Inequality (3) Flashcards
Define Sociology
The study of the development, structure and functioning of human society
How can sociology be applied to healthcare? [3]
- Study peoples interactions with those engaged in medical occupations (professional-patient relationships).
- Study the way people interpret / make sense of illness (illness vs disease). Think AIDS.
- Study the behaviour and interactions of health care professionals in their work setting.
What are some socio-economic influences on health? [5]
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Housing
- Education
- Employment
What is social class based on? [2]
- Income
- Position within employment
i.e. you could win the lottery and still work as a cleaner in Apple HQ - Your social class isn’t only how much money you have.
What are the social classes? [8]
- Higher professional / Managers (Consultants or CEOs)
- Lower managerial and professional workers (Junior Doctors / Office Lead)
- Intermediate occupations (Deputy manager of office / Midwife / Charge Nurse)
- Small employers and non professional self-employed (Self-employed Plumber)
- Lower supervisory and technical (Plumber)
- Semi-routine occupations (HCA / Retail)
- Routine occupations (factory job)
- Long term unemployed
Why is gender relevant as a social factor, in healthcare settings? [3]
- 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 in the healthcare setting? [3]
Britain is a multi cultural society, but:
- Low socio-economic groups in ethnic communities have higher morbidity rates than their non ethnic counterparts.
- Communication factors affect healthcare.
- Stereotyping is a concern.
How might poor housing act as a social factor, in terms of healthcare outcomes? [2]
Cold homes increase the chance of:
- Mental-health problems
- Respiratory problems in children
How might education act as a social factor, in regards to healthcare?
Those with higher levels of education tend to be healthier, due to:
- higher medical literacy
- active involvement with their healthcare services.
How might employment act as a social factor when considering healthcare?
- Provides income and financial security
- Provides social contacts and status in society
- Provides a purpose in life.
Basically, being employed makes you less likely to have poor mental health.
What benefits does active travel bring? [3]
- Improved mental health
- Prevention of chronic diseases
- Reduced risk of premature death
Define Health Inequalities, according to W.H.O.
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
What groups of people are vulnerable to health inequalities? [5]
- Homeless
- Learning disability
- Refugees
- Prisoners
- LGBT
Why are the homeless vulnerable? [4]
- More likely to be assaulted
- Less likely to be registered with a doctor
- Higher prevalence of infectious diseases
- Higher prevalence of drug dependency problems
What can stop those with learning disabilities from getting good quality healthcare? [5]
- 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 failure to make a correct diagnosis
- Anxiety with healthcare settings
- Inadequate aftercare or follow up
By how many years does the life expectancy decrease for those with a learning disability (male and female)?
MALE: 14 Years Shorter
FEMALE: 18 Years Shorter
What challenges may refugees face when arriving in a new country? [7]
- Overwhelmed by competing demands of distinct services (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
What risky lifestyle behaviours are prisoners or ex prisoners more likely to partake in? [4]
- llicit drug use
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Violence/accidents
What difficulties are LGBT community members more likely to suffer from, in comparison to the rest of society? [3]
- Self harm
- Depression and anxiety
- Reluctance to disclose orientation
What is the inverse care law (theory tbh) ?
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? [5]
- Government (national AND local)
- NHS
- Schools
- Employers
- Third sector (charities etc)
What are the priorities when tackling health inequality, in Scotland? [3]
- Children
- Mental health
- Fatal Diseases (i.e. heart disease)
How can we reduce health inequality? [6]
- 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
