HMS, HAG 2016 HSC 22

Explain the determinants that contribute to the health inequities experienced by ONE priority population group other than Indigenous Australians. In your answer, provide specific examples. (7 marks)

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Socioeconomic determinants directly contribute to health inequities experienced by people with disability. This occurs because lower employment rates and reduced earning capacity limit access to healthcare services. For instance, when people with intellectual disability experience unemployment rates above 70%, they rely heavily on public healthcare systems. This leads to longer waiting times for specialist services and reduced access to preventative care.
Environmental determinants create significant barriers to healthcare access for people with disability. The built environment often lacks appropriate accessibility features in medical facilities and transport systems. Evidence of this includes wheelchair users unable to access upper-floor medical centres without lifts. Consequently, people with mobility impairments experience delayed diagnosis and reduced preventative screening participation.
Social determinants generate discrimination and stigma that affect healthcare quality for people with disability. This happens because healthcare providers may lack disability awareness training and communication skills. A clear example is deaf patients receiving inadequate care due to absence of sign language interpreters. This results in miscommunication about symptoms and treatment options, leading to poorer health outcomes.
These determinants interact to create compounding disadvantages that systematically exclude people with disability from achieving optimal health status.

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Socioeconomic determinants directly contribute to health inequities experienced by people with disability. This occurs because lower employment rates and reduced earning capacity limit access to healthcare services. For instance, when people with intellectual disability experience unemployment rates above 70%, they rely heavily on public healthcare systems. This leads to longer waiting times for specialist services and reduced access to preventative care.
Environmental determinants create significant barriers to healthcare access for people with disability. The built environment often lacks appropriate accessibility features in medical facilities and transport systems. Evidence of this includes wheelchair users unable to access upper-floor medical centres without lifts. Consequently, people with mobility impairments experience delayed diagnosis and reduced preventative screening participation.
Social determinants generate discrimination and stigma that affect healthcare quality for people with disability. This happens because healthcare providers may lack disability awareness training and communication skills. A clear example is deaf patients receiving inadequate care due to absence of sign language interpreters. This results in miscommunication about symptoms and treatment options, leading to poorer health outcomes.
These determinants interact to create compounding disadvantages that systematically exclude people with disability from achieving optimal health status.