Health Inequalities Flashcards
What is meant by the term health inequalities?
Health inequalities refer to systematic and avoidable differences in health status or in the distribution of health resources between different population groups, often influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors.
These inequalities result in disparities in health outcomes and access to healthcare services.
Suggest 4 causes of health inequalites?
1.Social determinents of health e.g. Income
2.Environmental factors e.g. pollution
3.Healthcare access e.g. geographic location
4.Cultural barriers e.g. cultural misunderstandings can affect the quality of care received by minority groups
Suggest 4 issues those who are homeless face?
1.Health issues; Homeless individuals are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases. These conditions are often poorly managed due to lack of access to consistent healthcare.
**2. Social Isolation: ** Many homeless individuals face social isolation, which can affect mental health and access to support networks. This isolation often exacerbates feelings of loneliness and despair.
3. Discrimination and Stigma: People who are homeless may face discrimination and stigma from healthcare providers, which can deter them from seeking care or result in inadequate treatment.
4. Practical challenges e.g. Documentation, Access to healthcare often requires identification and medical records, which homeless individuals may not have. This lack of documentation can prevent them from receiving necessary care.
