HMS, HAG 2018 HSC 32a

Explain how implementing economic and cultural change supports a population experiencing health inequity. (8 marks)

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Economic changes support populations experiencing health inequity because improved financial resources enable better access to healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices. This occurs because economic disadvantage creates barriers to accessing medical services, nutritious food and safe housing.
For example, increasing minimum wages and providing employment opportunities enables low-income families to afford preventive healthcare and quality food. This leads to reduced financial stress and improved capacity to make healthy choices.
Additionally, government investment in affordable housing programs creates stable living environments that support better health outcomes. The reason for this is secure housing reduces exposure to environmental health risks and provides a foundation for accessing education and employment.
Cultural changes address health inequities because they challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices that prevent equal access to healthcare. This happens when healthcare providers receive cultural competency training to better understand diverse populations’ needs.
For instance, implementing culturally appropriate health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples results in increased trust and participation in health programs.
Consequently, this produces higher rates of preventive care utilisation and better health outcomes.
Furthermore, community education campaigns that reduce stigma around mental health facilitate greater help-seeking behaviour among affected populations.
Therefore, combined economic and cultural interventions create comprehensive support systems that address both structural barriers and social attitudes. This process ensures sustainable improvements in health equity across different population groups.

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Economic changes support populations experiencing health inequity because improved financial resources enable better access to healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices. This occurs because economic disadvantage creates barriers to accessing medical services, nutritious food and safe housing.
For example, increasing minimum wages and providing employment opportunities enables low-income families to afford preventive healthcare and quality food. This leads to reduced financial stress and improved capacity to make healthy choices.
Additionally, government investment in affordable housing programs creates stable living environments that support better health outcomes. The reason for this is secure housing reduces exposure to environmental health risks and provides a foundation for accessing education and employment.
Cultural changes address health inequities because they challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices that prevent equal access to healthcare. This happens when healthcare providers receive cultural competency training to better understand diverse populations’ needs.
For instance, implementing culturally appropriate health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples results in increased trust and participation in health programs.
Consequently, this produces higher rates of preventive care utilisation and better health outcomes.
Furthermore, community education campaigns that reduce stigma around mental health facilitate greater help-seeking behaviour among affected populations.
Therefore, combined economic and cultural interventions create comprehensive support systems that address both structural barriers and social attitudes. This process ensures sustainable improvements in health equity across different population groups.

♦♦ Mean mark 50%.