Historical Factors Contribute To Inequalities In Health - Samples

Question: Discuss about the Social, Economic, Cultural And Historical Factors Contribute To Inequalities In Health In New Zealand. Answer: Introduction New Zealand faces health risk factors related to Socioeconomic position, Ethnic identity, Geographic, place of residence andGender(McMurray 2014).Reducing inequalities in health is determined by analysing factors associated with them as geography based, such that they are inaccessible or ethnicity based which makes it difficult to reach out to them. The scope of this current analysis identifies risk factor from demographic data that can help reflect on inequalities. Analysis There is a great disparity in health amongst various segments of the population. Inequalities are primary based on social and demographic inequalities of Maori population. Either they are inhabitants of locality where health services have not yet reached or they find healthcare services to be unaffordable in nature(publications Retrieved on 16th March 2018). Due to socioeconomic factors, a large segment of the population remains uneducated and are reluctant to take medical treatment. Since childhood they are at greater risks of various diseases compared to other ethnicities in New Zealand, who are based across major cities or developed suburbs. Demographic data further reveals prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles and lack of awareness in regards to health related factors amongst them, which causes higher incidence of various diseases. Diseases amongst Maori starts with birth related complexities and then progresses to adult age, when they go undiagnosed. Unhealthy diet amongst Maori po pulation, high levels of smoking, absence of knowledge regarding health are pertinent factors affecting comorbidities amongst Maori population. It has been observed that Maori women are at greater risks from breast cancer compared to women from other ethnicities(Health(2002) Retrieved on 16th March 2018). Women within the population rarely test for breast cancer and majority of cases goes undiagnosed, which leads to impact on mortality rates from the diseases. Apart from screening of various diseases, there is absence of awareness of the various health related factors. This creates a gap in health care service delivery amongst Maori and other segment of the population. As per government disclosed figures cancer registration in 2009 had 20,875 cases in which 46.6% were female. Amongst all deaths cancer accounted for 28.9% amounting to 8437 people. After prostrate cancer being the most common type of cancer was breast cancer amongst women. There were increasing trend by 22.8% in 2009. Total of 1888 Maori women were registered with 415.2 per 100,000 people compared to 337.9. However, cancer registration rate fell by 1.3% in the period 1999 and 2009 but risen later again. Poverty factor being associated with health reflect worse health conditions compared to those who have better education, income or occupational levels. Structural factors have led to generation of inequalities as Maori women experiences poor living and working conditions compared to other segments of the population. Determinants of health if tackled can lead to developments within the population as lifestyle factors, social and community influences, working and living conditions, culture, ethnicity and gender along with general socioeconomic with environmental conditions. Health interventions varies across different geographic locations in New Zealand, therefore they are at greater risks of health. Inequality in distribution of materials and resources create differential access to healthcare facilities generating impact on health care status and mortality rates. Conclusion Actions taken to reduce socioeconomic factors can greatly enhances chances of health care within the population. The Treaty of Waitangi has been developed to increase health conditions of the Pacific Islander people. This treaty is aimed at attending to various inequalities in the population for developing better health care facilities. References Health, Ministry of. (2018, March 16). 'Reducing inequalities in health'. Retrieved from URL. https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/reducineqal.pdf. McMurray, A. Clendon, J., (2014). Community health and wellness; Primary health care in practice, Chatswood, Australia: Elsevier. publications, NZ Ministry of Health. (2018, March 16). 'Publications'.Retrieved from URL. https://www.health.govt.nz/publications.