factors affecting access to health services and information

Question 1

there are many factors that affect a person’s ability or desire to access health services and use health information

Answer 1

They are:
- geographic location
- gender
- socioeconomic status (SES)
- health literacy
- cultural factors
- gender

Question 2

geographic location

Answer 2

• One-third of Australians live in rural and remote areas, requiring longer travel distances for healthcare.
• Limited number of doctors, specialists, and necessary facilities for diagnosis and treatments.
• Time and stress from travel are major barriers.

Question 3

environmental: access to healthcare (geographic location)

Answer 3

• Delays in healthcare due to travel distance.
• Potential for diseases like cancer.
• Long-term undiagnosed periods.
• Difficulty in treating declining physical health.

Question 4

socioeconomic status

Answer 4

• Despite Medicare’s bulk-billing, out-of-pocket expenses for medications, specialists, surgery, and dental care persist.
• 1 in 20 Australians skip appointments due to cost.
• Dental appointments are delayed by 1 in 5 people.
• Private health insurance costs up to $3000 per year, making it unaffordable for many low-income families.
• Lack of easy transport, especially for older people, limits access to healthcare services.
• Occupation, such as long-hour shift work or travel, can limit healthcare access and potentially affect pay.
• Sociocultural factors can lead to undiagnosed conditions like hypertension, increasing the risk of heart attacks and poor physical health.

Question 5

sociocultural: access to healthcare (income)

Answer 5

• Avoid regular check-ups due to high out-of-pocket costs.
• Undiagnosed conditions like hypertension increase risk of heart attack.
• Poor physical health and hygiene due to lack of regular check-ups.

Question 6

health literacy

Answer 6

• Low health literacy levels: 40% of adults lack the necessary level to meet everyday life demands.
• Low literacy levels: 26% of English-speaking Australians and 21% in low-income populations.
• Low literacy leads to low preventative health measures like vaccinations, cancer screenings, and medications.
• High literacy allows better access to health services and decision-making for health and wellbeing.

Question 7

sociocultural impact on healthcare access

Answer 7

• Poor health literacy can hinder informed health decisions.
• Lack of understanding of risks, like safe sex practices, can increase STI risk.
• Use of condoms as a STI protection measure may be overlooked.

Question 8

cultural factors

Answer 8

• Language barriers: English as a second language is a common barrier.
• Religious beliefs: Some religions may restrict access to certain services, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses’ prohibition on blood donations.
• Values and expectations of services: Some religions may prohibit women from consulting with male doctors.

Question 9

sociocultural: access to healthcare (language barrier)

Answer 9

• Fear of misunderstanding or poor treatment due to English skills.
• Reduced likelihood of seeking medical help for stitches.
• Increased risk of wound infection.

Question 10

gender

Answer 10

• 58% of women, 42% males, accessed healthcare.
• Barriers include limited work hours, lack of male health professionals, discomfort in waiting rooms, and social norms.
• These factors lead to males reluctance to access services and ignore preventative measures.

Question 11

sociocultural: access to healthcare (cultural norms)

Answer 11

• Macho image norms in cultures discourage males from seeking help.
• Increased risk of delayed diagnosis of diseases like CVD.
• Difficulty in treating these conditions.