What role does social class play in the health outcomes you might expect?
Understanding the intricate ways that social class affects health outcomes is crucial for social workers. It's a complex issue, with numerous factors at play, including access to healthcare, education, and environmental conditions. As you navigate the social landscape, it's important to recognize how these elements intertwine with socio-economic status to influence an individual's health. By considering social class, you can better anticipate the challenges that may arise and work towards more equitable health solutions.
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Tajé Jenkins-JonesAssistant Director/Diversity Leader
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Dr. Joey (The Traveling Social Workers)™ Pagano, DSW, LSW, CRS, FPS, Life CoachLinkedIn Top Voice 👐 | Transform Mental Health: From Challenge to Path 🧠 | Celebrated 2 X #1 Best-Seller & Pulitzer…
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Georges EKONACeo/ Speaker/ Consultant Senior en étude, évaluation et capitalisation des projets et programme, développement et…
Access to healthcare is a fundamental factor where social class can dramatically influence outcomes. If you belong to a higher social class, you're more likely to have health insurance, afford out-of-pocket costs, and access a wider range of healthcare services. Conversely, lower social class often correlates with limited healthcare options and delayed treatment, leading to exacerbated health issues. As a social worker, understanding these disparities is key to advocating for better access for all.
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Tajé Jenkins-Jones
Assistant Director/Diversity Leader
The American Health Center movement was predicated on a lack of quality healthcare access for people of low social classes, specifically because socioeconomics affects every aspect of a person's health. When people have limited resources it hinders their ability to leverage them; for example, most entry-level positions typically will not offer paid sick time or PTO, which means a loss of income when a person cannot coordinate a medical appointment around their work schedule. These moments often create domino effects for people, such as increased stress due to income loss, which can exasperate existing health concerns.
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Carlos Gonzáles Cueva
Licenciado en Antropología 🎓 | Est. de Mg. en Gerencia Social 📚| Sostenibilidad y Gestión Cultural♻️| Desarrollo Social💡 | Consultor en Investigación Social y Comportamiento del Consumidor🕵🏻
While economic factors are not the sole determinants of equitable access to healthcare, cultural barriers, systemic inequalities, and entrenched power structures in our society also pose significant obstacles, especially for lower socioeconomic communities. Additionally, it should be noted that political and economic decisions can perpetuate the lack of access to healthcare for certain social groups.
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Georges EKONA
Ceo/ Speaker/ Consultant Senior en étude, évaluation et capitalisation des projets et programme, développement et transformation stratégique des organisations
L'accès aux soins de santé, pierre angulaire du bien-être, se révèle souvent inégalitaire. Les personnes issues de classes socio-économiques défavorisées ont généralement une santé plus mauvaise et une espérance de vie plus courte que les personnes issues de classes plus aisées. Elles sont moins susceptibles d'avoir une assurance maladie ou d'avoir les moyens de se payer des soins. Confrontées à ces difficultés financières, elles peinent à franchir les portes des structures médicales. Cette barrière financière se double d'une disparité géographique : les services de santé de qualité sont parfois concentrés dans les zones aisées, laissant les populations marginalisées à la merci de structures sous-équipées et sous-financées.
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Dr. Joey (The Traveling Social Workers)™ Pagano, DSW, LSW, CRS, FPS, Life Coach
LinkedIn Top Voice 👐 | Transform Mental Health: From Challenge to Path 🧠 | Celebrated 2 X #1 Best-Seller & Pulitzer Contender 📚 | Renowned Addiction Intervention Expert 🛠️ | Pioneer in SUD Education 🌱
Access to healthcare is significantly influenced by social class. Individuals from higher social classes often have better health insurance, can afford out-of-pocket costs, and access a broader range of services. Those from lower social classes may face limited options and delayed treatments, worsening health issues. As a social worker, recognizing these disparities is crucial for advocating for equitable access to healthcare for all individuals.
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Lionel VUITTENEZ
Chargé de mission bénévole au sein du 7ème lieu à Vincennes, je suis chargé de la communication et du développement des projets de l'association (projets GAPP, "heures joyeuses du social" et innovation sociale)
Voici quelques constats réalisés lors d'un événements "les heures joyeuses du social" de l'association Le 7ème lieu sur le thème du burn out : le burn out enferme dans un cercle vicieux de paupérisation qui empêche l'accès aux soins car la maladie n'est pas reconnue comme une maladie professionnelle.
Education is a powerful determinant of health outcomes, closely tied to social class. Higher educational attainment often leads to better health literacy, enabling you to make informed health decisions and understand medical advice. It also opens doors to higher-paying jobs that can afford better healthcare. For those in lower social classes, limited education can be a barrier to understanding health information and accessing preventive care, making your role in providing education and resources even more vital.
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Georges EKONA
Ceo/ Speaker/ Consultant Senior en étude, évaluation et capitalisation des projets et programme, développement et transformation stratégique des organisations
La classe sociale, définie par le niveau de revenu, d'éducation et de profession, joue un rôle déterminant dans les résultats de santé. Le manque d'éducation et la précarité économique s'alimentent mutuellement, créant un cercle vicieux de marginalisation et de privation. Les individus issus de classes défavorisées, peu éduqués, ont moins de chances d'accéder à des emplois bien rémunérés et de bénéficier d'une couverture sociale adéquate. Cette situation limite leurs opportunités d'améliorer leur niveau de vie et de sortir de la pauvreté, perpétuant ainsi les inégalités sociales et sanitaires.
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Carlos Gonzáles Cueva
Licenciado en Antropología 🎓 | Est. de Mg. en Gerencia Social 📚| Sostenibilidad y Gestión Cultural♻️| Desarrollo Social💡 | Consultor en Investigación Social y Comportamiento del Consumidor🕵🏻
Socioeconomic inequalities can create disparities in the quality and accessibility of education, impacting the ability to understand health information. For instance, individuals from lower social classes may face financial and structural barriers to accessing quality education, thereby limiting their ability to comprehend health information. Additionally, cultural beliefs and values about medicine can influence perceptions of health education. In some communities, a preference for traditional healing practices or distrust of Western medicine may affect the pursuit of health education, further exacerbating skepticism towards health information.
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Dr. Joey (The Traveling Social Workers)™ Pagano, DSW, LSW, CRS, FPS, Life Coach
LinkedIn Top Voice 👐 | Transform Mental Health: From Challenge to Path 🧠 | Celebrated 2 X #1 Best-Seller & Pulitzer Contender 📚 | Renowned Addiction Intervention Expert 🛠️ | Pioneer in SUD Education 🌱
Education significantly impacts health outcomes and is closely linked to social class. Higher educational levels usually lead to better health literacy, which helps individuals make informed health decisions and understand medical advice. Additionally, higher education often correlates with higher-paying jobs that afford better healthcare options. Conversely, individuals from lower social classes with limited education may struggle with health information and access to preventive care. As a social worker, your role in providing essential education and resources becomes crucial in bridging these gaps.
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Gloria E.
Adept Data Analyst | SQL, Python, R , Power BI | M&E | Economist | Consultant
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes, intricately linked with social class. Achieving higher levels of education often correlates with enhanced health literacy, empowering individuals to make informed health choices and comprehend medical guidance. Moreover, it facilitates access to higher-paying employment opportunities, thereby enabling better healthcare access. Conversely, individuals from lower social classes may encounter barriers due to limited education, hindering their understanding of health information and access to preventative care. Thus, your role in delivering education and resources becomes even more crucial in addressing these disparities.
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Samuel Stéphane HAPPI
Monitoring And Evaluation chez EGPAF CMR
Bonsoir l'Expert ..S'il te plaît j'ai pas vraiment compris ton développement ci dessus 🫣 Vu que les projets existent du fait des inégalités sociales certes mais aussi comme mesures d'accompagnement ou de soutien pour l'Etat en matière d' employabilité...Du coup, en parcourant le thème, j'ai cru comprendre qu'il était question de résultats à long therme lorsqu' on travaille dans de tels environnements et donc de leçons tirées.Pour finir enfin: partager un vécu qui influence (positivement ou négativement) la théorie du changement... Cdlt,
The environment you live in is heavily influenced by social class and directly impacts health. Higher social classes often afford cleaner neighborhoods, less pollution, and access to healthy foods. On the other hand, lower social classes may contend with substandard housing, exposure to toxins, and food deserts. As a social worker, addressing these environmental injustices can be part of your strategy for improving health outcomes among disadvantaged populations.
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Dr. Joey (The Traveling Social Workers)™ Pagano, DSW, LSW, CRS, FPS, Life Coach
LinkedIn Top Voice 👐 | Transform Mental Health: From Challenge to Path 🧠 | Celebrated 2 X #1 Best-Seller & Pulitzer Contender 📚 | Renowned Addiction Intervention Expert 🛠️ | Pioneer in SUD Education 🌱
The environment you live in is heavily influenced by social class and directly impacts health outcomes. Individuals from higher social classes often have access to cleaner neighborhoods, less pollution, and healthier food options. Conversely, those from lower social classes may face challenges such as substandard housing, exposure to toxins, and limited access to nutritious foods—conditions known as food deserts. As a social worker, addressing these environmental injustices is crucial in your strategy to improve health outcomes among disadvantaged populations.
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Georges EKONA
Ceo/ Speaker/ Consultant Senior en étude, évaluation et capitalisation des projets et programme, développement et transformation stratégique des organisations
L'état de santé d'un individu n'est pas uniquement le fruit de sa biologie ou de ses choix personnels. Il est intimement lié à son environnement social, économique et écologique. Les facteurs environnementaux tels que la qualité de l'air et de l'eau, l'accès à des espaces verts, la pollution sonore et la présence de substances toxiques peuvent avoir un impact significatif sur la santé. Les populations défavorisées sont souvent exposées à des environnements plus pollués et dégradés, ce qui accroît leur risque de développer des maladies respiratoires, cardiovasculaires et d'autres problèmes de santé. L'accès limité à des espaces verts et à des activités physiques en plein air peut également nuire à leur santé physique et mentale.
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Gloria E.
Adept Data Analyst | SQL, Python, R , Power BI | M&E | Economist | Consultant
Environmental factors, strongly correlated with social class, significantly affect health outcomes. Individuals from higher social classes typically reside in cleaner neighborhoods with less pollution and have better access to nutritious food options. Conversely, lower social classes may face challenges such as substandard housing, exposure to toxins, and living in food deserts. As a social worker, addressing these environmental injustices should be integral to your approach in improving health outcomes among disadvantaged populations.
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Andrea Roxana Herrera
Estudiante de Naturopatía - IMN | Técnica en Trabajo Social
El trabajador social es un profesional fundamental a la hora de idear proyectos de saneamiento . Somos profesionales totalmente aptos para trabajar en politicas de carácter publico o privado que contribuyan a sanear estos temas y no sólo trabajar sobre lo urgente y primario.
Chronic stress is a silent factor affecting health, and it disproportionately affects lower social classes. Financial insecurity, job instability, and social marginalization contribute to chronic stress, which can lead to health problems like hypertension and mental health issues. Recognizing the signs of stress and providing support through counseling or community programs can help mitigate its impact on health.
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Dr. Joey (The Traveling Social Workers)™ Pagano, DSW, LSW, CRS, FPS, Life Coach
LinkedIn Top Voice 👐 | Transform Mental Health: From Challenge to Path 🧠 | Celebrated 2 X #1 Best-Seller & Pulitzer Contender 📚 | Renowned Addiction Intervention Expert 🛠️ | Pioneer in SUD Education 🌱
Chronic stress significantly impacts health and disproportionately affects lower social classes. Factors such as financial insecurity, job instability, and social marginalization contribute to this stress, leading to health issues like hypertension and mental health disorders. As a social worker, recognizing the signs of chronic stress and providing support through counseling or community programs is vital to mitigating its impact on health.
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Gloria E.
Adept Data Analyst | SQL, Python, R , Power BI | M&E | Economist | Consultant
Chronic stress is a pervasive yet often overlooked factor impacting health, particularly among lower social classes. Financial instability, job insecurity, and social marginalization contribute significantly to chronic stress, culminating in health issues such as hypertension and mental health disorders. Identifying signs of stress and offering support through counseling or community programs are essential interventions to alleviate its detrimental effects on health. As social workers, addressing these underlying stressors is crucial in promoting holistic well-being within disadvantaged communities.
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Andrea Roxana Herrera
Estudiante de Naturopatía - IMN | Técnica en Trabajo Social
Coincido totalmente que a nivel emocional las personas de acceso escaso a recursos primordiales, están expuestos a vivir en condiciones de estres y alerta constante, lo cual influye directamente en su salud física y mental.
Behavioral choices, such as diet, exercise, and substance use, are often influenced by social class. Those with higher income levels typically have better access to healthy food options and recreational facilities. In contrast, economic constraints can limit these choices for those in lower social classes, leading to poorer health outcomes. Social workers play a crucial role in creating programs that encourage healthy behaviors across all social strata.
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Dr. Joey (The Traveling Social Workers)™ Pagano, DSW, LSW, CRS, FPS, Life Coach
LinkedIn Top Voice 👐 | Transform Mental Health: From Challenge to Path 🧠 | Celebrated 2 X #1 Best-Seller & Pulitzer Contender 📚 | Renowned Addiction Intervention Expert 🛠️ | Pioneer in SUD Education 🌱
Behavioral choices like diet, exercise, and substance use are often influenced by social class. Individuals in higher income brackets generally have better access to healthy food and recreational facilities, while economic constraints may limit these options for lower-income groups, leading to poorer health outcomes. Social workers are crucial in developing programs that promote healthy behaviors across all social strata, helping bridge the gap and improve overall community health.
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Gloria E.
Adept Data Analyst | SQL, Python, R , Power BI | M&E | Economist | Consultant
Behavioral choices, including diet, exercise, and substance use, are frequently shaped by social class. Individuals with higher incomes usually enjoy easier access to nutritious foods and recreational facilities. Conversely, economic limitations can restrict these options for those in lower social classes, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Social workers play a pivotal role in devising programs that promote healthy behaviors across all social strata, aiming to mitigate disparities and foster well-being within communities.
Public policy has a profound impact on the intersection of social class and health outcomes. Policies that address income inequality, education access, and affordable housing can help level the playing field. As a social worker, advocating for policy changes that support the health of lower social class populations is essential. Your efforts can contribute to systemic changes that improve health equity for everyone.
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Chudi Okafor, MBA
Oncology Clinical Scientist Intern at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine | Pharmacist Intern at CommonSpirit Health | Pharm.D. Candidate at USC Mann School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
I've found that addressing health outcome disparities involves advocating for health-adjacent policies that do not always have traction in policymaking bodies. Supporting initiatives like increasing the minimum wage, implementing progressive taxation, and expanding access to affordable healthcare, can help remove barriers. Additionally, advocating for equal access to education, affordable housing, and community resources is essential. Taking an intersectional approach, we must recognize and address the intersecting factors that contribute to health disparities, including race, gender, and immigration status. Collaborating with organizations focused on addressing multiple forms of inequality can help create more comprehensive solutions.
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