Health Inequalities

The minority groups are more likely to say that they are in fair or poor health than white people (Hurst 257). Studies show that white women have a higher life expectancy compared to white men and black women (Hurst 257). Income effects the mortality rates also. People with more income from different sources have lower mortality risks (Hurst 258). This is important to know because these factors all weigh in on the issue of inequality in health care. The people in the lower class and poverty levels are more likely to get sick because they cannot afford health care to keep them from getting sick. Also, their physical health is lower because they are not able to afford time off work to go to doctors or even afford medical

Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or in opportunities to achieve optimal health experienced by socially disadvantaged racial, ethnic, and other population groups, and communities (Healthy Aging, 2017). An example of a health disparity would be if women were more likely than men to die from pancreatic cancer. Anyone is capable of having a health disparity. Several factors such as gender, age, social class, race, and where the person lives can cause one to inhibit a health disparity, lessening his or her chances of obtaining good health.

between a span of 2000 and 2010, the prevalence concerning chronic disease comorbidities have increased from 32.2-42.4% for Hispanics and African American population from 43.8-51.6% in people 65 and older. In order to get these numbers to start decreasing those that work in healthcare must first understand the social determinants of health such as conditions where people are born, grow up and live. One social determinant that affects a population access to health is socioeconomic status. Low socioeconomic status is seemingly the most common cause for health care disparities. Socioeconomic status is characterized by a person’s or group’s social standing, education, income and occupation. People that live in low income communities may not have access to nutritious food, adequate shelter or reliable transportation which can lead to decrease in health. One example of health disparities that plague low income families is lack of oral care reach can lead to a domino effect on medical health. There are over 45 million adults and children who live in an area where there is a shortage of dental care. Over half of the low income children have not been seen by a dentist or have received some form of preventative dental care because a lack in insurance. Also, there is a likely possibility that adults living in these types of areas are not receiving care as well. A correlation between lack of dental care or poor dental care can lead to diabetes, heart disease, premature birth, and or problems with births has been identified (Vanderbilt et al,

Before we look at the different Social/Psychological Determinants of Health it is important firstly to define what a social determinant of health is. According to the World Health Organization (2017) “The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.” These conditions are as a result of a wide range of factors that are ultimately governed by the way in which money, power and specific resources are shared at different levels including those at global, national and local levels. We have all been a part of and will experience different social determinants of health throughout our lives but it is the standard at which we experience these determinants that will ultimately lead onto them affecting our health or ultimately leaving us unaffected.

The SWOT Analysis of Diabetes Health Initiative provided data on the functionality of the program. This information encompasses all the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the success and maintenance of the Diabetes Health Initiative. The team of people who work with the Diabetes Health Initiative provide a health care delivery system that utilize research data to monitor diabetic treatment in real time and give feedback based on the patient age, weight, and gender. The system would also keep track of patients’ durability with keeping within the health initiative program and alert medical personnel of the increase of risk to diabetic complications.

Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations. Populations can be defined by factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, education, or income, disability, geographic location orientation. Health disparities are inequitable and are directly related to the historical and current unequal distribution of social, political, economic, and environmental resources (CDC).

The lecture, led by Dr. Christian Dimaano, discussed a variety of health disparities and then went into an in depth look at Henrietta Lacks, and the use of her cells in scientific research. He described health disparities as the differences of health problems between races, lifestyles, and mental processes. This was a very interesting topic for me, as a nursing major, I hadn’t really thought about health disparities before, so it was interesting to think about all of the potentially higher health risks that can occur simply because a patients race, or mental state. He also discussed the social determinants of heath and how things like your physical environment, economic stability, social community, and education can all influence your health.

Health outcomes among people depend upon the resources that people have to live a quality life. The variations with the money distribution and power derive such circumstances and induce inequalities in health at domestic and global levels where they have become unavoidable at present (Vega & Frenz, 2013). It has been stated that income, housing as well as environment are the major categories undermining all the factors of social determinants as mentioned earlier. Individuals, groups and communities are negatively influenced by these factors in their health status. Governments of all nations have undertaken several measures to tackle the risks arising from these conditions (Chapman, 2010). These disparities that exist in all the factors have to be eliminated with suitable control measures. Regulations on health care services and their access has to be made more

Poor mental health outcomes are associated with precarious employment (e.g. non-fixed term temporary contracts, being employed with no contract, and part-time work) (Artazcoz et al., 2005; Kim et al., 2006). Workers who perceive work insecurity experience significant adverse effects on their physical and mental health (Ferrie et al., 2002).

This project discusses key health disparities that exist between Blacks and Whites in the United States Health Care System. This analysis also discusses the historical origins of the health disparities that exist between Blacks and Whites in the U.S. Health care system. This analysis describes the complex social, political and health factors of health disparities between Black and Whites. This describes the steps individuals can take to combat racism and decrease health disparities among African Americans and whites.

Integrated healthcare is key to eliminating mental and physical health disparities by addressing the needs of people based on their differences in their race, socio-economic status, and culture. An integrated healthcare organization is competent of responding to a community with challenges of long standing health disparities. Healthcare professionals in an integrated system are cross-trained in both physical and behavioral health to handle the challenges of mental and physical health disparities. It improves the quality of care of the population by lowering costs, enhancing patient access, and improving the life of both individuals and families. The con of addressing the long standing health disparity is managing the care of patients and

Primary care is said to be the “first point of contact” for people when accessing the health care system in Ireland (Department of health and children 2001). The World health organisation(1978) outline that one of the main roles of primary health care is to provide access to care for the most vulnerable but also to identify and rectify the factors which lead to their early mortality. The Alma Ata declaration (1978) was a huge milestone in the development of primary care and they explain how essential it is for all populations’ health. Unfortunately the vulnerable populations in Ireland suffer the effects of the social determinates and also the health inequalities and die younger because they put up with a healthcare system which “places lesser value on the lives of those with lesser means” (Wren 2002). This is why primary health care is of uttermost importance, the nurse in the community must try to help prevent, educate and overcome these inequalities and provide the highest standards of health for all, which is not based on want but need.

Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health; final report of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Geneva: World Health

This journal article illustrates that many countries have enormous disparities in health. To accomplish advancements in health systems, it is essential to strive to eradicate major fatal diseases and to manage poverty. Life expectancies are considered on a global level concerning age, sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, region as well as the level of education, resulting in alarming statistical data. The objective for enhanced health systems incorporates decreasing the rates of morality. The social gradient greatly contributes to social inequalities around the world. Social conditions, for example, the environment in

In my essay, I will first define the meaning of ‘health’ from different perspectives. Then, I will talk about how social factors such as gender roles and economic positions determine a person’s health. At the end, I will suggest methods to solve the health inequality.