Chapter 9: Factors Contributing to Differences in Health

Question 1

Safe water

Global trend

Answer 1

• Water that, when consumed, is not detrimental to health and is free from any form of contaminants
• In LICs, collecting water tends to be laborious and can prevent children from attending school
• Unsafe drinking water can result in in the spread of illnesses e.g. diarrhoea, cholera, malaria and hookworm
• Lack of access can reduce farmers’ ability to grow crops and keep livestock alive, decreasing food security

Question 2

Sanitation

Global trend

Answer 2

• Interventions that reduce human exposure to diseases by providing a clean living environment where human waste is separated from human contact
• Reduces the spread of infectious disease to healthcare workers, patients and the community
• Unsanitary environment due to open defecation and animal waste can contribute to contamination of waterways

Question 3

Poverty

Global trend

Answer 3

• Low income and a lack of access to essential resources e.g. food, safe water, sanitation, healthcare and shelter
• Increases BOD attributable to malnutrition and illness
• Low health literacy ↑ risk of poor behaviours e.g. smoking

Question 4

Discrimination

Global trend

Answer 4

• Being treated less favourably than another person/group due to characteristics such as ethnicity, religion, gender, SES
• Increases risk of injury due to violence/self-harm/suicide
• Can lead to unemployment and social exclusion/isolation
• Can lead to feelings of insecurity and worthlessness

Question 5

Global distribution and marketing of tobacco, alcohol and processed foods

Global trend

Answer 5

• Advertising and selling of goods and services across the world with the intention of increasing sales
• Tobacco is a risk factor for conditions such as lung cancer
• Alcohol intoxication can increase injuries and violence
• Processed foods (high in sugar, salt, fats) tend to be more affordable and accessible, leading to poor lifelong eating habits

Question 6

Why are low income countries vulnerable to the marketing of tobacco?

Answer 6

• Greater levels of poverty and minimal resources for health promotion (e.g. tobacco cessation campaigns) means that many individuals are unaware of the dangers of tobacco and are, thus, more likely to purchase them
• Poorer regulations compared to HICs (e.g. Aus’ tobacco ad ban) means that they are targeted by tobacco companies as marketing is unrestricted and persuasive messages reach a greater number of people, increasing sale
• Often perceive tobacco as popular and glamorous in western cultures, increasing tobacco sales

Question 7

Climate change

Global trend

Answer 7

• Changes in global weather patterns, rising temperatures and extreme weather events
• Extreme weather events can lead to injuries/fatalities and reduced access to food, safe water, healthcare and shelter
• Environmental degradation can result in loss of jobs and income

Question 8

Conflict

Global trend

Answer 8

• Violent or non-violent clash between countries
• Can destroy land, homes and communities
• Can result in homelessness
• Can force people seek shelter or flee their country

Question 9

Mass migration

Global trend

Answer 9

• Movement of large numbers of people from one geographical area to another
• Feelings of sadness/fear/grief if family members migrate
• Leaving loved ones behind reduces the maintenance of a supportive family network
• Difficulty settling into a new life e.g. finding employment

Question 10

World trade

Global trend

Answer 10

• Exchange of goods and services between countries
• Can contribute to positive outcomes such as economic growth, fair trade, innovation and productivity
• Can increase the no. people in LICs working in poor conditions (e.g. low pay and long hours with no breaks)

Question 11

Tourism

Global trend

Answer 11

• The movement of people to places outside of their usual place of residence (pleasure being the usual motivation)
• Increases locals’ employment opportunities and income
• Promotes culture and the development of local business
• Can pollute tourist locations (e.g. visitors may leave rubbish on streets and beaches)
• Locals can feel a sense of pride and purpose teaching tourists about their beliefs and traditions

Question 12

Digital technology enabling increased knowledge sharing

Global trend

Answer 12

• Allows for knowledge to be shared, increasing the effectiveness of health services
• Health professionals can gather data and share this info with patients to improve treatments
• Easy access to health info (e.g. heart rate / blood glucose levels) can reduce stress & anxiety related to health outcomes
• Access to diff treatment options worlwide enables people to seek services that align with their beliefs and values
• Health data can be hacked/illegally distributed
• Relying on the internet can result in inaccurate self-diagnosis