Determinants of Health in Low-Income Populated Areas

Running head: HEALTHCARE 1
Determinant of health AT2
Student’s name
University affiliation
Author’s note

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Introduction
The home surrounding can be a key determinant of a resident’s health, particularly in
low-incomes populated areas. This may be driven by attributes of the social or physical
surroundings found within such settings. Also, specific environmental exposures which are
shaped by the residents’ behavior, products, and appliances used within homes or the physical
structure may influence such environments. To the observed health disparities in low income
communities, such environmental exposures may be essential. As such, they may highlight the
presence of risk clusters and provide awareness on pathways that may be acquiescent to
intervention.
Numerous building and household features influence housing conditions. In multifamily
housing, building features can be shaped by renovating and constructing practices (Baker, 2012).
Also, professional staff involved in building operations and maintenance can be useful. The
determinants of environment exposures include pollutant sources, resident activity patterns,
usage of products, ventilation systems, design and maintenance of buildings, and the level of pest
infestations.
As much as departmental heads try to eliminate health disparities, there are
environmental causes which may be encountered (Theoharidou, Kotzanikolaou, & Gritzalis,
2011). Few studies have been able to explain the effect if cumulative risks in such settings
despite knowing hazards in the home. As such, it will require much understanding and critical
evaluation to address indoor environmental exposures. This requires rooting for the cause and
understanding them adequately. The article provides a risk health assessment and management
for Melbourne city.
Issue identification

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There are numerous health hazards which are related to overcrowding and poor living
conditions in inner city apartments. They include social, physical, environmental, and
psychological features which are linked and entwined in different ways. Environmental factors
entail various parts of the natural surroundings such as quality of air and water, availability of
food among other physical environmental issues including housing and traffic. On the other
hand, social features included social inequalities affecting health, work, and income.
There has been extensive research carried out to investigate the relationship between
mental and physical health to the quality of housing. With time, the relationship between poor
health and poor housing becomes evident (Theoharidou, Kotzanikolaou, & Gritzalis, 2011). Poor
housing which correlates to poor health are associated directly with some factors such as poor
nutrition, poor sanitation, and insufficient personal freedom, among others. People who spend
most of their time in the house are likely to be affected by long terms of health issues. To
children and women, this can be more prominent, leading to severe illness and disability in
extreme cases. Any health issue which is not adequately taken care of can lead to the death of the
individuals. Overcrowding is a root cause of most health hazards. Poor living conditions is a
catalyzing factor towards that. Infections can outbreak and spread easily and uncontrollably,
causing significant numbers of deaths.
Air pollution
In major cities, this has been one of the greatest issues. There are several factors which
have led to its growth. When a locality is more crowded with poor living conditions, the issues
become more severe. Impacts of air pollution are more severe for unhealthy people but also
affect healthy individuals. During any outdoor activities, this includes infections of the
respiratory organs (Theoharidou, Kotzanikolaou, & Gritzalis, 2011). There are immediate health

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problems which are associated with air pollution. Such include cardiovascular issues, stressed
lungs, respiratory illnesses, and poor supply of oxygen to the heart and other body parts
(Theoharidou, Kotzanikolaou, & Gritzalis, 2011). Persistence of this issues leads to long term
effects such as accelerated aging of lungs, reduced lung functions and capacity, development of
chronic diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and a reduced life span if the affected person. People
who stay outdoor for long, such as women, children, and athletes are the most affected.
Many sources contribute to air pollution. Such include burning fuel, automobiles, animal
and industrial waste, and mismanagement of waste materials. With the high growth rate of the
inner city, the place is becoming overcrowded, and living conditions are deteriorating. Waste
systems become overloaded, leading to bursts of pipes and leakages that release harmful gases to
the air. In addition, there is decreased ventilation (Buys & Miller, 2012). This causes high
concentrations of carbon monoxide, which deposits to humans lungs, which severely affects the
body. Poor air circulation leads to decreased oxygen levels. After the visibility of health hazards,
levels of suffocation are experienced.
Risk of infection.
Infection risk is another important hazard. Due to overcrowding, people are susceptible to
acquiring viral among other infectious diseases. The condition of houses can be used as well-
being and health indicators. As such, poor housing and overcrowding leads to the high
susceptibility of diseases.
This is majorly caused by poor and insufficient ventilation. Presence of infectious agents
such as smoke and mold add to poor respiratory health. In this case, one of the most and
dangerous contagious diseases is tuberculosis. As a result of sneezing and coughing from a
tuberculosis patient, it spreads easily (Damalas & Eleftherohorinos, 2011). Such imply poor air