Health Inequities
... group are high infant mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancers, injuries, diabetes, high levels of blood pressure, drug use such as smoking and alcohol, and are ill generally more often than the average Australian population. According to the Australian Bureau Of Statistics, people with low incomes are far less likely to take on health prevention measures such as medical check ups and screening for cancers, and are likely to experience serious chronic illness. Children of low income parents also get more sick and report higher levels of chronic asthma than the general population. Unemployment can also lead to despair, sense of helplessness and social problems including violence, family breakdowns, vandalism, crime and drug use as well as overdose. These factors contribute in a large way to youth depression and suicide. Still it is very difficult for lots of socioeconomically disadvantaged people to make any improvements to their life style and health, however these changes are possible. Though, lack of income and adequate education reduce chances of secure employment, proper housing, balanced nutrition and ability to uplift living standards. It is a fact, that socioeconomic disadvantage is the most important indicator of poor health in Australia. Overseas born Australians Due to the fact that Australia is a multicultural nation, there are noticeable trends in health status between people born outside the country and inside it. Overall, immigrants to this nation experience a higher class level of health status than the population born within Australia, but this difference tends to level off, the longer the immigrants live here. Reasons, overseas born Australians have a better health on arrival are: + Fact that people with low socioeconomic status and poor health are less likely to be able to afford to change countries + A highly selective health criteria created by the government, in order for people to immigrate. According to A.B. Of S., more than half of immigrants are non English speaking and they see their health status decrease after the arrival in Australia. Health problems such as cancers and cardiovascular disease can be found within some migrant groups. The reasons for that include socioeconomic disadvantage, poor language skills that limit access to employment, health information and community services and also stress of resettlement. Unfortunately, people with non English speaking background are less likely to report their health and medical conditions, less likely to exercise, less likely to practice immunisation and are more likely to be slightly obese. As a result of their culture, some ethnic groups within our country have different understanding of illness and health and somewhat different expectations of health care. A recent research [Germov 1999, P. 99] concludes that health areas of biggest concern regarding immigrants are occupational health [due to poor working conditions immigrants engage in], mental health, health of migrant women and the health of elderly people. There is some evidence to suggest that culturally sensitive health care services would significantly benefit this population group. People living in rural and isolated locations If you are an Australian living in rural and remote areas, it is a fact that you are likely to have a poorer health status than of one living in city or a metropolitan area. It is revealed in lower life expectancy and higher death rates. According to A.I. Of H. & W., death from injury is 69 % higher in Australian isolated locations, but death rates from stroke and cancer do not vary significantly between this group of population and the whole of Australia in general. Health issues of this group include cancers, cardiovascular disease, injuries and diabetes. The inadequate health status being experienced by rural communities can be explained by harsh environment, poor access to health services, lower socioeconomic status, occupational hazards and overall bad living conditions. Disabled people Disabilities are any limitations to normal functional abilities of the body. Over three million people in Australia experience these. A big majority of disabilities are physical in nature, such as circulatory disease, respiratory disease, arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders. Mental disorders and sensory disorders are also common. A handicap is more severe and relates to the person’s limitations in more complex tasks such as moving around, caring for oneself and communicating. Head or brain injuries and psychiatric conditions are the most commonly reported severe handicaps. Moreover, disabled and handicapped people are more likely to experience multiple and interrelated conditions, brain injury being an example. Financial constraints, need for ongoing health treatment and lack of access to employment opportunities are some of the reasons, why this population group is experiencing health status inequities. Gender Statistically, women tend to live five years longer than males in Australia. Also a female has a one in four chance of reaching 90 years of age, while a male has only a one in ten chance. This gender inequality in life expectancy is common in most countries, but with varying degrees. Behavioural and biological factors can both be attributed to difference between health status of men and women. Females tend to have a genetic advantage in longevity terms. Morbidity and mortality rates are based on what kind of wo...