Health Inequalities Flashcards
What does sociology study
Peoples’ interactions with those engaged in medical occupations i.e. healthcare professional-patient relationships
The way people make sense of illness i.e. illness vs disease
The behaviour and interactions of healthcare professionals in their work setting i.e. professional values, interactions between health care professionals and other health care staff
What characteristics has sociology found associated with medicine
Systemic theory Authority recognised by its clientele Broader community sanction Code of ethics Professional culture sustained by formal professional sanctions
Why is sociology important for health promotion
Promoting healthy behaviour and preventing ill health is only possible if we understand the ways different groups in society operate
- i.e. men and women, rich and poor, young and old
Sociology provides health promotion with an analysis of the different groups in society
What are the features of a patient in the sick role
The sick role exempts ill people from their daily responsibility
Patient is not responsible for being ill and is regarded as unable to get better without the help of a professional
Patient must seek help from a healthcare professional
Patient is under a social obligation to get better as soon as possible to be able to take up social responsibilities again
What is the role of the healthcare professional in the sick role
Must be objective and not judge patients morally
Must not act out of self-interest or greed but put patient’s interests first
He / she must obey a professional code of practice
Must have and maintain the necessary knowledge and skills to treat patients
Has the right to examine patient intimately, prescribe treatment and has wide autonomy in medical practice
What are the social / socio-economic influences on health
Social
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Housing
- Education
- Employment
- Financial security
- Health system
Environment
- Transport
- Media and health
Give 3 examples of gender and how it influences health
Men have a higher mortality at every age
Women have a higher morbidity
Women consult more frequently in GP settings
Give 6 examples of ethnicity and how it influences health
Low socio-economic groups in ethnic communities have higher morbidity rates than their non-ethnic counterparts
Britain is a multicultural society
Ethnicity includes social and cultural influences as well as genetic
There are differences between ethnic groups also
Communication factors play a large part
Stereotypes are a concern
How does education effect health
Those with higher levels of education tend to be healthier than those of similar income who are less well educated i.e.
- better understanding of health
- more effective engagement with healthcare services such as screening
How does employment effect health
Provides income and financial security (deprivation is a major determinant of health inequalities)
Provides social contacts
Provides a status in society
Provides a purpose in life
Unemployment is associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality
How may services to improve whole population health widen health inequalities
i.e. eye checks, cancer screening
If uptake is lowest in those who would derive the greatest benefit
Give 3 examples of how housing can affect health
Adolescents living in cold homes are at more risk of multiple mental health problems compared to those in warm homes
Children living in cold homes are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems than those in warm homes
Excess winter deaths are higher in the coldest quarter than in the warmest
How does the health system influence health
WHO argues the government should protect people against financial risk in matters of health
How does transport affect health
Adverse effects from car use - i.e. RTAs, pollution (often worse in deprived areas with poor urban planning)
Active travel i.e. cycling and walking have a number of health benefits
- improved mental health
- reduced risk of premature death
- prevention of chronic diseases
Combining public transport and active travel can help people achieve recommended daily activity levels
Public transport is more sustainable for longer journeys but can be expensive and less convenient
In rural areas travel infrastructure and public transport may present challenges
How does media and health affect health
Shapes and stereotypes our views
Shapes our expectations
Change in media attitude to mental health, aiming to reduce previous stigma
