Abstract
Socioeconomic determinants of health include education, income, ethnicity, race and other living conditions that may affect the provision of health services. These determinants have caused major inequalities creating different segments of populations that receive different forms of treatment. Several factors have been mentioned to influence some of the named determinants. Top among the list has been income levels and the level of education of different individuals. This has significantly created gaps within the populace. Other factors that affect the health process include the stress levels and lower self confidence levels. Ignorance has also been mentioned to play a major role in undermining the provision of healthcare related services. There are several processes that are currently used to address the current shortages witnessed in the healthcare sector. Education and community-based initiatives are currently utilized in educating people on the importance of understanding their healthcare needs. The government and other stakeholders are paying attention to this problem.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
Socioeconomic determinants of health include income, education, employment, ethnicity, race, and other living conditions that influence health and its access to health services. Vulnerable populations like immigrants are groups where socioeconomic determinants may indicate poor health status. Socioeconomic determinants are influenced by different variables. Income and social status are determinants in that higher incomes and social status are associated with better health and vice versa. The greater the gap between the rich and the poor the greater the health differences (Jacobsen, 2014). Similarly, literacy and education levels influence health conditions where lower education levels are linked to more stress, low self-confidence, and poor health conditions. Furthermore, employment and occupational status determine health conditions such as that a population that is working and has control of their working conditions is healthier. The physical environment such as healthy workspace, clean water, and safe housing contribute to good health.
Culture as a way of living, believing and behaving and understanding the world. It determines the health condition of a population since different people have different customs and beliefs. Greater support from family and friends and the community in general is associated with good health. Ethnicity, race, and genetics play a role in health too. Genetic inheritance plays a role in the lifespan and health of an individual and the likelihood of developing certain diseases. Finally, vulnerable populations such as prisoners and immigrants cope differently with stress and challenges and it could affect their health (Jacobsen, 2014). There are several processes that are used to address the current shortages witnessed in the healthcare sector. Education and community-based initiatives are currently utilized in educating people on the importance of understanding their healthcare needs. The government and other stakeholders are also putting in place measures to address the differences.
Reference
Jacobsen, K. H. (2014). Introduction to global health. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.