Impact of Socio-Economic Status on Health: UK Perspective

INTRODUCTION TO
HEALTH AND SOCIAL
CARE
Topic: Ways in which socio-economic class & social
situation impact a person’s health: In context to UK

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................3
Socio-economic status and health................................................................................................3
Health Inequalities in social class and situation..........................................................................4
Impact of socio-economic status on healthcare...........................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Health & Social Care is associated to the services provided by social care practitioners in
UK and consists of the healthcare provision establishments. Socio-economic health of people is
assessed by income, education and occupation and they are also fundamental causes of health
disparities. SES has high influence on health by ability of a person to purchase resources for
promotion of health and treatments and health in turn influences SES as less healthy individuals
tend to earn lower incomes and have occupational problems due to lack of education. This essay
will describe the effects of socio-economic status on health of people in context to UK. The
essay will explain socio-economic status in context to health, health inequalities in social class
and situation in relation to UK and description of the black report, along with impact of socio-
economic status on healthcare. The key terms used in the essay are SES: socio-economic status.
MAIN BODY
Socio-economic status and health
Socio-economic status (SES) and situation refers to the measurement of a person's
combined social and economic status which is directly associated with better health. The main
components are education, occupation and income Each component leads to various health
outcomes. Education: It is the most basic component of SES and sets base for future
opportunities and potential for earning. It also leads to skills and competencies that let educated
people to gain quick access to resources and information for promotion of health. Education
directly related to risk factors for various diseases and is a key to health inequality. Education
determines lifestyle choices, behaviour and daily routine. It enhances feelings of personal care
and control and a reduction in hazardous exposures. Occupation and income: Occupations
defines the exposure to environment where a person works and associated health risks.
Occupations categorized as blue and black-collared jobs which are either industrial in nature,
exposed to environmental hazards, dangerous machinery, direct exposure to toxic chemicals,
weather etc. are likely to result in high mortality rates. Income provides better nutrition,
schooling, housing and recreation. A low-level income cam result in deprivation of health-related
services and benefits and adversely impact health, increase mortality rate and lead to absolute
deprivation (Williams, Priest and Anderson, 2016).
3