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.
*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.