, while some variation in health experience is unavoidable, much of it can be attributed to unequal opportunities, that is, social inequality (Tones and Green, 2004, p. 68).
This is what Wilkinson tries to understand with his theory of income inequality, and thereby hopes to give an explanation to why health differences occur (Rowlingson, 2011). This says that ‘it is not the richest countries that have the greatest health, but it is the most egalitarian societies that are healthier and have a smaller disparity in health’ (Wilkinson, 1996). In this essay the Wilkinson Theory is going to be discussed in depth in order to help explain what psycho-social pathways are and why they affect health on a national level.