PHC 4464 #GEA2 Paper

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Health Science

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Jun 23, 2024

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1 Socio-Ecological Influences on Health Outcomes for Individuals Below the Poverty Line Taralynn Norman, Julia Scales, Carter Williams, Kevin Lu, Vera Pasmanik University of South Florida PHC 4464.311 Introduction to Health Disparities Rashida Jones, PharmD November 19, 2023 Abstract

2 Health disparities refer to discrepancies in health outcomes, disease prevalence, and access to healthcare services within specific populations. These variations are frequently tied to social, economic, environmental, or demographic factors and can lead to unequal health outcomes among different groups within a given population. This essay analyzes the multifaceted factors influencing the health outcomes of individuals living below the poverty line across various socio-ecological levels. It will explore the various characteristics contributing to this disparity and health outcomes, such as limited access to healthcare, inadequate nutrition, exposure to environmental hazards, and elevated stress levels. Additionally, it will delve into the social determinants of health that play a crucial role in shaping health outcomes, such as education, employment, and social support. Finally, it will discuss how organizations such as the Family Healthcare Foundation and Florida Voices for Health are pivotal catalysts in addressing healthcare disparities through advocacy, community engagement, policy initiatives, and resource allocation. These organizations actively work to dismantle barriers to healthcare access, advocate for policy changes, and enhance health equity for underserved populations. By analyzing these factors, this essay aims to comprehensively understand the complex interplay between poverty and health outcomes and shed light on potential solutions to this pressing issue. Overview of the Health Disparity

3 People living in poverty are more susceptible to negative health outcomes due to inequitable socio-economic determinants such as unstable housing, food insecurity, lack of access to basic healthcare and preventive care, education, and countless other individual hindrances to healthy living. Impoverished people are disproportionately affected by these health determinants because of socio-economic barriers that prevent basic tools of life sustainability from being easily accessible to the underprivileged in the United States. It is inequitable to deny people basic care based on their social or economic class. Without consideration of any other factors, people below the poverty line are already more likely to be unhealthier than privileged people because their stress levels are greater than average which makes them prone to mental health issues, obesity, and drug usage (Cunningham, 2018). The stress faced by this population can be partially accredited to a sense of insecurity caused by a lack of stability in low-income jobs, unsafe neighborhoods, and food security (2018). Impoverished people are more likely to struggle with obesity because fast food is more accessible and cheap than nutritious food. Also it is difficult for poorer people living in food deserts to seek out affordable healthy foods without reliable transportation. Low-income housing is associated with crime and violence which causes a feeling of distrust among the residents and breeds anxiety. Low-income jobs commonly have a high turnover rate and inconsistent hours. These high stress factors cultivate an unhealthy environment for the mental health of people living in poverty. Poverty is a nuanced health disparity with a wide spread of repercussions that seep from an economic vulnerability and hinder the health and social standing of those inflicted. It is important and necessary for the healthcare system to aid the 37.9 million people facing the health consequences of poverty to improve the overall health and wellness of the nation (US Census Bureau, 2023).

4 According to the Florida Department of Health, nearly 70% of adults had a medical check up in 2010 (2021). In current times, the number of adults who had at least one medical check up rose to nearly 80% in 2021(2021). Despite the rising rate of medical checkups among adults, in a poll conducted by the Florida Health Justice Project, over half of participating Floridans are worried about healthcare bills in 2019 (Yager, 2019). If healthcare is unaffordable, it is less likely to be utilized, and preventive care becomes especially underutilized. Preventive care is an indicator of the quality care of a state and greatly reduces the number of negative health outcomes; the faster a health issue is identified, the sooner it can be rectified. Unfortunately, 20% of Floridans do not even complete necessary medical procedures or get their prescriptions filled, even if they attend a medical check up (2019). If low-income households go to medical check-ups but do not acquire additional, prescribed medical assistance, their health outcomes remain negative. A high rate of medical check ups among adults is a step in the right direction but inconsequential if patients can not even treat their identified problems. Poverty is a health disparity that can strike any population if healthcare aid is not in place. However, it is important to consider intersectionality in any nuanced conversation. Over half of the uninsured people accounted for in Florida are people of color (2019). Ethnic and racial minorities who live in poverty are the most impacted by this health inequity. In addition, people living with disabilities without insurance lack access to costly accommodations and aid. These minorities must be especially considered in future plans to minimize the effects of poverty on Florida health outcomes. Selected Population

5 The selected population is the people living in the United States who live below the poverty line. An individual is considered impoverished if their income is below $12,880. As of 2022, the poverty rate in the U.S. was 11.5 percent which amounts to 37.9 million people who live in poverty. (Shrider & Creamer, 2023). The problem is that because of the limited resources of those who live in poverty they often do not have adequate access to healthcare, with also a disparity between those of different gender, race, and ethnicity. The population might not have the transportation to go to hospitals, not have a hospital nearby, and not being able to afford treatment due to not having healthcare. Those who live in poverty also are much more likely to not have stable housing, healthy foods, and safe neighborhoods, which limit their educational and employment opportunities causing the cycle of poverty to repeat. ( Poverty , n.d.). The impact of such factors is that those in poverty suffer more from the consequences of diseases. Poverty at the county level was associated with mortality for certain chronic conditions such as heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease. (Moore & Witting, 2023). In infectious diseases such as Covid-19, those in poverty are more likely to be infected, suffer larger effects from the symptoms, and have a higher mortality rate. Some health organizations that deal with poverty and health include: the Family Healthcare Foundation and the Florida Voices for Health. The Family Healthcare Foundation is a local health organization that covers the Tampa Bay Area. The services they provide since 1998 are to ensure access to high-quality care for those in Tampa by enrolling residents into healthcare coverage programs, improving healthcare literacy, and mobilizing community partners to support collective knowledge. ( About Us , n.d.). The foundation helps underprivileged people get access to healthcare and reduces health disparities in the area. The state organization, Florida Voices for Health works to create a healthcare system for Floridians using a coalition of community

6 organizations, businesses, and individuals. ( Florida voices for health , n.d.). They represent low to moderate income Floridians in the political health reform debate as well as bringing resources and information to communities in the state. Many factors can influence the socioeconomic status of people in the nation. Those who grow up in less affluent neighborhoods are more likely to be victims of crime and develop physical and mental health issues. There’s a greater chance compared to the higher classes that those living in poverty won’t have good access to healthcare and education. A lack of education or a degree makes it more likely to not get a higher paying job, which prevents people from improving their situation. The two root causes of health inequities between those living in poverty and those who aren’t are the intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and systemic mechanisms that organize the distribution of power and resources across different groups, and the more fundamental root cause which is the unequal allocation of power and resources which manifest in unequal social, economic, and environmental conditions. (“The root cause of health inequity”, 2017). Amongst those who are living below the poverty line, those who are African American, Hispanic, women, or immigrants experience greater disparities. Discriminatory practices, higher rates of poverty, and lack of support for these groups References

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