Social Determinants of Health in Carla's Case

This case study examines the social determinants of health in Carla's case, including the impact of education, financial crisis, and employment conditions. It highlights the importance of addressing these factors for better health outcomes.

Running head: CASE STUDY CARLA
CASE STUDY CARLA
(ASSESSMENT TASK 2)
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Authors note:

1CASE STUDY CARLA
In this case study, Carla is 54 year old woman who had been brought by her aunt as
her parents died when she was young in a small coastal mining town. From the given
scenario it could be understood that Carla was not educationally supported as her aunt did
know about reading and writing. Hence, it could also be inferred that she was deprived
from parental care and support. Furthermore, it could be understood that she had been
married young and she had separated with her husband when she was pregnant with her
second child. It is evident she did not get the opportunities to explore and expand her
education or skills. However, after her divorce, her husband did support her financially but
only in the initial phase. It could also be noted that Carla from a very young age had huge
responsibilities on her shoulders. Therefore, it could be understood that Carla had
emotionally, physically and financially struggled a lot and sole parented their child. Her
husband had sustained head injury while working. Her husband also got dependent on Carla
because at the time of head injury he had not reported and further developed depression and
forgetfulness. From the character of Carla’s husband it could be understood that he was not
self-sufficient and was dependent physically and mentally on Carla. Having said that Carla
had easily found work when children were young, however, her it had become difficult as
her children were growing on. Evidently Carla was self-sufficient, was struggling
financially. Her daughter has developed gestational diabetes, and leaves with her boyfriend
under financial restrains who is working and going for the evening classes. However, due to
the present economic condition he is willing to leave his education. Carla is managing to
make up the travelling cost by eating toast for her evening meal which can cause health
deprivation, at this age.

2CASE STUDY CARLA
From the given case study, the current social model of the health could be identified
and that would help in understanding how the social determinants of the health affect this
situation. Social determinants of health in this case is about the interrelation of employment
conditions, income, financial stress, early childhood development, transport, education and
literacy. According to the World Health Organization (2019), the social determinants of
health constitutes various aspects of a person’s livelihood as well as lifestyle factors that
affects early childhood development the health factor of the person. In this case study there
are many factors that are affecting each individual’s health and meeting basic needs. From
this case study, Carla has been deprived of parental care and support in her early childhood
development, as she struggled in her education in her schooling years. Furthermore, Carla’s
daughter and her son did not do well in school, even though her son completed it, her
daughter’s boyfriend is planning to leave schooling. According to de Andrade et al. (2015),
the education and skill development expand and broaden the opportunities for employment
options. Therefore, for better employment options, education and other skill development is
necessary. Mirowsky (2017), argues that education directly affects the social status and
Social
determinanats
of health in
Carla's case
Education
and Literacy
Financial
Crisis
Employment
Conditions
Stress

3CASE STUDY CARLA
health. But in Carla’s case, she herself could not prosper in education, and her daughter’s
boyfriend is also planning to leave the evening school.
Furthermore, a constant financial stress has been observed in this case, due to which
Carla and her family are struggling to make the ends meet. According to Marmot, Bloomer
and Goldblatt (2013) low income households are vulnerable to economic crisis and are likely
to suffer employment effects and health impacts. The paper further argues that people with
financial crisis are more likely to suffer the cardiovascular disorders and suicides. Carla’s
husband had been injured during employment and head injury that lead to depression and
forgetfulness. From the evidence from an Australian cohort study, Milner et al. (2014) argues
that the people with disabilities who are unemployed or economically inactive have greater
risk for mental health reduction. Another longitudinal cohort study, by Crowe and
Butterworth (2016) showcased the association of employment and unemployment are
associated with the elevated risk of depression and stress. However, another study confirmed
the fact that financial hardship, socioeconomic demographic and personal control are the
key contributors of poorer mental health, which has been witnessed in this case study (Allen
et al. 2014).
The impact of these determinants of health does not only affect a particular
community or country but these factors affect the global health burden worldwide. (World
Health Organization 2019). Out of all the social determinants of health, inadequate
education and literacy are the key factors contributing towards the current situation of Carla.
The education plays an important factor in a person’s life irrespective to the social position. It
is evident from the case study that Carla was unable to explore educational opportunities and
due to financial strains, Carla’s daughter’s boyfriend is planning to leave the evening
schooling. Education and employment are interrelated in some cases because better
educational background can lead to broadening of more skills and better socio-economic

4CASE STUDY CARLA
position. Educational awareness not only contribute towards better employment
opportunities but enlighten a person towards the health education and health promotion
(Cohen and Syme 2019). According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019) 1.1
million of Australians have at least 1 to 8 selected chronic disease recorded in the year 2014-
2015. Furthermore, 20% of Australians who are living lowest socio economic areas, 1.6 times
higher probability of having two of the chronic health diseases (Australian Bureau of
Statistics 2019). There are currently National Health Performance Frameworks and
National Primary Healthcare Strategic Frameworks which are engaged in attaining primary
healthcare including communities, rural health as well health education and literacy
(Australian Government-Department of Health 2019). The policy aims to understand the
health with the context of diverse social model of health. The educational attainment is
linked with not only of their own health but of that their family, and especially children who
are dependent. Carla’s case showed us that education and self-reliance, could help her attain
job as well as support her family. According Shankaran et al. (2013) to level of education can
impact significantly on person’s health choices and decision making.
From the given case about Carla and her family, it could be understood there are
many issues, related health, social and mental being. Firstly it could be understood that Carla
had been raised in small coastal town, which was away from the main city. Secondly, her
husband had head injury which went unreported. Thirdly, her daughter is having gestational
diabetes, for Carla to take care of her she has to be travel to the city which is also financial
restraints. The healthcare professionals like nurses, doctors and pharmacists have to work in
multidisciplinary approach to address the issues caused by social determinants of health.
The current national frameworks and nursing practices are aimed to provide the primary
health care to rural as well as to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia.
Education awareness and participation about the programs are the significant objectives of

5CASE STUDY CARLA
the healthcare professionals which is above the treatment and medication (Vallesi et al.
2018). There are schemes and policies which are available for the people who are in remote
areas and old (Russel et al. 2013). The healthcare professionals along with health care
workers could expand the horizons of treatment and education by which they can address on
physical health as well as mental health.

6CASE STUDY CARLA
References:
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Australian Bureu of Statistics, 2019. National Health Survey. Retrieved from:
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4364.0.55.001
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7CASE STUDY CARLA
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