Chapter 13: Sociology of Health and Illness Flashcards
28/11/2024
Why has the sociology of health and illness gained popularity?
It became especially popular after the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are social determinants of health?
Factors influenced by the societal distribution of wealth and resources that help examine health inequalities within and between countries.
What are three social determinants of health?
Three social determinants of health include income inequality, access to quality education, and living conditions.
Which groups faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Healthcare workers, Amazon workers, fast-food/food service workers, and victims of domestic violence.
What are some health impacts of income inequality?
- Low-income earners are more likely to die younger, suffer diseases, and report poor oral health.
- Higher rates of obesity, smoking, COPD, and mental illness due to the higher cost of healthy eating.
∴ low-income earners often have limited access to nutritious food, safe housing, and quality healthcare, leading to higher rates of chronic illnesses and lower life expectancy.
What are some health disparities faced by Indigenous populations compared to non-Indigenous populations?
Higher rates of infant/child mortality, maternal morbidity and mortality, malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, addiction-related diseases, and illnesses from environmental contamination.
What is the “healthy immigrant effect”?
Newcomers to Canada are generally healthier than the average Canadian upon arrival due to entry requirements.
What happens to the health of immigrants over time and generations?
Their health declines over time.
How does racism impact the health of visible immigrants?
Racism negatively affects their health, leading to lower life expectancy than non-immigrant Canadians.
How do health behaviors and outcomes differ between men and women?
- Women are more health-conscious, live longer, but are more likely to develop chronic health problems.
- Men are less proactive about health, less likely to seek treatment for mood disorders, 3x more likely to commit suicide, and more likely to work in dangerous occupations.
What are some unique health risks for transgender and gender-diverse individuals?
- Higher rates of unmet healthcare needs, bullying, social isolation, violence, and homelessness.
- Barriers include lack of knowledgeable providers, denial of care, and a system not designed for non-binary individuals.
Why is intersectionality important in understanding health outcomes?
Intersectionality is crucial in understanding the sociology of health and illness because it acknowledges that individuals experience various forms of oppression and privilege simultaneously. This approach recognizes that health outcomes are shaped by the interplay of factors like gender, race, class, and sexual orientation.
What is a medically and statistically false claim about vaccines?
The claim that vaccines cause autism.
How do social movements influence public health? Provide an example.
Social movements can impact public health by raising awareness about health issues, advocating for policy changes, and promoting healthy behaviours. An example is the movement for LGBTQ+ rights, which has led to increased awareness of mental health issues within this community and advocacy for better healthcare access.
What are two barriers to healthcare access faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals?
Two barriers to healthcare access faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals include a lack of providers who are knowledgeable about trans-specific health issues and the medical system’s inadequate design to accommodate non-binary individuals.
