Black and other minority ethnic groups in the UK are more likely than the majority to experience low incomes and live in disadvantaged areas. The cultural values of these groups often prioritise support from the family and community rather than outside support.
There are inequalities between ethnic groups and their health chances.Applying material from Item E, analyse two reasons for inequalities between ethnic groups in their health chances.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Essay Outline: Inequalities in Health Chances Between Ethnic Groups
This essay will analyze two key reasons for the health inequalities experienced by Black and other minority ethnic groups in the UK, drawing upon Item E and relevant sociological literature.
Introduction
- Introduce the topic of health inequalities between ethnic groups in the UK, highlighting the higher rates of poor health outcomes among minority ethnic groups.
- Briefly mention Item E, stating the key points it raises: low income, disadvantaged areas, and cultural values prioritizing family/community support.
- Outline the two main reasons to be explored in the essay: socioeconomic factors and cultural factors.
Reason 1: Socioeconomic Factors
1.1 Socioeconomic Deprivation and Healthcare Access
- Discuss how Black and minority ethnic groups are disproportionately represented in disadvantaged areas with fewer and less easily accessible healthcare services (Balarajan, Davey Smith et al.).
- Explain the impact of limited healthcare access on health outcomes, including delayed diagnosis and treatment, leading to poorer health chances (Moriarty, Nettleton).
- Link this to Item E, highlighting the link between low income, disadvantaged areas, and limited healthcare resources.
1.2 Low Income and Unhealthy Lifestyle
- Analyze the connection between low income and poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and increased risk of chronic diseases (Parry et al., Wilkinson).
- Explain how low income limits access to healthy food, restricts opportunities for physical activity, and increases stress levels, all contributing to poorer health (Sproston and Mindell).
- Relate this back to Item E, emphasizing the role of low income in contributing to health inequalities.
Reason 2: Cultural Factors
2.1 Cultural Beliefs and Healthcare Seeking
- Explore the role of cultural beliefs and attitudes towards healthcare in influencing health-seeking behaviour (Nazroo).
- Discuss how some minority ethnic groups may delay seeking healthcare due to cultural beliefs, potentially leading to late diagnosis and poorer health outcomes (Item E).
- Provide examples of cultural beliefs that may influence healthcare seeking, such as stigma surrounding mental health or preference for traditional remedies.
2.2 Cultural Prioritization of Family and Community Support
- Address the cultural emphasis on family and community support within some minority ethnic groups, as mentioned in Item E.
- Analyze how this emphasis can sometimes lead to reluctance to seek external support, including healthcare (Item E).
- Consider potential benefits and drawbacks of this cultural approach to healthcare.
Conclusion
- Summarize the two main reasons for health inequalities between ethnic groups: socioeconomic deprivation and cultural factors.
- Reinforce the importance of addressing both socioeconomic and cultural factors in order to reduce health inequalities.
- Suggest potential interventions and initiatives that could promote health equity, such as improving healthcare access in disadvantaged areas, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and fostering cultural sensitivity in healthcare provision.
Inequalities in Health Chances Among Ethnic Groups in the UK
This essay will discuss two key reasons for the disparities in health chances observed between ethnic groups in the UK, drawing on the provided information and sociological research.
Socioeconomic Deprivation and Access to Healthcare
Item E highlights the prevalence of low incomes and residence in disadvantaged areas among Black and minority ethnic groups. This socioeconomic disadvantage plays a significant role in shaping health inequalities. Deprived areas often suffer from fewer and less accessible healthcare services. Research by Moriarty and others has consistently shown a correlation between geographical location and health outcomes, with those in deprived areas experiencing higher rates of chronic illnesses and premature mortality. Furthermore, limited access to transport, longer waiting times, and language barriers can further exacerbate these inequalities, making it harder for individuals from these communities to receive timely and appropriate healthcare.
Cultural Factors and Health-Seeking Behaviors
Item E also suggests that cultural values emphasizing family and community support over external help might influence health outcomes. While this strong social capital can be beneficial, it can also lead to a delay in seeking professional medical assistance. Balarajan argues that certain cultural beliefs and practices may result in a higher tolerance for ill-health or a reluctance to engage with mainstream healthcare services until a condition becomes severe. This delay in seeking help can worsen health outcomes and contribute to the observed inequalities. Additionally, language barriers and a lack of culturally sensitive healthcare providers can create further obstacles for individuals from these communities, leading to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and poorer health overall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the inequalities in health chances between ethnic groups in the UK are complex and multifaceted. Socioeconomic deprivation leading to limited access to healthcare, coupled with the influence of cultural factors on health-seeking behaviors, contribute significantly to these disparities. Addressing these inequalities requires a multi-pronged approach, including tackling poverty and discrimination, improving access to healthcare services in deprived areas, and promoting culturally sensitive healthcare practices that cater to the specific needs of diverse communities.
Black and other minority ethnic groups in the UK are more likely than the majority to experience low incomes and live in disadvantaged areas. The cultural values of these groups often prioritise support from the family and community rather than outside support.
There are inequalities between ethnic groups and their health chances.Applying material from Item E, analyse two reasons for inequalities between ethnic groups in their health chances.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Health Inequalities
Answers may include the following and/or other relevant points:
- fewer and less easily accessible healthcare services in deprived areas;
- some groups may think they should not seek healthcare until their condition is serious.
- low income associated with poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle.
Sources may include the following or other relevant ones:
- Balarajan
- Davey Smith et al
- Moriarty
- Nazroo
- Nettleton
- Parry et al
- Sproston and Mindell
- Wilkinson