HLTHAGE 1AA3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Health System, Whitehall Study, Prescription Drug
18 Jan 2017
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Document Summary
Poorer parts of glasgow 12 years less than wealthier parts. Poor black men in the us live 20 years less than rich white men. Could it be explained by biology? (biomedical point of view - diseases) Personal habits? (behavioural point of view - health outcomes consequence of personal choices) In theory, levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. This is the social perspective (cause). (social environment structures someones choices/biology - living conditions, workplace, income, etc. ) Good health correlated with high socio-economic status (education, access to resources, housing, etc. ) Living conditions determine our health more than medical intervention and lifestyle choices. Our range of choices is shaped (and limited) by socio-cultural, political, and economic circumstances. Health status follows a social gradient- the higher one"s status in society, the better one"s health. Marmot"s whitehall study - even extends to civil service! Government workers - even in social service, social gradient held true.
