Chapter Three - Sociocultural Factors Effecting Health Status Flashcards
Sociocultural Factors
‘A combination of social and cultural factors that influence our health’
There are many factors that can influence the health of young people, in both positive and negative ways
These factors include -
- family
- peer groups
- health literacy
- education
- income
Family
Family plays a very important role in the lives of young people. It is the first place social relationships develop, attachment is formed and social skills are learnt. This helps build skills in productive relationships and fosters a supportive network of friends (improving social health and wellbeing). The family is also the main provider for many resources, such as shelter, food, clothing, emotional support and educational opportunities
A good family environment, featuring close family relationships, good communication and strong parenting skills, is usually associated with positive health outcomes. Recent social changes have led to a more diverse range of family structures; these changes can have significant effects on young people
Children often mimic their parents (and siblings’) behaviours
This can include copying-
- nutritional habits
- physical activity habits
- drinking or smoking habits
- social relationships
Step Family
A family formed after a remarriage of a divorced or widowed person that includes a child or children
Blended Family
A family consisting of a couple, the children they have together and their children from previous relationships
Peer Group
The peer group is increasingly influential during youth. As part of growing independence, young people become less likely to seek support about decision making with their families and more likely with their friendship groups. Peer influence can have a positive impact on health outcomes. Having good and respectful friends can-
- help improve mental health
- improve emotional wellbeing
- can help model good social relationships
Peer influence can have a negative impact on health if the behaviour being pressured or influenced is unhealthy
Young people are more likely to take risks, and often these are with their friends
The following behaviours can be negative influences on health-
- drinking
- drug taking
- smoking
- driving without a licence
- train surfing
- risky sexual behaviour
Health Literacy
Health literacy includes knowing how to find, use and understand health information and services.
It has an impact on a young person’s understanding of medical instructions, awareness of preventative health practices, and health behaviours and lifestyle choices
When A Young Person Has A Good Level Of Health Literacy…
They are able to understand the importance of preventative health practices. E.g - COVID-19 vaccines, regular check-ups and screenings
Health literacy can impact an individual’s knowledge of healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices. Youth with lower health literacy may be less aware of the risks associated with unhealthy behaviours and are also less likely to take notice of and engage in health promotion activities, negatively impacting on health outcomes. E.g - Vaping and smoking
Health Literacy And Socioeconomic Status
Health literacy levels are also closely linked to socioeconomic status. Youth from disadvantaged backgrounds may have lower health literacy due to lower levels of education achieved.
This can contribute to health inequalities, where certain groups of youth experience worse health outcomes than others. In order to address these variations in health outcomes among youth, it is essential to promote health literacy through-
- formal health education programs at school
- improved communication focused on youth in healthcare settings
- development of accessible information and resources
Education
Many young people spend a significant amount
of time in formal educational settings. They are provided with the opportunities to gain knowledge and skills that help them to enter the workforce
Educational institutions are also places where young people can form relationships and challenge themselves, which can lead to enhanced social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing. The quality of education a young person receives can be affected by the amount of resources an educational institution has at its disposal
Education is a component of socioeconomic status
Education Positive Health Outcomes
Education is also linked with better health outcomes
Those with higher levels of education report fewer physical health concerns and better mental health and wellbeing
The higher the level of education of an individual, the more likely they are to take notice and act upon health promotion messages - eg - participating in cancer screening programs.
Educated individuals are also more likely to be aware of healthy behaviours, e.g - using sun protection methods and not smoking tobacco. This reflects higher levels of health literacy and will decrease the risk of related conditions, as well as morbidity rates from diseases such as skin and lung cancers
Income
The impact of income on young people needs include family income, as this has the most influence over the money available to young people. Family income determines-
- the type of neighbourhood in which a young person grows up
- the kind of educational resources available to them
- what essentials can be purchased
- mode of transport
- access to health care
- the ability to partake in recreation activities and types
Socioeconomic Status
A way of describing people based on their education, income, and type of job
Socioeconomic factors are important influences on health and wellbeing. In general, the higher a person’s income, education or occupation level, the greater their level of health. This is a concept often termed the social gradient of health
