Health inequalities - Essay Example

49). The U.K. Government’s open commitment to deal with health inequality concerns entailed a structure of detailed policies, strengthened by a tough and motivated objective. The Government focused on the neediest population, with the neediest primary care trusts (PCTs) to get 70% more financial support than the least needy in 2009-10 (DH, Tackling Health Inequalities: 2007 Status Report on the Programme for Action). Between 1995-97 and 2005-07, the average life expectancy for the entire UK populace has notably amplified: the male population with an additional 3.

1 years and the females with a further 2.1 years. For the most needy and health-deprived areas, there has been a life expectancy boost of 2.9 years for males and 1.9 years for females. Statistics on infant mortality have remarkably decreased in the last decade with 5.6 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births in 1995–97 to 4.7 mortalities for every 1,000 live births in 2005–07 for all individuals belonging to socio-economic groups (DH, Tackling Health Inequalities: 2005–07 Policy and Data Update for the 2010 National Target).

Social and Economic Factors Social and economic factors adversely affect the health of British individuals. Health inequalities are caused by quality-of-life factors, such as education, employment position, housing, income, poverty, socio economic class and healthcare access (“Health Inequalities: A Third Report of Session 2008-09” par. 49). There are two vital insights on the causes of health disparities. First, that socioeconomic status has indirect influence on health through intermediary aspects that take a more direct impact on health.

These aspects comprise environmental hazards (poor living and housing conditions, risks incurred at work, road and neighbourhood dangers) and psychosocial elements (uncooperative/unsupportive family relations, or stressful daily living) (Graham 7). Another significant insight is that these intermediary aspects are unevenly dispensed, with the young and adult population living in poor and disadvantaged conditions more vulnerable to multiple health complexities, such as health-unsafe environments and health-harmful behaviours (Barker).

Individuals belonging to the higher socioeconomic groups have greater opportunities in employment, comfortable living and housing conditions and better health opportunities than those in the lower group (White et al). Death risks are higher for the poorer groups. The health of individuals in a few marginal cultural communities is poorer than those belonging to the higher class (Diamond). Mortality and life expectancy levels in both social classes show the widening gap brought about by health inequalities (White et al).

The Black Report The Black Report, also known as the Report of the Working Group on Inequalities in Health, was published in August 1980. The report has been influential in maintaining health inequalities at the frontline of UK’s public health schema. It presented evidences that poor health and death are one-sidedly distributed among the less-inopportune UK population, and implied that these inequities have not weakened but intensified into a more serious problem since the founding of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948.

The Black Report made a conclusion that failure of the NHS to address this concern did not cause disparities