case study: health inequities

Question 1

why are health inequities a health and societal concern?

Answer 1

inconsistent with Canadian values

unfair

cause preventable suffering

threaten the cohesiveness of community and society - e.g. lead to wars

challenge the sustainability of the health system

have an impact on the economy

Question 2

define health inequities

Answer 2

commonly referred to as health disparities

“…differences [in health] which are unnecessary and avoidable but, in addition, are considered unfair and unjust.”

Question 3

what are the 2 approaches to defining health inequities? describe them

Answer 3

free-standing: any and all health inequalities are unjust

derivative: health inequalities are unjust if and only if they are caused by unjust socially controllable causes

Question 4

what is the reduction of health inequities dependent on?

Answer 4

reduction of health inequities is dependent on interventions in non-health sectors

inequities in health are influenced by inequities in the social determinants of health

social determinants of health are addressed via policies in non-health sectors (e.g., education, finance, environment, etc.)

Question 5

what are the 3 policy approaches to health inequities?

Answer 5

universalism

targeted

proportionate universalism

Question 6

describe the universalism approach to health inequities

Answer 6

policy approach where eligibility and access to intended benefits are based simply on being part of a defined population without any further qualifiers such as income, education, class, race, place of origin, or employment status

everyone is eligible so long as its good for them

reduce barriers and make it simple to understand. helps people of marginalized groups gain access.

too much rules within a policy may prevent others from following/accessing

Question 7

describe the targeted approach to health inequities

Answer 7

policy approach where eligibility and access to intended benefits are determined by selection criteria, such as income, health status, employment status, or neighbourhood.

to address inequities, will target those who are disproportionally negatively impacted.

e.g. only allow those at high risk access if limited supply, etc

Question 8

describe the proportionate universalism approach to health inequities

Answer 8

policy approach that “encompasses both targeted and universal approaches to ensure the population as a whole is proportionately allocated benefits and services.”

benefits will be proportionate to people’s needs