FACTORS INFLUENCING THE HEALTH OF A COMMUNITY
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University of Nairobi *
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321401
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Health Science
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by akellyonuko
Factors that impact the well-being of a community
An individual's health is determined by the circumstances and conditions in which they live.
It
is improbable for individuals to have direct control over several determinants of health, which
are factors that influence a person's state of being healthy or not.
1. Labor and occupation
Work and the levels of employment and unemployment in a community are crucial for health due
to the following three reasons:
a) Occupational diseases: All forms of labor have an impact on health, which may be either
beneficial or detrimental.
Nevertheless, some occupations are associated with the development
of illnesses, such as silicosis among those employed in mines and quarries, as well as equipment
accidents among agricultural workers.
Emerging occupational ailments are also being
acknowledged, including repetitive strain injury among those who use keyboards.
b) Income levels have a significant impact on individuals' health, since they affect their capacity
to make healthy lifestyle choices and access healthcare services.
The local economy of a
community is influenced by different socioeconomic levels.
c) Self-esteem; the perceived social standing of a job influences individuals' self-perception.
The amount of job satisfaction significantly impacts individuals' overall well-being.
Individuals
are often characterized based on their employment status or absence thereof.
Unemployment
may lead to feelings of exclusion, and research has shown that the absence of paid work can
negatively impact one's health.
2. Socioeconomic deprivation and financial resources
Poverty may be categorized as either absolute, meaning it is insufficient to maintain good health,
or relative, indicating the level of poverty in comparison to others.
In terms of health, the
amount of poverty is not the only factor that matters, but also the disparity between the
wealthiest and the poorest.
A substantial disparity leads to a significant divergence in health and
life expectancy between affluent and impoverished individuals.
This phenomenon is sometimes
referred to as health inequality.
The impact of this element on global health is quite substantial,
making it crucial to have access to information on this matter.
3. Environmental factors
The environment in which we live and operate has a direct impact on our well-being.
Several
variables should be closely observed in this situation.
a) Pollution: The contamination of air and water leads to the spread of diseases and loss of life,
which is seen globally. Examples include the presence of lead in gasoline, accidental release of
chemicals from industrial facilities, and the contamination of drinking water with sewage.
b) Sanitation: Effective sanitation eradicates diseases such as cholera and dysentery entirely. In
cases where sanitation measures are inadequate, gastrointestinal problems become apparent
without delay.
In areas with inadequate sanitation infrastructure, the presence of human waste
in water sources may pose significant health risks.
c) Housing; the absence of a residence impacts all facets of well-being - protection from the
elements, a setting to support a family, a refuge to feel secure.
The housing options in Europe
are influenced by local history, culture, the economics, and political atmosphere. There is a
diverse variety of housing available, including tents in the Negev desert, tower blocks in cities,
new housing estates, private residences, refugee camps, and hostels.
The style, quality, and
appropriateness of housing will significantly impact health.
Examine concerns such as
overcrowding, moisture, and inadequate heating, since these are substantial determinants
impacting health.
Additionally, take into account the distance between residences and
workplaces, pharmacies, educational institutions, and retail establishments.
d) Transportation; The recording of transport systems is crucial as they have the potential to
impact individuals' accessibility to services, social support networks, and job opportunities.
Transportation may also have influence on health via occurrences of accidents, noise pollution,
and air pollution.
4. Social cohesion refers to the level of unity and cooperation within a society.
Community well-being relies on the presence of social support.
Several factors must be
considered when assessing the level of social cohesiveness within a community.
a) Networks: Family and friendship networks provide individuals the essential emotional support
necessary for their overall well-being.
Describing and quantifying social networks may be
challenging.
Optimal approach entails seeking guidance from local residents.
They may
potentially depict social networks using flow diagrams, maps, drawings, narratives, and
theatrical performances.
Ensure that the approaches you choose align with the local culture and
educational background.
b) Migration: Migration results in population disruption due to the significant relocation of a
large number of individuals.
Typically, it is the younger segment of the working-age population
that chooses to emigrate. Consequently, this results in a population decline for their home town
and a population increase for the community they relocate to.
Worker migration might occur on
a daily, weekly, or extended basis.
Population displacements may be distressing due to the
significant disruption created, particularly when compelled by armed conflict, the risk of
prejudice, or dire economic circumstances.
Immigrants often have lower socioeconomic status
compared to the local population and may have challenges in communication due to language
barriers.
Additionally, racism may lead to social, cultural, and economic marginalization for
individuals.
These encounters will have a substantial impact on the health of a community.
c) Marginal groups refer to communities that exist outside the main community yet may
constitute a separate and distinguishable population.
Certain factions, such as religious cults,
nomads, and gypsies, may choose to live on the outside of conventional society.
Certain
individuals, such as those who lack a permanent residence, may find themselves compelled to
assume that particular role.
Both of these populations generally have greater challenges in
accessing health care, while having a higher need for services.
d) The availability of non-work social activities serves as an indicator of the level of social
cohesiveness and support within a community.
These activities strengthen the sense of
belonging and the psychological well-being of members within a community.
5. Factors that cause destabilization.
War, economic hardship, and natural calamities, such as earthquakes, floods, or droughts, have a
direct influence on health by affecting death rates, illness patterns, and lifestyle choices.
Additionally, they have an indirect impact on health by diminishing the resources allocated to
healthcare services, exacerbating poverty, and diminishing the social and economic welfare of a
people.
They have the potential to significantly decrease population figures and exacerbate
feelings of terror and mental illness.
In order to create a comprehensive community health
needs assessment profile, it is essential to document and analyze the many elements that
contribute to destabilization and their corresponding impacts.
6. Formal and informal resources.
Every community has inherent resources and assets that may be used to address the needs of
individuals, families, or social groupings.
These resources might either be official services or
informal networks.
Evaluating the magnitude of both categories of resources is crucial when
considering the profile information.
It is important to not just concentrate on the issues and
requirements of a community, as this may lead to the neglect of its strengths, thus undermining
the present resources.
a) Informally, families are responsible for the majority of care services provided within the
community.
Under such conditions, the responsibility of providing care often rests mostly on
women and might have substantial implications for their health condition.
Private and voluntary
systems of care partially or fully complement the family or serve as a substitute in the absence of
a family network.
There might exist either a comprehensive welfare system or a fragmented
structure of philanthropic and volunteer groups.
Formal services may be offered at different levels and by various organizations.
An evaluation
of the health profile should measure the efficacy and coverage of the interventions implemented.
To what extent are assistance available to those who lack transportation or have disabilities?
These will include both healthcare services and those offered by other sectors that have influence
on health.
An illustration of this is the emphasis by WHO on the correlation between women's
literacy and enhancements in family health. This underscores the significance of educational
assets within a community as a valuable resource for health, as shown by Rifkin in 1990.
Various political and religious groups own resources that communities use to provide economic
aid as well as health and social services.
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