Income and Health Outcomes Assesment Report

Income and Health Outcomes 1
Association of Income as a Social Determinant in Health OutcomeA Review of Literature
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Income and Health Outcomes 2
Association of Income as a Social Determinant in Health Outcome
A Review of Literature
Introduction
Health outcome is affected by a combination of factors at different levels
ranging from the individual point of view to the community levels. To greater
extent aspects of place we live, environmental state, genetics, income and
education levels and the social surroundings influence the overall outcomes of
health. The population health and context of life has a significant impact on how
they control the underlying social determinants. Income and the overall social
status of individuals have a role to play on the outcome of health state. Aspects
of income levels such as rich and poor have been demonstrated to bear the
greatest difference in how people’s health outcome is shaped.
Societies in higher-income states have been viewed to be healthier
compared to poor states. Various long term studies have established this
association. The distribution levels of wealth and poverty across population
settings are perceived to have an impact on the health levels of the individual
persons. Assumptions and observations on the influence of the purchase of
goods such as food and care services is a common phenomenon. Despite this, a
contrary observation asserted can relate to societies with higher income levels
may not necessarily have greater outcomes s of health.
Thus in this view assessing the underlying relationship between income
levels across populations is essential in determining the overall health outcomes.
Establishing this association is fundamental in how people access and acquire
health care services. Understanding the income levels of the population allows
planning for health care services and aligning services based on how the

Income and Health Outcomes 3
population can utilize them. Understanding this health care economics is crucial
for the health care providers and professionals in a bid to align the services they
offer to be consumer-centric to aid in its consumption.
Method
The search strategy employed in this review entails a broad assessment of
literature on the underlying aspects of income and health. A search strategy was
employed using various databases such as MEDLINE, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and
Scopus. The keywords used are ‘Income’ or ‘social determinants’, ‘Health’ and
‘outcome’. Boolean operators; ‘and’ and ‘or ‘were utilized in this assessment.
The inclusion criteria entailed studies undertaken in the last five years. Both
qualitative and quantitative studies were allowed in the search process. Data
were extracted and quality assessed independently for inclusion and relevancy
purposes. Finally, the studies meeting the criteria were filtered and organized
into thematic themes for analysis.
Findings
Overview of results
The studies obtained were qualitative studies assessing various variables
in income as a social determinant of health. The study by Kim & von dem
Knesebeck (2018), engaged in a systematic review and meta-analysis of
previous studies in assessing the relationship between obesity and income. The
study by Lenhart (2019) reviewed the literature on the effects of income and
health concerning tax credits from the government. Matthew & Brodersen
(2018) assess income inequality and health outcomes in empirical analysis in the
United States. The study by Daniel, Bornstein & Kane, (2018) undertook meta-
analysis on assessing how social determinants can improve the care of the

Income and Health Outcomes 4
patients and promote their health equity. Finally, the study by Arpey, Gaglioti &
Rosenbaum (2017) assessed the effects of socioeconomic status on the
perceptions of patients on health care outcomes through qualitative processes.
These key studies were employed after meeting the set inclusion criteria of the
study. This review thus assesses these studies in focusing on the association of
income and health outcomes in health care practice. The review will be reviewed
based on the studies elaborating on the key findings and significance in health
care practice movements.
Summary of the studies
The study by Daniel, Bornstein & Kane, (2018) addressed social
determinants of health as nonmedical factors that affect the overall person’s
health outcomes. The birthplaces of an individual and the surrounding conditions
affect the eventual outcomes of health. The place and location of birth can either
increase or reduce the risk factor aspect of premature mortality or reduced life
expectancy rate. This review undertaken by the American College of physicians
attests that social determinants in health and the associative complexities are
crucial elements in health care outcomes. The varied aspects of social
determinant encompass, birthplace, growth place, age, income and the social
aspects shape the overall health outcomes of persons. The underlying aim of
social determinants entails screening practices in the clinical settings to
establish factors that can hinder health outcome levels.
Based on this study, entrenching of screening protocol with linkages on
community resources is a comprehensive approach in assessing the level of
income and social status of the community towards health care outcomes. This
strategy is a fundamental avenue for making contact with the patients to direct
assistance to vulnerable persons. In the health care practice, it will be essential