Causes of Health Inequality Flashcards
(7 cards)
What is health inequality?
Health inequality refers to the differences in people’s health status or in the distribution of health resources between different population groups. These differences are often linked to factors such as socioeconomic status, geography, ethnicity, gender, and education.
People in poorer areas live shorter lives than those in wealthier areas -
According to the Office for National Statistics (2023), men in the most deprived areas of England live, on average, nearly 10 years less than men in the least deprived areas. For women, the gap is around 8 years.
Poverty is linked to higher rates of long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory problems -
The Health Foundation (2022) reported that people in low-income households are twice as likely to suffer from multiple long-term health conditions by the age of 65. Poor housing and pollution in deprived areas increase the risk of asthma and respiratory illnesses, especially among children.
Poverty contributes to health inequality in the UK through its impact on diet, as low-income individuals and families often struggle to access healthy, nutritious food. This leads to poor dietary habits, which increase the risk of a range of health problems and widen the health gap between rich and poor -
In 2022, a study from Public Health England found that in major cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, people in deprived areas were more likely to live in ‘food deserts’ — areas where people have limited access to affordable, healthy food, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. This often occurs in low-income urban or rural communities, where there are few or no supermarkets or grocery stores nearby. Instead, residents may rely on convenience stores or fast food outlets, which mainly offer processed, unhealthy options.
Damp, cold, mouldy, or poorly ventilated homes can cause or worsen respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses -
A report by the UK Health Security Agency (2022) found that cold homes are linked to increased winter deaths, particularly among elderly people with heart and lung conditions.
Living in overcrowded homes (where too many people share limited space) can lead to stress, disrupted sleep, and greater transmission of infectious diseases -
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that overcrowding was strongly linked to the spread of COVID-19, especially among multigenerational and low-income households.
Living in damp, cold, or unsafe housing can make people feel hopeless and neglected, especially if they’re unable to move or improve their living conditions. This constant exposure to substandard housing can lead to or worsen mental health conditions -
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA, 2022) highlighted that people in poor housing are more likely to suffer from depression, social isolation, and poor self-esteem. Shelter (2020) found that 26% of adults living in poor housing reported mental distress or worsening mental health due to their living conditions.
