Lesson Starter How can we explain the link between social class and health inequalities?

What will I learn? To outline the social class inequalities that exist in the UK and identify why it can affect health. 2

Success Criteria To list and explain the reasons why social class inequalities can affect health. Identify and paraphrase the findings of the reports which have highlighted social inequalities.

Task Discussion Question There is a wealth of evidence to show that the highest social classes enjoy better health, lower death rates and longer life expectancy than the poorest social classes. Why? Create a list of 5 reasons

Explaining Social Class Health Inequalities Lower incomes – fewer life choices e.g. exercise, eating choices, etc. Stress of unemployment/low income/debt. ‘Hopelessness’/lack of opportunity. Worse local environment – poorer quality housing (damp, overcrowding) in worse neighbourhoods (crime, fewer facilities, poorer choice of shops, etc.). Lifestyle choices – poorest groups tend to make poorest health choices: smoking, alcohol, drugs, exercise and diet. Poorest groups go in search of ‘feel-good factor’. Health services – poorest groups less likely to make use of health services; services in poorest areas often less good. Biology of poverty – poorest people growing up in poorest areas have their ‘body clock tick faster’. 5

Deprivation and Poor Health Numerous reports have highlighted the link between poverty and poor health. Can you remember the names?

Highlighted the link between poverty and poor health. The Black Report  Highlighted the link between poverty and poor health. Produced in 1980. The Black report concluded that while the health of the nation had improved, inequalities in health between the higher and lower classes was widening. Class inequalities in health could be traced from childhood and continued throughout life. The Government should take a more active role in encouraging changes to peoples diets, exercise, smoking and drinking behaviour. Prevention is better than cure. First should be to ban smoking in public places.

The Acheson Report   In 1997 the new Labour Government set up a commission to investigate health inequalities in the United Kingdom. The report provided a comprehensive survey of the condition of the disadvantaged and its conclusion echoed the Black Report. Poverty should be tackled through government actions.

The report summarised the lives of 9 million adults and 2 million children in the following way: ‘The poor were unhealthy, They did not live as long and they suffered from more lung cancer, coronary heart disease, strokes, suicide and violent accidents than their richer peers. These inequalities had steadily worsened over the preceding twenty years. They were more likely to have their cars stolen and their homes vandalised. They ate less iron, calcium, dietary fibre and vitamin C. They were fatter. Their homes were colder.’

Herald report ‘Poverty takes 30 years off your life’  The WHO Report   In 2008 the World Health Organisation provided further evidence of the link between deprivation and poor health. Herald report ‘Poverty takes 30 years off your life’ Social injustice is killing people- Calton district of Glasgow East End is likely to live to 54 but in the prosperous suburb of Lenzie average male life expectancy is 82.

 The Scottish Health Survey 2016 Report from the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland. Highlights the progress and areas of concern in terms of Scottish Health. The proportion of adults drinking above the recommended maximum of 14 units per week fell from 34% in 2003 to 25% in 2013 and has stayed at a similar level since (25% in 2014 and 26% in 2015 and 2016). Children in the most deprived areas (poorest) were most likely to be exposed to second hand smoke in the home. 15% in the poorest areas compared to just 1% in the most affluent areas.

 The Scottish Health Survey 2016 Younger children (82% of 5-7 years) were more likely to meet the guidelines for physical activity per week compared to older children (just 61% of 13-15 years). 29% of Scottish adults were classed as obese in 2016. In 2016, those in the most deprived areas reported a higher prevalence of some form of CVD* than those in the least deprived areas (18% and 12% respectively) *CVD = Cardiovascular Diseases

I can… List and explain the reasons why social class inequalities can affect health. Identify and paraphrase the findings of the reports which have highlighted social inequalities.