Inequality and Health Flashcards
Some notes
- Public health advances such as better sanitation and clean water, together with changes in social and built environment are associated with changes in pattern of disease
- Disease of ‘affluence’ such as CHD, strokes and obesity become associated with those in lower SES as a country becomes more developed
- Acute infections and deficiency related diseases have declined but chronic and non-communicable diseases have increased
- Disease patterns changing —Cancer most common cause of mortality
Define social determinants of health
are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels.
Define inequality and health care
are the differences inhealthstatus or in the distribution ofhealthdeterminants between different population groups.
What is the difference between inequality and inequity
Inequality = unequal Inequity = unfair
Define social epidemiology
Studies the social distribution and social determinants of health based on things like SES, gender and ethnicity.
Define fixed factors and give examples.
Things we don’t have control over. Ex: Skin color, race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity
Define fluid factors and give examples
Fluid factors are those things that can change
Things we do have control over.
Ex: Wealth, education, religion, age, peer and social networks, where you live
List the three approaches to addressing social determinants
- Focusing on the most disadvantaged groups
- -This targets the most disadvantaged groups and aims to improve their health through specific measures.
- -This approach can improve the health of those who are worst off
- -The health gap between rich and poor might not change - Narrowing health gaps
- -This aims to improve the health of those who are the most disadvantaged by raising their health outcomes closer to those who are most advantaged.
- -This usually involves target setting to reduce the disparity in health outcomes between the most advantaged and most disadvantaged groups. - Reducing the social gradient
- -Tackling the social gradient in health involves reducing differences
- -Equalizing health at all income levels, often through policy efforts
List some components of SES
Income* Education* Occupation* Family size* Household composition* Wealth & assets Literacy English proficiency Early childhood experiences Measures of educational achievement Parents’ education Physical environment Neighborhood and area measures
What is the link between SES and health?
Low SES is associated with many other factors contributing to poor health outcomes: Lower levels of education Risky health behaviors Substandard housing Food insecurity Lack of health insurance coverage
Survey Design
It’s all about how YOU classify yourself so WE can count you!
Define income
The amount that can be spent/consumed in a given period without reducing the stock of wealth
Define consumption
The amount of resources actually used (consumed) during a given period
Define wealth
Total value of assets and liabilities at any point in time
Measuring SES
Income does not equal consumption
—Saving and borrowing alter these
Consumption does not equal Expenditure
—Expenditure excludes non-market transactions
—Durables: use value may be different from expenditure
Wealth goes w/t Income goes w/t Consumption
—Changes over an individual’s life-cycle
