Social Determinants Of Disease Essay

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The Influence of Social Gradients and Work in the Development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Introduction – 100 words In Australia, the prevalence rates illustrated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2022) indicate one in two (49.9%) of individuals live with one chronic condition. Illness is shaped by social determinants of health which the World Health Organisation (WHO) (1946) characterises as the circumstances in which individuals are born, develop, work, reside and age and the schemes that influence life. Further emphasised by Cockerham et al. (2017), SDH includes social practices, socioeconomic status, stressful circumstances, and political factors. Thus, this essay intends to explore how the social gradient and occupation …show more content…

When discussing the social determinants of health, it is critical to explore the various models of health to recognise how health issues are addressed and supported (Keleher & MacDougall, 2021). Briefly, there are five models of health: biomedical, medical, behavioral, community and social health. Specifically, the social model of health, as depicted by Keleher & MacDougall (2021), explores the influence that social, cultural, political, and ecological factors have on an individual and population’s health. Furthermore, WHO (2024), established that social determinants of health (SDH) influence health outcomes from where individuals are born, live, work and age. In 2008, WHO published a report on the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, which addressed the health inequities and poor health influenced by social factors. A video by Let's Learn Public Health (2017) deconstructs the extensive CSDH framework. The SDH has two domains: structural and intermediary determinants (Let's Learn Public Health, 2017). However, two sectors determine structural determinants; firstly, the socioeconomic and political context known as upstream determinants which address policies, governance, and values. The subsequent sector is an individual’s social position, which is …show more content…

Armenti et al. 202. Explain, whilst employment provides individuals with personal and societal health benefits, working conditions heighten one’s exposure to physical, chemical, biological and infection risks. Frith et al. (2008) agree, suggesting occupational exposures to toxins and irritants are significant risk factors for COPD. Thus, an individual occupation contributes to the burden of chronic illness (Armenti et al., 2023). With COPD prevalence rates significant in those with low SES, further explored is the higher prevalence in males. Ore and Ireland (2015) discuss that the rates of COPD in males are attributable to their occupation in manual trades, exposing themselves to coal, silica, and welding fumes which increases the risk of COPD. In addition, occupational exposure to inorganic and organic dust and chemical agents can increase the risk of COPD (Ore and Ireland, 2015). It is critical to consider the correlation between COPD and employment in trades. With schools offering VET programs in areas such as trade, more youth are inclined to leave school without completing their education (Taylor, 2002). Consequently, statistics from the ABS show that 6% of individuals with COPD had an education level from year 10 and below. Therefore, the likelihood of individuals considering a tradesman job due to lack of education

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