Inequality (3) Flashcards
What is sociology
The study of the development, structure and functioning of human society
How can sociology be applied to healthcare?
- Studies peoples’ interactions with those engaged in medical occupations eg professional-patient relationships
- Studies the way people make sense of illness eg illness vs disease
- Studies the behaviour and interactions of health care professionals in their work setting
Give some socio-economic influences on health
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Housing
- Education
- Employment
What is social class based on?
Income and position within employment
Give the 8 groups of social class
- Higher professional and managerial workers
- Lower managerial and professional workers
- Intermediate occupations
- Small employers and non professional self-employed
- Lower supervisory and technical
- Semi-routine occupations
- Routine occupations
- Long term unemployed
How might gender act as a social factor?
- Men have a higher mortality at every age
- Women have a higher morbidity
- Women consult more frequently in GP settings
How might ethnicity act as a social factor?
Britain is a multi cultural society:
- Low socio-economic groups in ethnic communities have higher morbidity rates than their non ethnic counterparts
- Communication factors come into play
- Stereotyping is a concern
How might housing act as a social factor?
Cold homes increase the chance of mental health problems and respiratory problems in children
How might education act as a social factor?
Those with higher levels of education tend to be healthier eg better understanding of health, more effective management with healthcare services
How might employment act as a social factor?
- Provides income and financial security
- Provides social contacts and status in society
- Provides a purpose in life
What benefits does active travel bring?`
- Improved mental health
- Prevention of chronic diseases
- Reduced risk of premature death
Define health inequalities (WHO)
The differences in health status or in the distribution of health determinants between different population groups
Children living in deprived areas are more likely to have what? (4)
- Lower birth weight
- Poorer dental health
- Higher obesity
- Higher rates of teenage pregnancy
Give 5 groups vulnerable to inequalities
- Homeless
- Learning disability
- Refugees
- Prisoners
- LGBT
Why are the homeless vulnerable?
- More likely to be assaulted
- Less likely to be registered with a doctor
- Higher prevalence of infectious diseases and dependence problems
Give some barriers that stop those with learning disabilities from getting good quality healthcare
- Lack of accessible transport links
- Staff having little understanding or not identifying those with a learning disability
- Failure to recognise that they are unwell or to make a correct diagnosis
- Anxiety with people with a learning disability
- Inadequate aftercare or follow up
By how many years does the life expectancy decrease for those with a learning disability (male and female)?
MALE: 14yrs shorter
FEMALE: 18yrs shorter
Give some challenges for refugees arriving in a new country
- Overwhelmed by competing demands of distinct services such as education, housing, transport and healthcare
- Language barriers impede the adjustment process
- Some refugees with urgent medical conditions are unable to establish care in a timely manner
- Exposure to violence, torture and welfare is common amongst this group
- Mental health problems likely to be present and unrecognised
- Arrive with already poorly controlled conditions
- Anti-immigrant sentiments further burden refugee life (if present)
What risky lifestyle behaviours are prisoners or ex prisoners more likely to partake in? (4)
- Illicit drug use
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Violence/accidents
What are there higher rates of amongst the LGBT community? (3)
- Self harm
- Depression and anxiety
- Reluctance to disclose orientation
What is the inverse care law?
Those who most need medical care are least likely to receive it
Those with least need of healthcare tend to use health services more, and more effectively
Tackling health inequalities requires action from what areas?
- National and local government
- NHS
- Schools
- Employers
- Third sector
Give 3 priority areas when tackling health inequality
- Children
- Mental health
- Killer diseases eg heart disease
Give some examples on how to reduce health inequality
- Evaluate and refine integration of health and social care
- Government policies and legislation
- Invest in the more vulnerable patient groups
- Improve access to health and social care services
- Improve employment opportunities for all
- Ensure equal access to education in all areas
What are the 2 functions of voluntary sector organisations?
- Provide a means of engaging effectively with communities and individuals
- Deliver a range of services which may help to reduce health inequalities
Give 5 benefits of volunteering
- Gain confidence
- Make a difference
- Meet people
- Be part of a community
- Learn new skills
