Economic Factors of Health

According to the Wisconsin Public Health Association access to health care is an important factor in maintaining a high level of general health. However, it is argued that even with equal access to health care individuals from low income families, racial and ethnic groups and with low levels of education would still have lower levels of general health and a lower average age for mortality.
  1. Economic Status

    • Environmental factors surrounding low income families are seen by government groups, such as the Cyngor Gwynedd Council, as important factors in the general health of individuals. As the majority of health care is moving from health care environments into the family home the environment surrounding the home becomes important. The health advocate group the Robert Johnson Foundation reports education and academic attainment are the most important factors in judging social status in the U.S. with conditions experienced in childhood being a major factor on the health of the adult. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports an increase of around 750,000 individuals of working age in the U.S. without health insurance between 2003 and 2004.

    Environment

    • According to Cyngor Gwynedd Council, the environment is an important factor in the general health of the individual. Economic factors can cause people to miss hospital and doctor visits due to the lack of an efficient, sustainable public transport system allowing access for lower income families to health care providers, employment opportunities and social activities. Traffic in an area can also provide negative impacts on low income social groups with traffic traveling at high speed linked to injuries in children with increased speeds bringing worse injuries. High density of traffic can also be the cause of problems associated with air quality such as particulate matter linked to worsening symptoms of asthma.

    Income

    • The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that economic factors such as money problems can have a negative effect of the general health of individuals. Stress caused by problems surrounding economic problems can lead to high stress levels such as high blood pressure, immune system problems and circulatory conditions. A lack of income can also result in lowered levels of health education, social support and a dislocation from the surrounding community leading to health behavior problems such as smoking, a less healthy diet and an increased level of alcohol consumption.

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