Health Inequality Essay

Question 1

Alcohol - Point

Answer 1

It can be argued one of the main causes of poor health is drinking too much alcohol

Question 2

Alcohol - Analysis

Answer 2

This shows that the drinking culture in Scotland can be dangerous for people’s health

Question 3

Alcohol - Rebuttal Evidence

Answer 3

For example PHS stated alcohol related deaths are 8x higher in the most deprived areas than in the least

Question 4

Alcohol - Rebuttal Analysis

Answer 4

This shows that poverty is a leading cause of alcohol abuse in Scotland

Question 5

Alcohol - Rebuttal Conclusion

Answer 5

In conclusion drinking too much alcohol is a choice to a certain extent however those in poverty are more likely to abuse alcohol in order to escape the pressure they are under

Question 6

Smoking - Point

Answer 6

Smoking is a leading cause of poor health

Question 7

Smoking - Example

Answer 7

ASH Scotland have stated that 16% of deaths every year are smoking related & 100,000 hospital admissions every year are smoking related

Question 8

Smoking - Rebuttal Example

Answer 8

For example by 2021 around 32% of adults living in the most deprived areas smoked compared to 6% of those in the least deprived areas

Question 9

Smoking - Rebuttal Analysis

Answer 9

This shows that poverty increases chances of smoking

Question 10

Smoking - Rebuttal Conclusion

Answer 10

In conclusion smoking is significantly higher in the most deprived areas showing this is a poverty issue

Question 11

Poor Diet - Point

Answer 11

Another leading cause of poor health is having a poor diet

Question 12

Poor Diet - Example

Answer 12

For example in Scotland around 2/3rds of people are overweight and 1/3rd are obese

Question 13

Poor Diet - Analysis

Answer 13

This shows that exposure to takeaways and processed foods is taking it’s toll on Scotland’s health

Question 14

Poor Diet - Rebuttal Example

Answer 14

For example PHS have shown that those in the most deprived areas of Scotland have an obesity rate above the Scottish average and 12% above those in the least deprived areas of Scotland

Question 15

Poor Diet - Rebuttal Analysis

Answer 15

This shows that almost 1/3rd of the most deprived are obese in contrast to 1 in 5 of the least deprived in Scotland

Question 16

Poor Diet - Rebuttal Conclusion

Answer 16

In conclusion obesity is more common in more deprived areas as more processed & unhealthy foods are more affordable than fresh, healthy foods

Question 17

Overall Conclusion

Answer 17

Overall it is clear that factors such as alcohol, smoking and poor diet can cause health inequalities.However, alcohol is the main inequality due to the lack of support provided for those abusing it. Alcohol related harm is a public health issue in Scotland & it is clear that those living in deprivation are more likely to suffer from alcohol related harm. The right to recovery should be a priority for the Scottish government as a way of tackling alcohol related illnesses & deaths.