Health Promotion and Socioeconomic Influences on Health

Explore the impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes and behaviors. Analyze government initiatives in healthcare, barriers to accessing healthcare, and the role of professionals in health promotion. Understand the importance of health beliefs, conflicts with industries, and providing relevant health information to the public.

Health Promotion

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Task 1.........................................................................................................................................4
Task 2.........................................................................................................................................7
Task 3.......................................................................................................................................10
Conclusion................................................................................................................................13
Reference list............................................................................................................................14
Appendix..................................................................................................................................17

Introduction
Social and economic factors are not the only factors that results in driving health outcomes,
but it also influences the health behaviours as the greatest contributor to health and longevity.
The weaker the social and economical position of a community the more unhealthy
behaviours is likely to be held. The content further is going to reflect on socioeconomic
influences on health, the role of government in analysing healthcare in Britain. The essays are
also going to discuss aspects of healthcare in relation to the other industry conflicts,
promotional activities and steps that could help the needy to avail proper healthcare services.

Task 1 (Essay)
1.1 Explain the effects of socioeconomic influences on health
1.2 Assess the relevance of government sources in reporting on inequalities in health.
1.3 Discuss reasons for barriers to accessing Healthcare
There are several factors combining together to affect health of any individual or of an entire
community. Blaming people for their poor health or appreciating them for good health is not
appropriate. Every individual is not able to directly keep control over the influence that
affects their health. The ways through which health is affected by socioeconomic influences
are mentioned below.
Education- lack of proper education results in creating low education level that eventually
links with poor health. It also creates low self-confidence and increases stress. Social status
and income- higher income results in providing better health facilities. The bigger the
differences between the rich and poor, the greater the differences in health are found in
societies all over the world (Healthypeople.gov, 2018). Social supports networks and help-
support from friends and families are connected to better health. The cultures and traditions
that are followed by families affect health of individuals and communities in general. The
physical environment- this is perhaps the most important social factor that affects health.
Clean air, pure water, healthy and hygienic workspace are all the factors that contribute to
good health (Content.digital.nhs.uk, 2018). Workers in companies maintaining healthy
working conditions and having a good control over the workspace are found to be healthier
than others. Genetics- ‘inheritance’ is found to be playing a vital role in deciding a person’s
lifespan, the likelihood and healthiness of overcoming certain diseases. Balanced eating,
proper diet, staying physically active and fit add up to good health conditions. People who are
not entitled to enjoy proper shelter are the ones who suffer from various seasonal diseases.
Homelessness affects health in causing an unhealthy and unstable lifestyle that involves
constant changing of food and culture. Unemployment is another vital reason of causing
health problems to people who are not having a fixed job that enables them to earn at regular
intervals (Publichealth.lacounty.gov, 2018).
Government in the United Kingdom has played major roles in analysing people’s health
condition and has taken initiatives to eradicate health issues (Publications.parliament.uk,
2018). To access the relevance of government one can look into the Health Survey for

England; Health, social care and lifestyles. This survey was first carried out during 1991
and concentrated in analysing people’s health issues and the reasons behind them. The survey
these days, comprises 8000 adults and 2000 children, looks at changes in the health and
lifestyles of individuals in the United Kingdom (Who.int, 2018). Through this survey one can
identify with the question relating to physical health, mental health and lifestyles of British
people. It also provides data on people’s height, weight, blood pressure and minor illnesses.
The Black Report is an important document published during 1980 by the Department of
Health and Social Security of Great Britain focussed on health inequalities (Pruthi et al.,
2015). Through this document it was found that the prime reason for health inequalities was
related to economic inequalities. This report reflected on social gaps and how equal health
treatments are not provided to all citizens. Acheson Report was published during 1998 as n
independent enquiry into in equalities in health the impact of the report was compared to the
Black Report and it reflected on the government policies to demolish issues on health
inequalities of Britain (Lee et al., 2018). Moreover, the House of Common of British
Parliament runs their Health Committee that conducts annual health surveys to look into
people’s life and analyse their health conditions (Gov.uk, 2018). This is an important
government source that provides information on people’s health conditions annually in the
United Kingdom. All the studies and researches conducted by the government provide a
reflection about the inequalities in health prevalent in the UK (UK Parliament, 2018).
Accessing proper health services means the use of personal health services at timely manner
to attain the best health outcomes. Earning entry to healthcare systems and finding a suitable
healthcare provider are the major criteria in accessing healthcare facilities. There are several
barriers that create obstacles in achieving proper healthcare services (Bowling, 2014).
Location can be an issue for people living in the countryside or suburban estates of Britain.
Due to long distances people cannot afford to travel to big cities to get proper healthcare
facilities. Physical disability is also an issue as it does not allow the disabled person to move
freely and reach the place that provides quality services related to health and lifestyle
(Publichealth.lacounty.gov, 2018). Education is also a major issue in being an obstacle to
access quality healthcare services. Lack of education results in unemployment and eventually
affects an individual’s income. This lowers their capabilities to reach out to medical facilities
in treating minor or major diseases. Most of the healthcare facilities these days are expensive
and requires people to pay sufficiently to avail the services (Lian et al., 2014). Therefore the
income of people results in affecting their accessibility to proper healthcare services. Along

with these, there are factors relating to culture, trust and belief, mental capacity and many
prejudices that act as barriers to accessing healthcare.
Healthcare is something that must be provided to all irrespective of their social or economic
standards. The government policies and the surveys reflected the economic and social gap in
the society that causes providing of unequal healthcare services to the people. Factors like
distance, education, unemployment and social prejudices creates obstacles in providing
proper healthcare services to the citizen of the United Kingdom.

Task 2 (Essay)
2.1 Analyse the links between government strategies and models of health promotion
2.2 Explain the role of professionals in meeting government targets for health
promotion
2.3 Discuss the role of routines in promoting healthy living
In today’s era, it has been observed that smoking leads to very chronic diseases like coronary
heart disease, lung cancer, COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Smoking
cessation officer is appointed for the discontinuation of tobacco smoking which is stuffed
with nicotine. Nearly about 70 percent of the smokers attempted to quit smoking since past
some years.
There are numerous strategies such as Choosing Health 2005 which was revised in 2010,
Healthy Lives Healthy People 2010 that are implemented by the government to reduce
nicotine inhaling. Various campaigns like Smoking Health Harm Campaign, Fitness for
Work, Change4Life, Be Clear on Cancer, Act FAST, Be Food Smart, Catch it Bin it Kill it
etc are formulated on the issue of smoking. With respect to choosing health 2005, people can
make their choice to remain healthy. on premise of a valid reason, government has the right
to make the choice for their people. Healthy lives Healthy person 2010 was formulated by the
government for the equality and excellence of the health, and focuses on happier living and
healthy lives and reduces the inequalities in health (Egan, 2014). There are also some models
that are linked with the government strategies like health belief model, theory of reasoned
action, trans-theoretical (stages of change) model, social learning theory. Health belief model
can be linked with the Choosing Health 2005. This model is determined to predict the health
behavior and health-related issues that would arise in the near future. Through this model, a
person can chose his option to health. Theory of reasoned action has an eye on the people’s
behavior, which is measured from the behavioral intention (Zhang et al., 2014). This model is
based on an equation: Behavioural Intention = Attitude + Subjective norms. Thus, the
models and the strategies were linked with each other to provide people with happy and
healthy life.
In relation to health, professionals include health advisers, health visitors, practice nurses,
school nurses, GPs, midwives, dentists, dieticians, nutritionists which are required to meet the
target mentioned by the government. Dentists, nurses, physicians and other professionals play

a key role in smoking cessation. They advise, train and state the consequences to the patients
about quitting smoking, which is the best solution to avoid the chronic diseases caused by it
and incurred in the human health. They seek the attention of the people in the awareness
activities that on the other hand help in the promotion of health and also the target of the
government is achieved. Scientists are meant for testing and researching in reducing the
alcohol consumption which is presented in sheet to the advisors. Thereafter, advisors first ask
the person about the importance of smoking and then advise all the people for quitting. Then
they assess the willingness of the people in quitting and assist the same people in quitting and
thereafter arrange for a session to happy and healthy life (Andermann, 2016). The
governments seek to meet the targets which include strong personal, economic, political and
social issues that make the health better with the help Our Healthier Nation Act 1998. In the
same way, NICE focuses on the methods require for improving the health of the people.
NICE includes the governance information, updated policies and the methods which help in
meeting the targets for a healthy nation.
Healthy living is considered to be a long -term commitment and it requires an individual to
maintain a proper routine. The concept of healthy living in today’s world is not meant to be
all inclusive but it includes major components that are essential parts of an individual’s
lifestyle. Maintaining a proper routine has many benefits that promote a healthy living.
Maintaining personal hygiene is the first step that must take part in one’s daily routine
(Ruffman et al., 2016). Maintaining cleanliness in workspace and also in personal spaces is
an important task of avoiding communicable diseases and staying healthy. Maintaining a
hygienic atmosphere not only limits to private spaces but it must also reach out to places that
one individual is associated with on a daily basis, for example- markets, schools, offices etc.
To decide a healthy diet is something that allows any individual to maintain a healthy body.
Considering different requirements for infants, children and adults a nutritious diet must be
followed. Eating three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) is important with dinner not
being the largest meal. The routine related to food must also consider the various and unusual
work schedules of different people and set a different diet that suits their timings and
nutritious requirement. Daily routine must also segregate time for physical exercises.
Physical exercises are considered to be major contributors to a healthy lifestyle. Unhealthy
living manifests into obesity and physical weaknesses. It reduces the body’s immunity to
fight with diseases. Regular exercises prevent age-related diseases. It also helps in improving
balance and flexibility and endurance and eliminates the risks of falling sick frequently.

Maintaining a sound mental health is also an important part of a routine. Getting enough
sleep, doing mind exercises, spending happy times with friends and family and getting
involved in creative and productive activities will result in attaining mental peace and will
help in keeping an individual mentally fit.
Government plays an important role in introducing health strategies and policies that
eventually benefits people of all age and class. Professionals meet the government targets to
promote heal care by several methods. Marinating a proper routine helps individuals to
maintain good health. Good food, daily exercises and good association helps in maintaining a
healthy life.

Task 3 (Essay) (Refer to the Appendix)
3.1 Explain how health beliefs relate to theories of health behavior.
3.2 Discuss the possible effects of potential conflicts with local industry on health
promotion
3.3 Explain the importance of providing relevant health related information to the
public
4.1 Plan a health promotion campaign to meet specific objectives
4.2 Explain how the health promotion campaign supports health promotion strategies
Healthcare facilities often experiences conflicts from local industries. Providing health
related information to public is very important and there are health promotion campaigns that
support health promotion strategies. The context further will be discussing these points in
detail and analyse healthcare facilities from various aspects.
According to the journal article on Cigarette Smoking and External Locus of Control
among Young Adolescents, it can be stated that children entering teenage are likely to
initiate the habit of smoking. This particular study reflects the fact that the locus of control
appears to be non-linear. The Health Belief Model is a model on psychological health and
behavioural change elaborates and predicts health related behaviours (Skinner et al., 2015).
This particular model provides certain aspects of diseases: perceived severity, perceived
susceptibility, benefits, barriers, modifying variables, cures to action and self efficacy
(Jstor.org, 2018). Through this model the habit of smoking can be triggered to a cure which is
necessary for prompting engagement related to health behaviours. The theory of reasoned
action is used to identify the human behaviours and also helps in predicting how an
individual will behave based on their habits of smoking or other related addictions (Montano
and Kasprzyk, 2015). According to surveys it has been observed that most students are
having internal locus of health control. Surveys also independently stated conclusions from
the factors of smoking cigarettes. The urges of smoking and also the willingness to leave the
addiction can be analysed by the Health Action Process Approach. This particular theory
helps in determining a set of psychological constructs explaining what factors motivate
people to change and take preventions (Łuszczyńska and Schwarzer, 2015).

Promoting sound health and good healthcare services experiences conflict and creates rivalry
with the local and existing industries that produce unhealthy products. Taking the example of
Cigarettes, one can easily look into the large industry that supports the usage of nicotine and
supplies them to people causing fatal diseases like cancer to the mass. Industries like the
tobacco industry, leisure industry, and alcohol industry are facing threats from health care
agencies and organisations. The products of these companies cause severe health problems to
people and the raging conflicts with health promotions continues in many countries. Food
manufacturing industry is also facing similar conflict and complaints from organisations
promoting good healthcare (World Health Organization and World Health Organization.
Management of Substance Abuse Unit,2014). They are being questioned on the production of
pure and good quality food items that would prove beneficial for people. Many companies
are facing difficulties in improving the condition of their workplace as the process is
expensive: hence creating a conflict with the promotions of good health. Unfortunately, the
result of these conflicts is not effective as people, who are involved into smoking and
unhealthy lifestyles, are less aware of benefits of good health. Due to several economical and
social restrictions many organisations and industries are creating disruptions in promoting
good health and healthcare facilities in big cities all over the world (Mojs E, 2018).
Introducing health related information to public can prove to be extremely helpful in creating
a proper awareness among the mass and media on maintaining a healthy life. By letting
people get more aware on the health services the initiative can help in reducing early death
rates in the society. If people are more informed on medical facilities that are already
available in the society they will be in a better position to decide on what services to opt for
to treat their illnesses. Overall, it will reduce sickness and dependency. The cost of care is
too high in certain countries that do not allow people to avail the most appropriate health
services as per their requirements. Introducing the easy and more reliable healthcare facilities
to people will allow them to go for the less-expensive and cheaper treatment processes. The
initiative of letting people know about the relevant health services will allow them to explore
their responsibilities on a wider social scale. It will also help in removing the health
inequalities as everyone in the society will be aware of the available facilities that each can
afford and avail. This will give equal benefits to individuals in controlling communicable
diseases, protecting vulnerable people or communalities and reduce health risks.
A health promotion campaign is used to promote healthcare facilities and letting people be
more aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The campaign’s rationale is

to focus on the healthcare services and its benefits. The aim of the campaign is to be the best
health promotional campaign that has country has offered in the past five years. The objective
of the campaign is to gather as many people as possible in making them believe on the
benefits of living a healthy life and start following a routine. The campaign is going to
approach people at shopping centres, medical clinics, schools, universities and railway
stations. Apart from physically approaching them with the objective the campaign will be
promoting their aim and objectives on social media sites (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).
The strategy will be to promote the importance of healthcare as much as possible through
social media and health organisations. The campaign will be conducted for two weeks and
around £1000 is required to fulfil the campaign’s objectives. The campaign will be following
proper guidelines set by the government through their marketing policies. It will reflect on
the Equality Act and focus on providing equal facilities to individuals of Britain irrespective
of their social and financial backgrounds. SMART target will be used to ensure that the goals
of the campaign are clear and reachable to public. Proper evaluation of the impact of the
campaign will be analysed along with its appropriateness, acceptability and efficiency in
Britain.
The health promotional campaign will support the strategies in several ways. It will provide
support in designing environments that are supportive of health. It will influence in
creating the essential conditions for health. The health promotional campaign, moreover,
will access the needs of people when they are sick or seeking for medical help in any
circumstances. The campaign will help the people in setting their individual routine to follow
a healthy lifestyle. It will also involve parents and children to get aware on religious and
cultural practices that harm our health and would provide suitable guidance to get rid of
minor health issues. The campaign will give opportunities to needy individuals to get
involved with professionals who could guide them as per their needs. The campaign will
support the health promotions by providing networking facilities to various charities and
support groups who are working in favour of healthcare services.
Every individual in the society is entitled to proper healthcare facilities. Healthcare
campaigns help in promoting the benefits of good health and helps people to analyse the
negative resources that are harming one’s health.

Conclusion
Healthcare facilities must be equally shared among all members of the society. This paper has
been enriching much in observing the benefits of living a healthy life by maintaining a
routine. The paper presents essays that discuss the role of government in promoting
healthcare along with the role of professionals. The content above has focussed on theories of
health behaviours and conflicts of industries. It has been realised that by providing relevant
information to people on healthcare the government can eradicate health issues in Britain. A
promotional campaign has been designed that focuses on helping the needy and make a
society that is devoid of health problems.

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Appendix

By letting people get more aware on the health
services the initiative can help in reducing early
death rates in the society
Introducing the easy and more reliable healthcare
facilities to people will allow them to go for the less-
expensive and cheaper treatment processes
Will remove heath inequalities, make people
responsible, and decline health hazards.
The aim of the campaign is to be the best health
promotional campaign that has country has offered in
the past five years.
The objective of the campaign is to gather as many
people as possible in making them believe on the
benefits of living a healthy life and start following a
routine
The campaign is going to approach people at shopping
centres, medical clinics, schools, universities and
railway stations
Apart from physically approaching them with the
objective the campaign will be promoting their
objectives on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The campaign will be conducted for two weeks and
around £1000 is required to fulfil the campaign’s
objectives
. It will reflect on the Equality Act and focus on
providing equal facilities to individuals of Britain
irrespective of their social and financial backgrounds.
Health promotional campaign providing relevant health related information to the
public