HHD Unit 1 AOS 2 Health Inequalities in Youth

risk factor

something that increases the likelihood of developing disease or injury

inequailites

differences

health inequalities

differences in health status or in the distribution of health risk and protective factors

protective factors

something that enhances the likelihood of a positive health and wellbeing outcome and lessens the likelihood of negative health and wellbeing outcomes from exposure to risk.

How to identify health inequalities in two different populations?

health status indicators: self-assessed health status, morbidity, mortality, DALY, incidence, prevalence, etc.

personal wellbeing index

measure of subjective wellbeing

top 3 biggest personal concerns by young people

school-related challenges, workload issues, and grades. (mental health if they want two different ones)

social networks

the relationships an individual has with the people around them

commercial factors

conditions, actions, and policies of corporate organisations that impact health and wellbeing, either positively or negatively, including packaging and labelling, marketing strategies, and the use of media.

sociocultural factors

the social and cultural conditions in which people are born, grow, live, age, and work.

environmental factors

physical features that surround us, which can be natural or built by people

social exclusion

when an individual is unable to participate fully in social and economic life, such as not having a job, not receiving an adequate income, not getting a good education, or not being connected to family, friend and the community.

health promotion

the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health

health action

behaviour change where health-compromising behaviours are replaced by health-enhancing behaviours

health literacy

relates to how people access, understand, and use health information and services in ways that promote and maintain health and wellbeing. A high level of health literacy is strongly linked to improved health outcomes.

6 areas of youth health and wellbeing requiring health action

safety

gambling

mental health and wellbeing

relationships and sexuality

smoking and vaping

alcohol and other drugs

Why is mental health and wellbeing a key area for action or improvement?

Optimal mental health and wellbeing is essential for developing intellectual and social skills. Many mental health issues start during youth, so early intervention is critical to reduce the burden

Why is smoking and vaping a key area for action or improvement?

Young smokers will suffer from many poor health outcomes as a result of smoking. Youth is also a critical time for brain development, and smoking stunts it. If youth don’t smoke until 18, they will most likely never smoke.

illicit use of drugs

use of an illegal drug, which is prohibited from manufacture, sale or possession, or the misuse of a legally available drug.

Why is alcohol and other drugs a key area for action or improvement?

They should avoid alcohol because the youth's brain, particularly areas governing memory and judgement, alcohol, which impairs coordination and decision-making. Binge drinking also increases the chance of future addictions and mental health issues.

Why is relationships and sexuality a key area for action or improvement?

youth wellbeing is heavily influenced by sexuality, with many facing discrimination and isolation, especially in rural areas. The internet provides confidential information to help.

sexuality

sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions and behaviours towards other people so basically gay people

sexual health

a state of physical, mental and social wellbeing linked to sexuality

Why is safety a key area for action or improvement?

Young people are disproportionately affected by injuries, primarily land transport accidents, drowning, and sunburn. Early UV exposure significantly increases melanoma risk, yet youth compliance with sun protection measures remains low.

Why is gambling a key area for action or improvement?

Gambling can negatively impact health, relationships, and future stability. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to addiction because their developing brains make them more impulsive and prone to poor decision-making.

what are some barriers for youth seeking help for their health and wellbeing

◦ stigma and embarrassment

◦ poor health literacy

◦ desire for self-management

◦ issues with confidentiality and trust

◦ feeling of hopelessness

◦ previous negative experiences when seeking help

◦ distance from services

◦ cultural needs

◦ lack of money if there is a cost for services

health promotion program

program aimed at engaging and empowering individuals and communities to choose healthy behaviours, and make changes that reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

health equity

when everyone can attain their full potential for health and wellbeing

discrimination

When a person or group of people is treated differently from other people, often as a result of factors such as race, religion, sex, sexual oritentaion or gender identity.

social justice

fairness in society

How does health equity help address youth health inequalities?

Health equity ensures that everyone can reach their full potential by addressing systemic barriers and focusing on equal outcomes instead of equal treatment. Helping people based on needs, ensuring fair health outcomes for all.

How does social justice help address youth health inequalities?

Social justice is essential for fairness. It is grounded by four principles: human rights, access, participation, and equity. Social justice focuses on trying to support ALL youth, while equity helps the more disadvantaged ones.

How does community values help address youth health inequalities?

community values, or what is considered important for a community, is more of an investment for health and wellbeing. It is easier to tackle health and wellbeing issues now, or at least prevent them rather than treat chronic problems in adulthood. It's normal for a community to call on health and wellbeing concerns to be included in the school curriculum therefore reducing the incidence of many health issues. Programs should include the following:

◦ effective

◦ put young people at the center of the program; they should be strength-based, encouraging self-esteem and self acceptance

◦ they should be understandable and safe

◦ accessible

community values

judgements about what is important to or good for a community

values

judgements about what is important in life

How do we overcome health inequalities and support young people to adopt or continue health-promoting behaviours?

◦ increasing awareness of protective factors through health promotion programs

◦ strengthing protective factors through government action or by early intervention

◦ personal health literacy

◦ equity

◦ social justice

How does funding help address youth health inequalities?

Funding is one of the main reasons Australia is ranked 20th in the world for healthcare. Funding does not come from one source alone, but comes from federal, state, local government as well as commmunity organizations. Funding allows for programs such as the successful "slip slop slap" to be accessible and effective. However, the funding for programs is also for treatment, so its a hard pick: Treatment or Programs? Well, as said before, prevention is better than treatment. Every $1 invested into health promotion is $5 saved in treatment.

What does government and non-government programs do to help address health inequalities in youth?

There is a strong relationship between government and non-government programs. Sometimes, non-government programs are funded by the government. (ex. Victorian Anti Bullying and Mental Health Initiative). Community programs organizations are non-government, non-profit organizations that are funded by the government that focus on equity and social justice. Examples of this are:

◦ 'See Through the Haze'

◦ 'ADF Local Drug Action Teams'

◦ 'TAC Safer P-Platers'

◦ 'SunSmart Program aka. Slip Slap Slop'

◦ 'Yeah, Nah' - Understanding Affirmative Consent in Relationships

◦ 'Live4Life' - awareness in mental health issues