Inequalites and inequities

Describe inequality vs inequity?

Inequalities=measure differences or variations in health - differences in health experiences and outcomes between different pop groups according to SEP, area, age, disability, gender, ethnic group

Ie. the social gradient

*Measurable

Inequities - those inequalities that are deemed to be unfair, or stemming from some form of injustice - health inequities are diff in the distribution of resources/services across pop which does not reflect health needs

-Relations of equal and unequal power

Give MOH equity def

Equity recognise diff people with diff levels of advantage require diff approaches and resources to get equitable HO

Outline the major arguments for attempting to reduce inequities in heath

1/they are unfair

2/they are avoidable (unmet need for primary health care e.g due to transport, cost, hours)

3/they affect everyone

4/reducing inequities can be cost effective

Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Manawhenua, Mataawaka

True or false - inequities in HO result from inequties in opportunities

TRUE

Identify the components of the PROGRESS statement and how this can be used in poph

P - place of residence (rural interventions in Ghana)

R - race (caste-related child mortality differentials in Nepal)

O - occuption (legislation to improve safety for coleminers)

G - gender (

R - religion

E - educarion

S - SES

S - social capital

+disability

Progress factors can be linked to burden of disease and then efficacious intervention

Describe the influence income inequties have on health and society

Top 1% have 68% of wealth, poorest 50% earn 2%.

The gap between the rich and poor is widening

Implications of income inequties:

-unequal society

-less social cohesion

-less trust between groups

-increased stress

-reduced economic productivity

-poorer HO

(Reducing inequties can be achieving through the redistribution of resources according to need)

Describe the Lorenz curve and the gini coefficient

Used for measuring income inequality by plotting the distribution of wealth. - if no income inequality they would be on the blue line of graphic (45 degree angle) - the line of perfect equality.

Gini=(A)/(A+B)

A=between the line of perfect equality and Lorenz curve. B is the space between the Lorenz curve and the line of perfect inequality

In a perfect society the A space would not exist!

The greater the concave/closer to the line of perfect inequality (x axis) the greater the income inequality

0=very equal society

1=very unequal society

Recognise the influence privilege has in contributing to inequities

Unequal starting point, inter generational wealth - buffer to stress, connections etc