Explain TWO factors that contribute to health inequities in different population groups. (8 marks)
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- Health inequities arise from complex interactions between social, economic and environmental factors that systematically disadvantage certain population groups through unequal access to health-promoting resources.
- Socioeconomic disadvantage creates health inequities by limiting access to essential health-promoting resources and opportunities. Low income levels restrict access to nutritious foods, safe housing and quality healthcare services that are necessary for optimal health outcomes. Educational limitations reduce health literacy and decision-making capacity, leading to poor health choices and delayed healthcare seeking. Employment instability generates chronic stress and prevents consistent healthcare access through insurance coverage. This results in higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues and premature mortality among disadvantaged populations compared to affluent groups.
- Geographic isolation contributes to health inequities through reduced access to healthcare services and health-promoting infrastructure. Rural and remote communities experience significant barriers including limited healthcare facilities, specialist shortages and extensive travel requirements for medical care. Distance from services delays emergency treatment and prevents regular preventive healthcare access. Poor infrastructure limits access to clean water, sanitation systems and recreational facilities that support healthy lifestyles. These geographic barriers result in higher injury rates, unmanaged chronic conditions and reduced life expectancy compared to metropolitan populations.
- Both factors interact to compound disadvantage, as socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are more likely to live in geographically isolated areas where healthcare access remains most limited.
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- Health inequities arise from complex interactions between social, economic and environmental factors that systematically disadvantage certain population groups through unequal access to health-promoting resources.
- Socioeconomic disadvantage creates health inequities by limiting access to essential health-promoting resources and opportunities. Low income levels restrict access to nutritious foods, safe housing and quality healthcare services that are necessary for optimal health outcomes. Educational limitations reduce health literacy and decision-making capacity, leading to poor health choices and delayed healthcare seeking. Employment instability generates chronic stress and prevents consistent healthcare access through insurance coverage. This results in higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues and premature mortality among disadvantaged populations compared to affluent groups.
- Geographic isolation contributes to health inequities through reduced access to healthcare services and health-promoting infrastructure. Rural and remote communities experience significant barriers including limited healthcare facilities, specialist shortages and extensive travel requirements for medical care. Distance from services delays emergency treatment and prevents regular preventive healthcare access. Poor infrastructure limits access to clean water, sanitation systems and recreational facilities that support healthy lifestyles. These geographic barriers result in higher injury rates, unmanaged chronic conditions and reduced life expectancy compared to metropolitan populations.
- Both factors interact to compound disadvantage, as socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are more likely to live in geographically isolated areas where healthcare access remains most limited.
♦♦ Mean mark 54%.