sociocultural factors

Question 1

definition

Answer 1

The social and cultural conditions into which people are born, work, grow, live, and age
Many sociocultural factors are beyond the control of individuals, yet they have a significant impact on health status at an individual and population level

Question 2

examples

Answer 2

• access to healthcare
• food security
• socioeconomic status (occupation, education, income)
• Social exclusion and social isolation
• income
• education

Question 3

access to healthcare

Answer 3

Healthcare refers to services that promote and preserve health and wellbeing.
In Australia, these services are carried out by doctors, nurses, scientists, dentists, pharmacists and other health professionals such as physiotherapists and naturopaths

Question 4

access factors

Answer 4

• Cultural barriers
• Financial barriers
• Geographical location
• Health literacy

Question 5

access - cultural barriers

Answer 5

Language barriers, religious beliefs and understanding of Western medicine can mean some population groups are less likely to access healthcare than other groups, for example Indigenous Australians

Question 6

access - financial barriers

Answer 6

Low SES groups may not have the ability to access some types of healthcare including private health insurance and dental care

Question 7

access - risks

Answer 7

Lack of access to healthcare can lead to treatable conditions going undiagnosed, which can lead to premature death, and contribute to higher mortality rates

Question 8

income

Answer 8

Low incomes may mean people are reliant on cheaper, processes foods, which tend to be high in salt, fat and sugar, and contribute to diet-related diseases

Question 9

education

Answer 9

Lack of knowledge regarding the importance of consuming a healthy, balanced diet can mean people are more likely to consume processed energy-dense foods, also contributing to diet-related diseases