It is also important to recognise that the concept of health is relative. A person’s view of what is ‘normal’ health is influenced by factors such as their gender, social class, ethnicity or age (Haralambos M, Heald R, O’ Gorman J and Smith F, 1996). The social model of health suggest that indivual and community health results from structural and cultural influences affecting ethnic minorities, women, the elderly and other particular groups of people. This relative view of health focuses on the barriers and difficulties which prevent the ‘ill’ or ‘disabled’ from having access to health and ‘normality’, as this interpretation of ‘health’ takes into consideration the wider social pressures of
The Relationship between Class and Health 654307 | M12 Gwyneth Warner Word Count: 2006 6th August 2012 | SHN 123 The aim of this essay is to consider how the structural factor of social class affects health, the pre-existing theory being that the length and richness of an individual’s life is strongly shaped by the hierarchies that stand around income, education and occupation (Graham, 2001). This will be achieved by examining ideas and evidence of health inequalities, economic reports and national statistics to validate and determine the best explanations of this theory. Social class is a term that refers to a group of people who hold a particular economic and social position in society (Laureau
People living in the most deprived areas have much greater mortality rates and lower life expectancy (Jones and Douglas 2012). In terms of health inequalities the most important factor is the wider “upstream” social determinants of ill health. (Orton et al 2011). The factors deemed social determinants of ill health include adverse living environments, poor education, stress, social exclusion. (Marmot et al 2008 cited in Joyce and Bambra 2010).
It could be argued that this is not an effective way of researching as people flow in and out of social classes throughout their life. Http; www.statistics.com.uk Social Class is linked to health because of four different reasons highlighted in the Black Report, The artifact approach is where the data between the higher and lower classes is not accurate enough, it’s a result of the way the data is source and collected. The social selection explanation is when people who are fitter and in better health have a better chance of being employed in better jobs. In comparison to people in lower social groups according to this theory will suffer more ill health and premature death because they are naturally less healthy and fit. Cultural explanations is when lifestyle choices are made regarding diet, smoking, exercise have an impact and make people less healthy than others in the higher social groups.
The United States is making huge changes in the health care industry. The health care reform can improve the health care industry and lower the cost of health care if policies are developed with health care experts. There are many countries that have mechanisms in place that have lower the health care and improved the quality of their health care system. The United States is a leader in many areas and should be able to figure out a health care system with the P4P
Health Disparities and Cultural Competence Margarone Momplaisir University of Texas at Pan American Professional Issues in Nursing Practice NURS 6209 Dr. Debra Otto Dr. Pam Sullivan April 26, 2011 Introduction Cultural competence has become a relevant issue in providing quality care within the health care system. Since the United States’ population is comprised of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, cultural competence has become even more significant. Beliefs and approaches to health differ greatly from culture to culture because culture tends to shape the way we think, act, interact with others, but most importantly the way we respond to illnesses. These differences can serve as an immense resource for those who want to learn or explore how cultural differences can help to influence healthcare outcome. At the same time, this can pose enormous challenges to the healthcare provider who is called upon to deliver culturally competent care.
Such disparities however can also extend beyond race to include areas such as access to healthcare, socio economic status, gender, and biological or behavioral factors. Why its important to health care professionals Even thou somewhat in civil rights race remains a significant factor in determining whether an individual receives care, whether an individual receives high quality care, and in determining health outcomes. The Institute of Medicine landmark say Unequal Treatment provides compelling evidence that racial disparities persist in medical
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the determinants of health include: the social and economic environment, the physical environment, and the person’s individual characteristics and behaviors. These determinants—or things that make people healthy or not—include the above factors, and many others: • Income and social status - higher income and social status are linked to better health. The greater the gap between the richest and poorest people, the greater the differences in health. • Education – low education levels are linked with poor health, more stress and lower self-confidence. • Physical environment – safe water and clean air, healthy workplaces, safe houses, communities and roads all contribute to good health.
The same factors that determine health are also responsible for determining ill-health. Each factor may have a positive or negative effect on health Within UK concern about health inequalities due to health being affected by the determinants has a long history. Mortality rates Unskilled/lowest social class= Highest mortality rates, mental health problems, alcohol and drug dependency Professional/highest social class=lowest rates of mortality Lord Darzi in 2007, “the poorest communities experience the worst health….a
Core 1 – Health priorities in Australia – ‘Groups experiencing health inequalities’ For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: 1) Describe the nature and extent of the health inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Health inequity occurs when individuals or communities experience relatively high levels of a disease, or other health issue, due to circumstances which are quite often beyond their control. For example, some groups have shorter life expectancies, poor access to health services, higher levels of avoidable risk factors and/or reduced ability to make healthy lifestyle choices. Inequities refer to situations or actions that lack fairness or justice. Inequities refer to social or economic differences between people or groups.