Social determinants of health

Question 1

what can be used to characterise neighbourhoods and support planning?

Answer 1

IMD (index of multiple deprivation) , such as SIMD

*deprivation is not just “poor” or “Low income” - it can also mean people have fewer resources & opportunities e.g. education, health, employment

Question 2

how does poverty affect health outcomes?

Answer 2

• reduced ability to buy health supportive products & services
• money worries induce physiological stress responses (children in most deprived quintile 4x prevalence of severe mental health problems compared to least deprived)
• unhealthy coping strategies

Question 3

what is unemployment defined as and what is result?

Answer 3

• defined as involuntary not in paid work
• associated with lower life expectancy, poorer physical & mental health for the individual and their households

Question 4

what is the inverse care law?

Answer 4

= those who most need healthcare are least likely to receive it

= those who least need tend to use health services more frequently and effectively