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Question 27 — Equity and Health (20 marks) (a) Outline factors that create health inequities - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 27 - 2008 - Paper 1
Question 27
Question 27 — Equity and Health (20 marks) (a) Outline factors that create health inequities. (b) Explain the trends in health inequity for Aboriginal and Torres S... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 27 — Equity and Health (20 marks) (a) Outline factors that create health inequities - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 27 - 2008 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline factors that create health inequities.
Answer
Health inequities are influenced by a variety of factors:
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Socioeconomic Status: Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds typically experience poorer health outcomes due to limited access to resources such as quality education, healthcare, and healthy food.
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Geographic Location: People living in rural and remote areas often face challenges like reduced access to healthcare services, transportation issues, and socioeconomic disadvantages that contribute to inequities.
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Cultural and Ethnic Background: Discrimination and cultural differences can lead to disparities in health access and outcomes among Indigenous populations and other minority groups.
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Access to Healthcare: Barriers such as affordability, availability, and acceptability of healthcare services can significantly affect health equity.
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Education: Lower levels of education can result in a lack of health literacy, impacting individuals' abilities to make informed health choices.
Step 2
Explain the trends in health inequity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Answer
The trends in health inequity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples highlight several key issues:
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Life Expectancy: There is a significant gap in life expectancy when compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a life expectancy that is approximately 10 years lower.
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Chronic Diseases: Higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory conditions are prevalent among Aboriginal communities, largely attributed to factors like socioeconomic disadvantage and lifestyle choices.
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Mental Health: Mental health issues are also prevalent, often exacerbated by historical trauma, discrimination, and ongoing social challenges.
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Access to Healthcare: There are ongoing challenges related to the accessibility and quality of healthcare services, which further contribute to health inequities.
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Preventive Health: There are lower rates of preventive health screenings and vaccinations among Indigenous populations, which contribute to worse health outcomes.
Step 3
Analyse how appropriate initiatives and settings for health promotion can improve the health of individuals living in rural and remote communities.
Answer
To improve the health of individuals living in rural and remote communities, a variety of health promotion initiatives and settings can be implemented:
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Mobile Health Services: Providing healthcare services through mobile clinics can enhance accessibility, ensuring that underserved populations receive necessary medical attention.
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Community Health Programs: Initiatives focused on community engagement, such as local health education and preventive programs, can empower individuals to take charge of their health.
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Telehealth Services: Harnessing technology to provide telehealth can bridge gaps in healthcare access, enabling remote consultations with medical professionals.
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Culturally Appropriate Care: Ensuring that health services are respectful and relevant to the cultural contexts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can improve patient engagement and health outcomes.
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Government Policies: Policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic barriers, improving education, and ensuring housing stability can fundamentally address the root causes of health inequities.
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Collaboration with Local Organizations: Partnering with local organizations can enhance the reach and effectiveness of health promotion strategies by leveraging existing community trust.