Socioeconomic influences on health status

“the wealthier you are, the healthier you are”

Low socioeconomic groups are at risk of: • Lower health status • Shorter LE (-3yrs) • Higher morbidity and mortality (including IMR) • Lower quality of life

Characteristics Low SES groups experience the following:  Higher rates of morbidity  Higher rates of mortality across nearly all causes of death  Higher rates of hospitalisation  Higher rates of cancers overall, particularly lung  Higher rates of health problems (2x)  Increased rate of suicide (both men and women)

Characteristics cont…  Increased rates of stroke;  Increased rate of respiratory disorders;  Increased morbidity and mortality associated with motor vehicle accidents;

Lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have the Biological Determinants Lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have the following conditions: Overweight/obesity Hypertension Diabetes (2x) CVD Low birth weight babies (30-40% more likely) –

Behavioural Determinants Lower socioeconomic status are more likely to: Smoke regularly Be less physically active Drink alcohol at harmful doses Have a poorer diet (↓F&V) Consult doctors more often Use preventative health care less often e.g. immunisation

Social Determinants Lower levels of education are a main cause of poor health status More likely to be unemployed Higher rates of social exclusion Less income is available for medical care not covered by Medicare

Social Determinants  Food insecurity where less income is available to buy a wide variety of food  Lower education means less choices of occupations. Manual/menial jobs may increase risk factors for injury, boredom, stress  Housing conditions are likely to be poorer, overcrowded, inadequate cooking facilities  Clip: Health Inequalities – Social Determinants of Health

Strategies ‘A Fairer Victoria 2008’  a state government • aimed at initiative • aimed at strengthening communities and people • addressing social disadvantage and promoting inclusion and participation • improving education • helping people into work • improving health and wellbeing • developing livable communities

Revise Use the determinants of health to explain the health status of different socio-economic groups in Australia.