In Australia, there are groups experiencing inequities in health.
Describe TWO factors that can contribute to the health status of ONE group experiencing inequities in health. (4 marks)
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Sample Answer 1 – ATSI Peoples
Factor 1: Intergenerational trauma
- This type of trauma significantly impacts health outcomes through chronic stress responses passed down through families.
- The forced removal of children, destruction of cultural practices, and ongoing discrimination create psychological wounds. These manifest as higher rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and chronic disease across generations.
Factor 2: Disrupted connection to Country
- Disrupted connection to Country affects spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing.
- Traditional lands provide not just physical resources but cultural identity, healing practices, and community cohesion.
- Displacement from Country breaks these protective health systems, leading to poorer nutrition, reduced physical activity, and loss of traditional medicinal knowledge.
Sample Answer 2 – Rural communities
Factor 1: Geographic isolation
- This creates substantial barriers to accessing healthcare services.
- Rural residents must travel hundreds of kilometres for specialist appointments, emergency care, or diagnostic tests.
- This distance delays treatment and results in later-stage disease diagnosis.
Factor 2: Limited economic opportunities
- This directly impacts health through lower incomes and job insecurity.
- Rural communities often rely on single industries like farming or mining, creating financial stress during downturns.
- Lower incomes reduce ability to afford healthy food, medications, and private health services.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer 1 – ATSI Peoples
Factor 1: Intergenerational trauma
- This type of trauma significantly impacts health outcomes through chronic stress responses passed down through families.
- The forced removal of children, destruction of cultural practices, and ongoing discrimination create psychological wounds. These manifest as higher rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and chronic disease across generations.
Factor 2: Disrupted connection to Country
- Disrupted connection to Country affects spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing.
- Traditional lands provide not just physical resources but cultural identity, healing practices, and community cohesion.
- Displacement from Country breaks these protective health systems, leading to poorer nutrition, reduced physical activity, and loss of traditional medicinal knowledge.
Sample Answer 2 – Rural communities
Factor 1: Geographic isolation
- This creates substantial barriers to accessing healthcare services.
- Rural residents must travel hundreds of kilometres for specialist appointments, emergency care, or diagnostic tests.
- This distance delays treatment and results in later-stage disease diagnosis.
Factor 2: Limited economic opportunities
- This directly impacts health through lower incomes and job insecurity.
- Rural communities often rely on single industries like farming or mining, creating financial stress during downturns.
- Lower incomes reduce ability to afford healthy food, medications, and private health services.