Effects of Socioeconomic Influences on Health - Assignment Example

Health Promotion Table Contents Question 1.1: Effects of Socioeconomic Influences on Health 3 Disposable income 3 Unemployment 3 Lifestyle choices 3 Environment 4 Access to Healthcare Facilities 4 Access to Information 4 Citizenship Status 5 Discrimination 5 Question 1.2: Relevance of Government Sources in Reporting on Inequalities in Health 5 Question 1.3: Reasons for Barriers to Accessing Healthcare 6 Negative attitude towards migrants 6 High Costs of Medical Procedures 6 Disability 7 Lack of Health Insurance Cover 7 Task 2 7 Question 2.1: Analysis of the links between government strategies and smoking cessation programme 7 Child Protection 8 Labelling and Regulation of Tobacco Products 8 The Ban of Smoking in Public and at Workplaces 8 Question 2.2 9 Question 2.3: Routines that Smokers can Carry Out in the Process of Quitting Smoking 10 Prior Preparation 10 Seeking Encouragement and Support 10 Learning and Adopting New Skills and Behavioural Practices 10 Task 3: Stopping Drinking 10 Question 3.1: Relationship between Health Beliefs and Theories Health Behaviour 10 Question 3.2: Possible Effects of Potential Conflicts with Local Industry on Health Promotion (Stopping Smoking) 11 Question 3.3: Importance of Providing Relevant Health Related Information on Smoking to the Public 12 Task 4 13 Question 4.1: How the Stopping Smoking Campaign will improve the Health, Extend Life Expectancy and Encourage Healthy Living in UK 13 Question 4.2: How the Stopping Smoking Promotion Campaign Supports Health Promotion Strategies 13 Bibliography 15 Task 1 Question 1.1: Effects of Socioeconomic Influences on Health Disposable income Healthcare provision involves payment for the services rendered. The payment varies among different treatment procedures. For instance, surgical operations and cancer therapies are usually expensive compared to other healthcare services. Therefore, an individual’s disposable income is a crucial determinant of whether or not they can access medical services. Low-income earners have a lower disposable income and this makes it difficult for them to adequately meet their medical expenses. Such a situation may have diverse impacts on the health status of such individuals if treatment is not done in time. Unemployment Unemployed people do not have reliable sources of income. Therefore, the individual is not able to cater for his or her basic needs adequately. Healthcare is a basic need for all humanity but requires a certain level of monetary input. Rising levels of unemployment limit people’s access to medical services because they lack funds that would cover their medical expenses. As a result, sick people may not get the medical care they need due to the lack of a source of income. Lifestyle choices People have different lifestyles, norms and practices that define them. Some of these lifestyle aspects have severe effects on the health. For instance, drug abusers including smokers and alcoholics are at the risk of contracting fatal diseases. Liver cirrhosis is a killer disorder that results from excessive consumption of alcohol. Lung cancer results from excessive smoking. These are diseases that have fatal consequences especially when treatment is not sought early enough. People’s diets also determine their health status. Obesity is common among individuals who eat large quantities of unhealthy food for example excessive fatty food consumption. Environment The environment is a crucial determinant of the health status of the societies we live in. Certain environmental settings are characterized by unhealthy factors like pollution. Polluted environments herb various health infections. Respiratory disorders that result from air pollution are common in areas that contain industries that emit harmful gaseous elements into the atmosphere. To avoid health problems, residential premises should be moved away from polluted areas and industries should limit the emission of pollutants into the environment. Access to Healthcare Facilities Healthcare facilities are vital for the provision of medical services. A society that has adequate access to healthcare services is guaranteed of an efficient solution to health problems. However, individuals with limited access to healthcare facilities for example due to scarcity, find it difficult to counter health problems. Therefore, for health related problems to be eliminated, health facilities should be efficient and accessible to every societal setting. Access to Information Public awareness is imperative in the health sector. The information entailed in awareness programs enlighten the people on vital health issues. Adequate access to relevant health information would ensure that people adhere to proper health practices and avoid health-related problems. Lack of such information may result to unhealthy practices that would compromise the prevalent health status in the society. Citizenship Status In the UK, legal citizenship grants individuals the right to live in the country, protects them from deportation and makes them eligible for any of the services that are open to all citizens. Medical procedures require legal documentation such as national identity documents. Immigrants may not be able to access medical services because they do not have the required documents. The provision of healthcare services to non-citizens may involve a lot of procedures for example verification of the legality of their presence in the country. Therefore, it is easier for citizens to access health care services compared to immigrants (Anderson, 2011, p. 1). Discrimination Racial segregation is a common type of discrimination. The mode of health service provision to natives is natives may not be the same with the way immigrants are treated. Discrimination on ration grounds may lead to prior consideration of native citizens and the segregation of other races for example the black and the Latin community. Discrimination is also evident in gender bias. It is imperative for health professionals to relate properly with all individuals regardless of their backgrounds for health problems to be sufficiently solved. Question 1.2: Relevance of Government Sources in Reporting on Inequalities in Health The government carries out extensive research activities on health inequalities through its health departments. Government sources in reporting health inequalities have provided a platform for the commissioning of inquiries into health inequalities which in turn form a basis for the formulation of a counteractive measure. Such inquiries come up with reports that that provide the necessary recommendations for the process of tackling health inequalities. Government sources come up with health inequality policies which include funding challenges and initiating projects that would address the inequalities. Therefore, more emphasis is put on systems that support the formulated policies to ensure that health inequalities are reduced. The progress of the policies is evaluated through performance management mechanism to guarantee their success. Legislation has also been an important aspect in the regulation of health inequalities by the government. The increased prevalence of health inequalities in the UK necessitated the formulation of the Health and Social Care Act of 2012 aimed at reducing the inequalities. The legislation advocates for the rights of those affected by health inequalities for example low-income earners (Gilmore, Tavakoly, Taylor & Reed, 2013, p. 1318). Question 1.3: Reasons for Barriers to Accessing Healthcare Negative attitude towards migrants Some medical facilities and personnel may segregate certain groups of people on the basis of their racial affiliation thereby treating them differently from others. Such acts limit the affected individual’s access to medical care. Therefore, the negative perception of migrants by medical personnel is a primary reason for the barrier to the access of healthcare services by the affected groups of individuals (Ali et al., 2013, p. 2). High Costs of Medical Procedures Low incomes may not be sufficient to cater for healthcare needs. Lack of adequate income hinders some individuals from accessing expensive healthcare services that may be vital for the improvement of their health conditions. An increasing trend in the cost of healthcare services would make health procedures unaffordable to people affected by poverty, inconsistency in incomes and low-income earners. Disability Physical barriers are a major hindrance for persons with disabilities. The architectural designs of some hospitals such as narrow hallways, steep staircase and inaccessible packing areas make health facilities inaccessible to physically handicapped individuals. The medical equipment used during treatment may also be unsuitable for use by persons with disabilities. For instance, equipment used for mammography can only be used by patients who can stand. For the case of cancer patients, the examination tables may be high and not adjustable making cancer treatment procedures difficult to carry out. Lack of Health Insurance Cover Health insurance policies are imperative in financing healthcare services. However, insurance programs are not available to everyone. A person’s eligibility for insurance is determined by his or her ability to adequately pay the premiums. Therefore, people who cannot pay for the health indemnification are not eligible for the insurance cover and cannot access financial assistance services when settling medical expenses. Task 2 Question 2.1: Analysis of the links between government strategies and smoking cessation programme The smoking cessation programme aims at reducing the level of tobacco use and the number of smokers in the UK. In light of this programme, the government has initiated various strategies towards the achievement of the goals of the smoking sensation programme The UK government formulated a new tobacco control plan in March 2011. The plan is established to moderate the prevalence of smoking in the country. The plan is complemented by various steps taken to rid the country of excessive smoking. The following are some of the counteractions levelled against the smoking scourge. Child Protection It is the duty of retail outlets to ensure that cigarettes are not sold to minors. The government raised the minimum age of those eligible to buy cigarettes from 16 to 18 years. The protection of children from smoking is further reiterated by the Families and Children Act of 2014. Therefore the UK State Secretary has the authority to formulate regulatory measures that would in turn limit adults from buying cigarettes for minors. The steps have been instrumental in the cessation of smoking among children. Labelling and Regulation of Tobacco Products The government and the European Union (EU) expect all tobacco manufacturing firms to label the packaging with warning messages that reflect the effects of excessive smoking on the health of individuals. Images that indicate the warnings should also be made on cigarette packs and must be approved the EU. The UK government introduced the image warnings in the country in October 2008. Regulation of the tobacco products involves directives on the maximum amounts of tar, carbon monoxide and nicotine that are legally permitted in cigarettes. Tobacco firms are expected to disclose the cigarette ingredients to the government. Such efforts ensure that smokers are aware of the risks that smoking exposes them to (ASH, 2014, p. 1). The Ban of Smoking in Public and at Workplaces Various people, both smokers and non-smokers frequent public places, smoking in such areas would be an unfair act on those who do not smoke. In the UK, the Scottish government was first in banning smoking in enclosed workplaces and in public. The cessation of careless smoking protects those who do not smoke from the effects of passive smoking and also reduces the frequency by which smokers smoke cigarettes. Question 2.2 As a professional, I would embark on active public awareness campaigns to sensitize people on the dangers of excessive smoking. The awareness campaigns would focus on direct discussions with active smokers and patients suffering from smoking-related health issues. Giving people a platform on which they can share their experiences with active smoking and advising them accordingly would effectively enlighten them. After the discussions, such people are in a position to make informed decisions and may reduce the rate at which they smoke or quit smoking. Behavioral therapy and psychiatric counselling are essential methods that can be used to influence the smoker’s conduct. Cognitive behavioral conditioning influences habit change from self-destructive practices like smoking to self-sustaining and healthier personal practices. Counselling exposes smokers to the different methods of dealing with tobacco addiction and gives them options that could be applicable in the process of quitting or reducing the quantity of cigarettes they smoke. If the behavior of addicts can be conditioned, it would be easier to control their smoking habits. Research is an essential component of problem-solving approaches. The government needs professional-based research to achieve its smoking cessation objective. The research would involve the establishment of new ways of improving health practice making it efficient in catering for smokers and regulating their smoking effectively. Professional practice can also involve influence government actions by providing advice on federal issues such as the legislation policies leveled against smoking. Government action would be more effective if expert opinion is sought prior to the implementation of smoking-related policies. Question 2.3: Routines that Smokers can Carry Out in the Process of Quitting Smoking Prior Preparation Preparing for the process of quitting smoking is the first step towards the achievement of this goal. The smoker should first set an appropriate quit date that he or she is comfortable with. Changing the environment is also imperative in the preparation stage. The change would involve destroying and dumping all cigarettes within a person’s reach, avoiding smoking zones and other smokers. Past quitting attempts, if any, should be reviewed to identify the reasons for the failure and make improvements in the current attempt strategies. Seeking Encouragement and Support The second step would be seeking encouragement and support from the people around. Family and friends play a vital role in influencing an individual’s behaviour. Therefore, the intent to quit smoking should be communicated to family members to get their opinion and advice. The smoker should also consult relevant medical professionals for diagnosis and expert advice. Learning and Adopting New Skills and Behavioural Practices Behavioural adjustment involves changing personal routine practice. For instance, a person can take a different route when going to work to avoid the places where he or she usually buys cigarettes. Hanging out with other friends that are active smokers also reduces the probability of smoking. Stressful activities should be avoided to evade seeking consolation in smoking. Task 3: Stopping Drinking Question 3.1: Relationship between Health Beliefs and Theories Health Behaviour Health beliefs are based on a standard health belief model (HBM) that is psychological and tries to elaborate on and foretell health behaviours. Therefore, the focus of the model is on people’s beliefs and attitudes. The health belief model is one of the theories of health behaviour. Other theories of health behaviour include Reasoned Action theory (TRA), the Planned Behaviour theory (TPB) and the theory of Social Cognition (SCT). TRA is a concept that attempts to foretell trends in behaviour and individuals’ attitudes. TPB is a theory that health belief theory that defines the relationship between health behaviours and beliefs. SCT is a psychological health belief theory that applies techniques such as observation, environmental influence analysis and cognitive experiences in the study of specific health behavioural trends. HBM has various components. TRA is a model set up to attempt to predict certain behavioural motifs and attitude. So, TRA and HBM work in conjunction in the prediction of health behaviours. Similarly, TPB establishes a relation between health beliefs and specific health behaviours. The theory explains how certain beliefs influence behaviour. Therefore, TPB attempts to validate or improve the provisions of TRA. Alternatively, SCT is based on observation, interaction, experience and environmental influences. As a result, SCT can influence the formulation of certain health beliefs through observation of certain trends or environmental factors. Health behaviours can also be identified through observation and the interaction with others and with the environment. Question 3.2: Possible Effects of Potential Conflicts with Local Industry on Health Promotion (Stopping Smoking) The government might decide to regulate the production of tobacco products by imposing substantial taxes. An increase with taxation may conflict with the revenue accrued from the sale of the products. In response to this, tobacco-based firms may decide to increase the prices of their products. Such an action would be uneconomical on the smokers. The high cost of cigarettes will be an added problem to the struggle of the concerned individuals with smoking addiction. Some tobacco or cigarette companies may not be willing to conform to the legislative legislations on smoking. Such regulations include packaging control and the inclusion of warning labels on their products and the continuous submission of their products federal institutions for approval. Warning labels can compel people not to buy tobacco products yet the firms’ main objective is to make sales. Therefore, such firms may resort to alternative but illegal ways of ensuring that they make maximum sales. Illegal sale of tobacco products would in turn compromise the health of tobacco product users because of the absence of legal standardization of the products. Question 3.3: Importance of Providing Relevant Health Related Information on Smoking to the Public The public might not be aware of the adverse health implications brought about by smoking. It is up to professional health workers to provide relevant medical information to the public. Smoking is associated with various diseases including bronchitis, lung cancer and ischemic disease of the heart. Health experts should elaborate the nature and the effects of such infections to the public. Therefore, smokers would be aware of the health risks they are exposing themselves to. Warning labels on cigarette packs also provide health-related information to the public especially smokers. Such information may also be useful to non-smokers because passive smoking has negative health consequences as well. Warnings give individuals the chance to make a decision on whether or not to expose themselves to the impending dangers of smoking. Therefore, smokers will act with prior knowledge of the impending health effects of their actions. Task 4 Question 4.1: How the Stopping Smoking Campaign will improve the Health, Extend Life Expectancy and Encourage Healthy Living in UK Lung cancer and other tobacco-related infections are fatal and require extensive medical procedures. Sensitizing the public on such matters creates awareness of the impending fatality in relation to smoking. Medical guidance is imperative in public awareness ventures. If smokers are enlightened through effective education and reform programmes, some of them reform and quit smoking. Such actions reduce the prevalence of smoking in the UK. As a result, less people are at the risk of being exposed to smoking-related infections whose consequent results would be death. The protection of children is a significant health promotion approach towards smoking. Children and the youth are easily influenced by their environments and their peers to engage in smoking activities. Setting a legal barrier that prevents children from smoking reduces the probability of them smoking in the future. Therefore, the sensitization on the imperativeness of child protection from smoking would ensure that the next generation in the UK is free of people who smoke excessively and carelessly. Question 4.2: How the Stopping Smoking Promotion Campaign Supports Health Promotion Strategies Health promotion strategies aim at reducing the prevalence of health hazards and promote the adoption of healthy practices that do not expose people to the risks of medical complications. Smoking is a global practice that has vile health consequences. The establishment of a promotion campaign aimed at eliminating smoking upholds the health of the targeted people. Therefore, people are able to learn different ways through which they can avoid excessive smoking and live healthier lives. Provision of relevant health information is a fundamental component of health promotion strategies. The achievement of the objectives of the strategies relies on the level of public awareness on emerging health issues. The campaign aimed at stopping smoking complements the efforts of the health promotion strategies by providing the necessary information on smoking including the health effects to the public. Implementation of strategies in a society that is informed of the health facts that are attributable to smoking is easier and more efficient. Bibliography Anderson Bridget, March 28, 2011. Citizenship: What Is It and Why Does It Matter? The Migration Observatory. Web. June 13, 2015. Accessed from http://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/policy-primers/citizenship-what-it-and-why-does-it-matter Ali, A., Scior, K., Ratti, V., Strydom, A., King, M., & Hassiotis, A. (2013). Discrimination and other barriers to accessing health care: perspectives of patients with mild and moderate intellectual disability and their careers. Vol (8) 8, pp. 1-13. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0070855 ASH (2014). UK Tobacco Control Policy and Expenditure. ASH. Web. June 13, 2015. Accessed from http://www.ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_667.pdf Gilmore, A, Tavakoly, B, Taylor, G, & Reed, H 2013, 'Understanding tobacco industry pricing strategy and whether it undermines tobacco tax policy: the example of the UK cigarette market', Addiction, 108, 7, pp. 1317-1326, Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 13 June 2015. Read More