Inequality (3)

Question 1

What is sociology?

Answer 1

The study of the development, structure and functioning of human society

Question 2

How can sociology be applied to healthcare?

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

Give some socio-economic influences on health

Answer 3

• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Housing
• Education
• Employment

Question 4

What is social class based on?

Answer 4

Income and position within employment

Question 5

Give the 8 groups of social class

Answer 5

1. Higher professional and managerial workers
2. Lower professional and managerial workers
3. Intermediate occupations
4. Small employers and non professional self-employed
5. Lower supervisory and technical
6. Semi-routine occupations
7. Routine occupations
8. Long term unemployed

Question 6

How might gender act as a social factor?

Answer 6

• Men have a higher mortality at every age
• Women have a higher morbidity
• Women consult more frequently in GP settings

Question 7

How might ethnicity act as a social factor?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

How might housing act as a social factor?

Answer 8

Cold homes increase the chance of mental health problems and respiratory problems in children

Question 9

How might education act as a social factor?

Answer 9

Those with higher levels of education tend to be healthier eg better understanding of health, more effective management with healthcare services

Question 10

How might employment act as a social factor?

Answer 10

• Provides income and financial security
• Provides social contacts and status in society
• Provides a purpose in life

Question 11

What benefits does active travel bring?`

Answer 11

• Improved mental health
• Prevention of chronic diseases
• Reduced risk of premature death

Question 12

Define health inequalities (WHO)

Answer 12

Health inequities are differences in health status or in the distribution of health resources between different population groups, arising from the social conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.

Question 13

Children living in deprived areas are more likely to have what? (4)

Answer 13

• Lower birth weight
• Poorer dental health
• Higher obesity
• Higher rates of teenage pregnancy

Question 14

Give 5 groups vulnerable to inequalities

Answer 14

• Homeless
• Learning disability
• Refugees
• Prisoners
• LGBT

Question 15

Why are the homeless vulnerable?

Answer 15

• More likely to be assaulted
• Less likely to be registered with a doctor
• Higher prevalence of infectious diseases and dependence problems

Question 16

Give some barriers that stop those with learning disabilities from getting good quality healthcare

Answer 16

• 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 of people with a learning disability
• Inadequate aftercare or follow up

Question 17

By how many years does the life expectancy decrease for those with a learning disability (male and female)?

Answer 17

• MALE: 14yrs shorter
• FEMALE: 18yrs shorter

Question 18

Give some challenges for refugees arriving in a new country

Answer 18

• 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)

Question 19

What risky lifestyle behaviours are prisoners or ex prisoners more likely to partake in? (4)

Answer 19

• Illicit drug use
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Violence/accidents

Question 20

What are there higher rates of amongst the LGBT community? (3)

Answer 20

• Self harm
• Depression and anxiety
• Reluctance to disclose orientation

Question 21

What is the inverse care law?

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Tackling health inequalities requires action from what areas?

Answer 22

• National and local government
• NHS
• Schools
• Employers
• Third sector

Question 23

Give 3 priority areas when tackling health inequality

Answer 23

• Children
• Mental health
• Killer diseases eg heart disease

Question 24

Give some examples on how to reduce health inequality

Answer 24

• 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

Question 25

What are the 2 functions of voluntary sector organisations?

Answer 25

• Provide a means of engaging effectively with communities and individuals
• Deliver a range of services which may help to reduce health inequalities

Question 26

Give 5 benefits of volunteering

Answer 26

• Gain confidence
• Make a difference
• Meet people
• Be part of a community
• Learn new skills