factors that create health inequities

health

discrimination

discrimination

ex: excludes people because of their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, age etc.

• exclusion can lead to inequities in income and mental health

• systemic discrimination → health care and government exclusion

gender

ex: some countries ban women’s education = educational inequity which can lead to poor health literacy and overall disadvantaged health

• gender discrimination = poor mental health

• income inequity (gender wage gap)

access to health care

ex: poor access → no treatment for disease/injury

unemployment

ex: creates inequities as the people have little to no income and therefore are at high risk of developing physical and mental due to not being able to afford healthcare as well as having financial stress.

social isolation

ex: higher risks of mental health problems without a good social network

displacement of land

• people who have been displaced from their homes are at higher risks of suffering from preventable illness

  • may have mistrust in new healthcare system

  • poor literacy

  • poor social network

  • grieving for their homeland and customs

occupation

• can be unsafe → high risk of injury or illness

• occupational environments can be unsatisfactory and discriminatory → high risk of poor mental health

access to education

• highly education person can be aware of the signs and symptoms of illness, have higher health literacy and are likely to earn a higher income making access to healthcare and achieving good health more likely

geographic location

• where you live determines your level of access to many things like education, healthcare and food; and risk of natural disasters

racism

• racism can lead to individuals refusing to seek help or healthcare which can result in health conditions worsening

• racist experiences can be detrimental to an individual’s mental health

government policy

• if you live in a place where the government policy doesn’t recognise you (e.g. same sex marriage) you may feel socially isolated and suffer from relevant health issues

socioeconomic status

• high SES = more access to health insurance, medical care, nutritious food, quality education

• low SES = poorer quality education, poor health literacy → inequities like higher rates of substance abuse or unplanned pregnancy/STIs

poor health literacy

• positive/good health literacy = knowing where and when to seek help, understanding how to prevent serious conditions and can follow all medical instructions → positive health status

• low health literacy = more at risk of injury and illness