Health is dynamic and determined by the determinants of health that have factors that can both benefit and hinder our overall health (Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, p. 9). The primary health care (PHC) principles accessibility, inter-sectorial collaboration, appropriate technology, emphasis on health promotion and public participation helps all individuals at different social standings based on income levels and geographical location determined by the social determinants of health to access PHC and make an equitable health care system (McMurray & Clendon, 2011, pp. 36-44; Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, pp. 13-14). Social determinants of health encompasses ethnicity, gender and social class. It is seen as the essential determinant to structure and functions to society, the factors that contribute are social, economic, cultural and political (Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, p. 13). For example a female or male from a low socioeconomic background and from an ethnic minority group is more likely to have poorer health in all aspects than those who are from a majority ethnic group and high social standing (Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, p. 14). Primary health care should be holistic, balanced, personalised and equitable, where professionals use appropriate knowledge and gain knowledge from other, this occurs when an individual seeks medical advice (Greenhalgh, 2008, pp. 1, 12). Accessibility to PHC has the objective to create equity within society and health care, this eliminates social, economic and environmental disadvantages (McMurray & Clendon, 2011, p. 37). Accessibility has developed a link between poverty and poor health care by observing adult and infant mortality rates showing a disproporti... ... middle of paper ... ...PHC based on the PHC principles has resulted in a fatal consequence (Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, p. 9; McMurray & Clendon, 2011, pp. 36-44). Therefore the PHC principles and social determinants are used to establish access to health and high finances for health care hence proving that PHC is inequitable to low socioeconomic individuals and those that live in rural and remote areas (Liamputtong, Fanany, & Verrinder, 2012, p. 14; McMurray & Clendon, 2011, pp. 36-44). Works Cited Greenhalgh, T. (2008). Primary Health Care: Theory and Practice. Hoboken: Wiley. Liamputtong, P., Fanany, R., & Verrinder, G. (2012). Health Illness and Well-being. South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Oxford University Pres. McMurray, A., & Clendon, J. (2011). Community Health and Wellness: Primary Health Care in Practice (4 ed.). Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia: Mosby.
According to the World Health Organisation (2017) the social determinants of health are defined as the conditions where people are born, grown, work and live, which also includes the health system. The social determinants of health determined populations health’s outcomes and therefore linked with health inequalities (WHO, 2017)
Wilkinson, R. G., & Marmot, M. G. (2003). Social determinants of health: The solid facts.
Wilkinson, R. M. (2003). Social determinants of health - the solid facts. [S.l.]: World Health Organization.
In so doing it has created awareness and led to a discussion about the implications of social inequalities on health outcomes of individuals over the years. The theory also provides a broad perspective about disease processes. This has allowed health researcher/professionals to design holistic treatment/care plans that does not only focus on the biomedical disease process but to take other aspects of people’s life into consideration (WHO, 2010).
Wilkinson, R.G. & Marmot, M.G. 2003, Social determinants of health: the solid facts, World Health Organization.
The potential impact of social determinants of health may not seem obvious from the onset. However, the situation may be pronounced when the government does not ignite the importance of health and wellness among the general population.
...an, P., Egerter, S., & Williams, D. R. (2011). The social determinants of health: coming
For many decades, Americans’ health has been greatly impacted by many social, economic and environmental determinants (Plough, 2015). These social, economic, and environmental determinants include income, education, ethnicity, natural and built environment. These factors create the health disparities in the health care system. The culture of health has changed over the last several generations. Health is viewed as not just needing to seek health care, but rather to recognize all aspects of people’s lives that support an active and healthy lifestyle and environment. The aspects can be their work, families and comminutes (Plough, 2015).
Marmot in his famous article titled Social Determinants of Health Inequalities firmly stated that actions targeted to improve healthcare access should not be focused only on healthcare system but rather on the social determinants of health. Marmot reiterated that health inequalities, disparities and social determinants of health are totally preventable through more inclusive wider social policies. He insists that inequalities of health between and within geographical areas can be reduced through positive actions.3 And such actions should be focused towards improving the social determinants of health in all areas to give everyone equal access to healthcare services.2-3 Explaining that lack of healthcare access are driven by SDOH, Marmot further argues that health cannot be improved by itself alone, but by enhancing those factors that determine health.
Kevin White pp: 5-8k introduction to sociology of health and illness second edition books.goole.co.uk accessed 11-04-2014
In 1948 the World Health Organisation (WHO) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. (World Health Organization. 1946). Illness is what
Access to health care refers to the ease with which an individual can obtain needed medical services. Many Americans face barriers that make it difficult to obtain basic health care services. These barriers to services include lack of availability, high cost, and lack of insurance coverage. "Limited access to health care impacts people's ability to reach their full potential, negatively affecting their quality of life." (Access to Health Services, 2014) Access to health services encompasses four components that include coverage, services, timeliness, and workforce
There are six principals of Primary health care. To begin with, the first principles are Accessibility Equality and Social Justice. It is the first and most important key to primary health care. Health care service must be equally distributed and shared by all people of the community irrespect...
The WHO definition of non-medical determinants of health is: “… the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. These forces and systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies and political systems.”
- Organisation and Management of Health Care, April 2002, Version 2.0 , Main Contributor: Katie Enock, Public Health Specialist, Harrow Primary Care Trust www.healthknowledge.org.uk