Reasons Why Health Inequalities Exist in the UK

Question 1

How does social class affect health?

Answer 1

Lower classes face worse environments, limited healthcare, and chronic stress, reducing life expectancy.

Question 2

What is the life expectancy gap between rich and poor men?

Answer 2

Men in the richest areas live to 83.1 years, vs. 74 years in the poorest.

Question 3

What is the ‘Glasgow Effect’?

Answer 3

Extremely poor health outcomes in deprived parts of Glasgow.

Question 4

What does the North-South spending gap show?

Answer 4

Between 2015–2020, London received £12,147 per head vs. £8,125 in the North.

Question 5

How does ethnicity impact health inequalities?

Answer 5

Ethnic minorities face poverty, overcrowded housing, and structural racism, which lead to poor health.

Question 6

How do overcrowding rates differ between ethnic groups?

Answer 6

Bangladeshi communities face overcrowding rates 12x higher than White British.

Question 7

How does poverty influence lifestyle-related health issues?

Answer 7

Financial hardship leads to poor diet, smoking, and limited access to fitness or healthy food.

Question 8

How many UK adults skipped meals during COVID due to poverty?

Answer 8

16%.