Discuss The Socioeconomic, Social And Historical Factors (Essay Sample)

Essay on ‘Discuss the socioeconomic, social and historical factors impacting on the health status of Australia’s indigenous people today. The health status of  an individual is holistic and hence determined by various factors interacting together in the society. It is an individual health status that ultimately contributes to the entire population health status in a given geographical location (County of  Los Angeles Public Health, 2013). Health-related behaviors such as diet and smoking, external physical environment as well as quality and access to healthcare are just some of the contributors to long healthy life of its citizen (WHO, 2008). This suggests that contextual factors such as socioeconomic, social and historical factors are some of the great yet overlooked areas that greatly impacts the health status of Australia’s aboriginals today. Thereby, it is evident to say, based on several studies carried out in Australia, the aboriginals are at a great disadvantage in terms of acquisition of quality health care as well as opportunities compared to the non-aboriginals (David Vicary and Tracy Westerman, 2014). Based on the history of colonization in Australia, it has been argued that the current health behaviors of  both indigeneous and non-indigeneous people trace back from its root. Historical factors  can either negatively or positively impact the health status of the society. Therefore, this has greatly impacted and continues to impact its indigeneous citizen resulting to social and emotional diseases (Binan Goonj, 2010). Consequently, the cultural practices adopted by the modern generations propels the current health behaviors that has influence to the current health status as reflected in the Australian society today. Another study carried out by Robert (2010) further elaborates that diseases usually experienced in Australia’s indigenous heritage before colonization was minimal and the prevalence rose  leading to emotional and social deprivation by the colonial powers. Hence, there is great need to incorporate various sectors such as family, society and their culture in the healing process while ensuring better health for all. Vicary and Westerman (2010) revealed that history of indigeneous Australians’ affects their health seeking behavior. The disparity between indigenous and non-indigenous citizens conceptualization of health is the leading factor impacting the health status of indigeneous citizen. For instance, the beliefs borne by the indigeneous people that mental illness is a condition designed to them is enough factor to negatively deteriorate societies health seeking behavior and their general health status eventually. The study further claims that health care personnel in these regions that are mostly inhabited by aboriginals should be trained on understanding these cultures so as to increase the treatment coverage. This will also reduce the prevalence of illness by a greater margin as many would seek treatment at health centers.Another similar study carried out in Canada supports the fact that aboriginals inadequate appearances in the  health facility for treatment the has resulted in public health department failing to capture the information required for disease surveillance. This will immensely affect health policy development as the aboriginals will not be captured in the health care databases due to their absentia in health records and hence serious continuity of illness further affecting their health status (Charlotte and Wien, 2013). Another factor playing a big role in determining the health status of aboriginals is the socioeconomic factors. These factors include but not limited to; decreased levels of education, decreased level of income and employment and low access to health services (National Rural Health Alliance, 2011).Typically, these characteristics are usually observed among indigeneous groups as a result of their increased health risk factors such as excessive smoking and alcohol consumption as well as higher rates of preventable illnesses and disabilities.Generally, these risk factors are higher amongst people of low socioeconomic status (Mackenbach JP, 2015). According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (2016), education and healthy life go hand in hand. This means that for the society to enjoy good health they need to equip their future generation with education. According to Australia Institute of Health and Welfare (2007), approximately 40.1% of aboriginal candidates complete education compared to 7.9% of non-aboriginal candidates. Also,  a total of  38%  is less likely to have tertiary education. This statistics is so worrying given that education is supposed to secure an individual with a stable job, proper housing, proper nutrition as well as ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation is maintained at all times (WHO, 2011). For that reason, this will eventually reduce the risk to ill health and ultimately improving the health status of the individual. The same study further suggests that higher income among Australian citizens plays a key role in the socioeconomic situation and eventually improved health status in the society.(Galobardes et al., 2006) claims that if an individual or household member loses income as a result of ill health or disability, the impact on health and socioeconomic status will be detrimental. A study conducted by Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (2007) found out that the average weekly income status of aboriginal citizen revealed that their household income was lower compared to the non-aboriginals households. This puts the aboriginals at a disadvantage at achieving sufficient wealth to enable them to attain the sustainable socioeconomic position. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (2016), households with higher income households are more likely to have access to proper nutrition and eventually good health compared to low-income households. Another essential contributor to socioeconomic factors is the status of the household. A study carried out by Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (2007) revealed that 25.4% of indigeneous residents older than 18 years were living in rented households which are usually overcrowded and poorly ventilated. This is below the expected thresholds as several studies conducted have documented that poor housing conditions such as overcrowding, poor lighting and ventilation are some of the factors that negatively impact households. Based on the study conducted by Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (2007), the unemployment rate is lower amongst indigeneous citizens compared to non-indigeneous citizens. It further claims the rate of unemployment is higher among disabled compared to non-disabled. Given the poor health status that mainly affects aboriginal citizens, the disability may lower their chances of being employed. Thus, if employment is deficient, acquisition of income and hence food to the affected household would be catastrophic. According to a study carried out by Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (2007) evaluates that chronic illnesses are as a result of individual’s diet provisions. It further claims that adverse majority of low-income households usually skip meals due to an inadequate amount of food available. Also, a whopping majority of those interviewed claimed that they had run out of food and were unable to afford their next meals. This shows that health status of low-income household would be affected due to low immunity as a result of deficiency of nutritious food. Social exclusion as a social factor that impact healthcare is an often overlooked concept that greatly contributes to the health status of the society. It is usually used to refer to those faced wth limited resources, skills and opportunity (AIHW, 2014). A study further found out that people wi...