Which factors contribute to health inequities for people living in rural and isolated locations? (A) Lower life expectancy, greater participation in physical activity and lower levels of education (B) Lower levels of harmful alcohol use, lower socioeconomic status and higher incidence of cancer (C) Greater smoking rates, reduced access to healthcare services and increased risk of injury (D) Greater infant mortality rate, decreased health screening services and lower levels of obesity - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 9 - 2009 - Paper 1

To determine the factors that contribute to health inequities in rural and isolated areas, we should evaluate each option:

• Option (A) suggests lower life expectancy, which typically indicates poorer health outcomes, and lower levels of education. However, higher participation in physical activity is generally considered a positive factor that may not directly correlate with health inequities.

• Option (B) mentions lower levels of harmful alcohol use and lower socioeconomic status, which could indeed contribute to health inequities, but a higher incidence of cancer is often linked to poorer access to healthcare, not a lower level of alcohol use.

• Option (C) highlights greater smoking rates and reduced access to healthcare services, both of which directly contribute to health inequities. Increased risk of injury can also be a significant factor particularly in isolated areas lacking immediate medical support.

• Option (D) points out a greater infant mortality rate, which is a critical health indicator, and decreased access to health screenings contributing to poorer health outcomes. However, lower levels of obesity may not be a significant contributing factor to health inequities.

Based on this evaluation, the strongest answer is Option (C), as it encompasses key elements that contribute to health inequities in rural and isolated locations.