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HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 121

Discuss how language and media as broad features of society can both create and reduce health inequities in Australia.   (6 marks)

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*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.*

Creating Health Inequities

  • [P] On one hand, language barriers prevent effective healthcare access.
  • [E] This creates significant challenges when non-English speakers cannot communicate symptoms or understand treatment plans.
  • [Ev] For instance, Vietnamese elderly avoid hospitals due to interpreter shortages, leading to untreated diabetes complications.
  • [L] This demonstrates how language differences worsen health inequities.
     
  • [P] From one perspective, media representation excludes minority groups.
  • [E] This approach offers mainstream health messages but creates gaps for diverse communities.
  • [Ev] Aboriginal health campaigns using only English miss 30% of remote communities who prefer traditional languages.
  • [L] Media’s narrow focus amplifies existing health disparities.

Reducing Health Inequities

  • [P] Conversely, well directed multilingual health services can improve access.
  • [E] These initiatives can help diverse populations to navigate healthcare confidently and make informed decisions.
  • [Ev] For example, Medicare translating documents into 20 languages increased migrant health screening by 45%.
  • [L] In this way, language can directly reduce healthcare barriers.
     
  • [P] Culturally appropriate media can also be highly effective in promoting health equity.
  • [E] This creates opportunities for targeted health education reaching previously excluded groups.
  • [Ev] SBS radio’s multilingual COVID information reached 80% of migrant communities, improving vaccination rates.
  • [L] Media diversity effectively bridges health information gaps.

Despite these benefits, consistent funding for translation services remains challenging. Nevertheless, evidence shows language and media interventions significantly impact health equity when properly resourced.

Show Worked Solution

*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.*

Creating Health Inequities

  • [P] On one hand, language barriers prevent effective healthcare access.
  • [E] This creates significant challenges when non-English speakers cannot communicate symptoms or understand treatment plans.
  • [Ev] For instance, Vietnamese elderly avoid hospitals due to interpreter shortages, leading to untreated diabetes complications.
  • [L] This demonstrates how language differences worsen health inequities.
     
  • [P] From one perspective, media representation excludes minority groups.
  • [E] This approach offers mainstream health messages but creates gaps for diverse communities.
  • [Ev] Aboriginal health campaigns using only English miss 30% of remote communities who prefer traditional languages.
  • [L] Media’s narrow focus amplifies existing health disparities.

Reducing Health Inequities

  • [P] Conversely, well directed multilingual health services can improve access.
  • [E] These initiatives can help diverse populations to navigate healthcare confidently and make informed decisions.
  • [Ev] For example, Medicare translating documents into 20 languages increased migrant health screening by 45%.
  • [L] In this way, language can directly reduce healthcare barriers.
     
  • [P] Culturally appropriate media can also be highly effective in promoting health equity.
  • [E] This creates opportunities for targeted health education reaching previously excluded groups.
  • [Ev] SBS radio’s multilingual COVID information reached 80% of migrant communities, improving vaccination rates.
  • [L] Media diversity effectively bridges health information gaps.

Despite these benefits, consistent funding for translation services remains challenging. Nevertheless, evidence shows language and media interventions significantly impact health equity when properly resourced.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 120

Outline TWO ways that broad features of society create health inequities for specific population groups in Australia.   (4 marks)

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Cultural barriers and discrimination

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples experience language barriers and lack of trust in healthcare providers.
  • Experiences of discrimination lead to avoidance of healthcare services.
  • This results in increased duration and severity of illness and poorer health outcomes including mental health disorders.

Political structures and healthcare policy

  • Migrants and refugees may face barriers accessing culturally appropriate healthcare services
  • Government policies often do not adequately address diverse language and cultural needs in healthcare delivery.
  • This can result in delayed treatment and lead to poor health outcomes for culturally diverse populations.
Show Worked Solution

Cultural barriers and discrimination

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples experience language barriers and lack of trust in healthcare providers.
  • Experiences of discrimination lead to avoidance of healthcare services.
  • This results in increased duration and severity of illness and poorer health outcomes including mental health disorders.

Political structures and healthcare policy

  • Migrants and refugees may face barriers accessing culturally appropriate healthcare services
  • Government policies often do not adequately address diverse language and cultural needs in healthcare delivery.
  • This can result in delayed treatment and lead to poor health outcomes for culturally diverse populations.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 111

Explain how media and culture as sociocultural determinants affect health outcomes, discussing both their positive and negative influences on individual and community health.    (5 marks)

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Media

  • Media influences health through multiple channels including social media platforms, advertising and entertainment, with both intentional and unintentional health messaging affecting behaviour.
  • Positive media impacts include deliberate health campaigns like anti-smoking initiatives and cancer screening promotions that provide clear health information and encourage preventative actions.
  • However, media negatively affects health through embedded messaging promoting unrealistic body standards and glamorising harmful behaviours. This can contribute to eating disorders and poor self-image, particularly among young people.

Culture

  • Culture determines health through established customs, dietary patterns and healthcare practices that become normalised within communities.
  • Positive cultural influences include providing a sense of belonging and identity that supports emotional and spiritual wellbeing through shared traditions.
  • Negative cultural influences can include poor eating habits, leading to obesity, and cultural stigma surrounding issues like mental health, which discourages individuals from seeking help for psychological issues. 
Show Worked Solution

Media

  • Media influences health through multiple channels including social media platforms, advertising and entertainment, with both intentional and unintentional health messaging affecting behaviour.
  • Positive media impacts include deliberate health campaigns like anti-smoking initiatives and cancer screening promotions that provide clear health information and encourage preventative actions.
  • However, media negatively affects health through embedded messaging promoting unrealistic body standards and glamorising harmful behaviours. This can contribute to eating disorders and poor self-image, particularly among young people.

Culture

  • Culture determines health through established customs, dietary patterns and healthcare practices that become normalised within communities.
  • Positive cultural influences include providing a sense of belonging and identity that supports emotional and spiritual wellbeing through shared traditions.
  • Negative cultural influences can include poor eating habits, leading to obesity, and cultural stigma surrounding issues like mental health, which discourages individuals from seeking help for psychological issues.