Premium Essay

The Social Determinants of Health: Working Conditions as a Determinant of Health

In:

Submitted By leady
Words 3260
Pages 14
Working Conditions as a Determinant of Health
This summary is primarily based on papers and presentations by Andrew Jackson, Senior Economist, Canadian Labour Congress, and Michael Polanyi Assistant Professor, Saskatchewan Population Health Research and Evaluation Unit, and Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina. The presentations were prepared for The Social Determinants of Health Across the Life-Span Conference, held in Toronto in November 2002.

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Health Canada.

Current Situation
Over the 1980s and 1990s, there has been an ongoing restructuring of the labour market and of employment relationships. The intent of these changes has been to promote productivity and competitiveness, as opposed to promoting a worker-centred agenda of “good jobs” (Lowe, 2000). In Canada, only two-thirds of the employed workforce are in “standard” salaried jobs with no defined end date (mostly provided by large firms and the public sector). In this shrinking core job market, workers who have survived layoffs, privatization and contracting-out are generally working longer and harder. Employers have tried to increase profitability and competitiveness and to contain budgets by boosting productivity. This has been accomplished largely by increasing workloads. For example, in the health sector, fewer nurses, social workers and other health professionals must now deal with more clients and perform more duties. Investments in new labour-saving equipment, new information-based technologies, and experimentation with new forms of work organization have also boosted productivity. Some workplaces have become less hierarchical and alienating with the elimination of lower level supervisors and expanded job content. However, the overall incidence of innovative new

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Social Factors Affecting Healthh

...Course: Lecturer: Date: The social determinants of health are the living and the working conditions which influence people’s health. Therefore our health is also affected in part by the social and economic opportunities available to us. Discussed below are the identified social factors affecting health in our society. Stressful conditions making people to be anxious and worried damage ones health. Stressful circumstances make it hard to engage in physical activities or even practicing health eating habits since the body energy is focused on dealing with day to day challenges (Brunner & Marmot, 2006). Stress also leads to prolonged biological reactions which strains the physical body. Therefore, continuous stressing circumstances will result to weakening of the resistance to diseases of the body and interferes with the functioning of the hormonal and metabolic systems. According to Brunner & Marmot (2006), the improvement of health may only be achieved if living conditions are improved and therefore, focus must be placed on solving the source of the problems instead of dealing with the underlying symptoms. Another social factor affecting health is the distribution of income. This is because it is the level of incomes which shapes how people live. Low incomes results to social and material deprivation as the basic needs are a challenge to meet for the low income earners (Raphael, 2010). Food, clothing and shelter are the prerequisites of health and for the people with low...

Words: 2483 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

The Bio-Medical Model

...‘Imagining health problems as social issues’ talks about the social origins of health and illness, emergence of bio-medical and social model of health and limitations of bio-medical model which has been explained as follows: The emergence of the biomedical model In 1878, Louis Pasteur (1822–96) was the first person who came up with the idea of ‘germ theory of disease’. This theory stressed the role of germs as the causative agents for the development of disease in the human beings. Robert Koch (1843–1910) refined the idea of germ theory and came up with a term ‘Specific Aaetiology’ (meaning specific cause of disease) in which he stated that every disease is caused by a specific kind of bacteria. The central idea was that...

Words: 1269 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

What Is Health

...Policy Making Abstract Health is said to be universally important. The word health has been defined differently by many. The first of many definition was given by WHO better known as (World Health Organization), they defined health as the “Complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WH0, 1948). There are several more, just to name a few, Bircher, 2005, said that health is “the dynamic state of well-being characterized by a physical and mental potential. The second and last definition was given by Saracci Radolfol in 1997 defined health as “a condition of well-being, free of disease or infirmity, and a base universe and human rights.” Health seems to be defined differently by many, but when it all comes to a head it means the same thing. Introduction This paper today will be discussing the following things about health and they are listed below; 1. Discussing ways in which society is conceptualized by a society, 2.What are the determinant of health in human, 3. What is the connection between how society defines health and how it pursues health, 4. Has increase access to technology changed that perception over the last decade and 5. Discussing the connection between health policies, health determinants, and health. Discuss ways in which health can be conceptualized by a society. There are several ways that health can be conceptualized by a society, and here are a few ways of Health is frequently conceptualized alike...

Words: 1485 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Health Promotion in Diabees

...R T H E R N T E R R I T O R Y D E PA R T M E N T O F H E A LT H Health Promotion Strategic Framework 2011 - 2015 www.healthynt.nt.gov.au NT Department of Health Health Promotion Strategic Framework 2011 - 2015 Background This framework provides a structure for describing the type of health promotion actions that are used across the Northern Territory. It enables a shared understanding of the actions that can be taken to improve health and wellbeing. It also provides guidance about embedding a health promotion approach into all planning processes, programs and service development across the NT. While this framework is intended to be used within the health sector, we strongly encourage other sectors and agencies outside of the health domain to use the framework. This framework should be used in conjunction with health promotion audit tools and other health promotion resources available in the NT, such as the Public Health Bush Books and the Quality Improvement Program Planning System (QIPPS). It is also designed to be used as a guide, together with other local, regional and national frameworks, policies, strategies and resources. Why Health Promotion? The World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledges the growing evidence that health promotion and preventive health approaches are effective in improving overall health and wellbeing, reducing the burden of chronic disease and injury, addressing health inequities, facilitating the better use of resources and enhancing economic...

Words: 6391 - Pages: 26

Premium Essay

Health: Social Determinants Of Health

...look at how and why researchers may link medical information with other non-medical information, for example, where people live, their income and their education. An understanding of how these factors affect an individual’s health can help us to look beyond the healthcare system for ways to improve the health of New Zealanders. These factors are called the social determinants of health. This essay will take a closer look at some of these social determinants and how they can influence people’s health and well-being. It will also discuss research articles that provide examples of influences of social determinants of health relating to adults. Paragraph 2: SDH approach. Your discussion...

Words: 1015 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Hepatitis B: a Global Health Crisis

...Hepatitis B: A Global Health Crisis Gina Duron Grand Canyon University: NRS 427V November 15, 2015 Hepatitis B: A Global Health Crisis Approximately one-third of the world’s population have been infected with the hepatitis b virus (HBV) and 240 million people are infected with chronic hepatitis b infection worldwide. This communicable disease is a potentially life threatening liver infection. It has become a global health problem that affects all areas of the world. Many organizations, health care providers, and governments around the world are working together to address the health concerns that affect different parts of the world. By understanding the health determinants that affect hepatitis b and researching the epidemiologic triangle of hepatitis b, policies and plans can be developed to guide the community health nurse in her role in reducing the morbidity and mortality of this communicable disease. What is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis b is a viral infection that can manifest as acute or chronic. Approximately ninety percent of adults with a normal immune status can recover completely from a newly acquired hepatitis b infection. Infants, young children, immunocompromised persons infected with hepatitis b are more at risk for developing the chronic form of disease which can lead to life threatening liver disease and liver cancer. Symptoms of HBV include jaundice of skin and sclera, abdominal pain, fever, joint pain, weakness and nausea and vomiting. This communicable...

Words: 1295 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Obesity in Singapore

... “Our Health is our Wealth.” However, not many know the true definition of health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 1948), “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” There are many factors that contribute to health either positively or negatively; this is called the determinants of health. The determinants of health can be divided into biomedical or biological conditions; which may include hereditary conditions such as diabetes, behavioural and psychosocial conditions such as taking drugs or having low self-esteem and also social-environmental conditions which include government policies, poor air quality and many more (WHO, 2013). With the growth in the world population, it is therefore important for countries/governments to realise the importance of switching their strategy from a high risk strategy which tackles individuals to a low risk strategy which tackles the population in terms of handling the health issues in the country. This can be done by looking at the social determinants of health and eliminating the inequalities by providing an equal opportunity for each individual in the country to lead a healthy lifestyle. Social determinants of health is described as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, including the health system (WHO, 2013). This includes the social gradient, stress, early life, social exclusion, work, unemployment, social support...

Words: 1845 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Social Differences In Health And Social Care

...When the National Health Service was first created in 1948, the main fundamental aim was to make healthcare free and equally accessible to all. This was not only seen as social justice but also a way to remove or significantly reduce the contrast in mortality rate between different social class groups in Britain. However after a review by the Working Group on Inequalities, the Black Report was published in 1980, suggesting that the mortality differentials in social class groups are just as significant as during the beginning years of the NHS. Action needed to be taken in order to identify the causes and how to reduce the mortality differential Morgan et al (1985). “Health inequalities are the differences in health status or in the distribution of health determinants between different population...

Words: 582 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Module 2 Dq 1

...According to world health organization, health is a state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not the absence of diseases or infirmity. Health starts at home, school, workplace, neighborhood, and communities. Eating well, no smoking, immunization, screening tests, seeing doctors when we are sick, good food and relationships. (HP 2020 data)The social determinants, these includes (1) Personal income, like if the income is low, it will affect the daily living. (2)social support (3)Education ;for example, the more educated you are the more you are likely to live healthy life style.(4) Employment; like if one is employed, it will determine the geographical location of that individual. (5) working conditions; If there no industry, no job, no schools, there will be unemployment, creating problem to the society. (6)social And physical environment; like if the area, where the water is polluted or swampy area like in sub-urban areas.in social, like in interpersonal relationships or social gatherings, or recreational centers, or fitness centers, health centers, parks, amusement centers, tourist centers to mention a few. All these also determine health. (7) Personal health practices. Like in exercises, eating healthy, having rest, and maintaining quality of good health. (8) Socio-Economic status; like the more money you have ,the more likely you will take care of yourself, eat well, do exercise and under take preventive health and more. (9) Health care rationing (10) Health services (11)...

Words: 833 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Health Equity

...Nursing in 3D: Diversity, Disparities, and Social Determinants The Social Determinants of Health: It’s Time to Consider the Causes of the Causes Paula Braveman, MD, MPHa Laura Gottlieb, MD, MPHb ABSTRACT During the past two decades, the public health community’s attention has been drawn increasingly to the social determinants of health (SDH)—the factors apart from medical care that can be influenced by social policies and shape health in powerful ways. We use “medical care” rather than “health care” to refer to clinical services, to avoid potential confusion between “health” and “health care.” The World Health Organization’s Commission on the Social Determinants of Health has defined SDH as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age” and “the fundamental drivers of these conditions.” The term “social determinants” often evokes factors such as health-related features of neighborhoods (e.g., walkability, recreational areas, and accessibility of healthful foods), which can influence health-related behaviors. Evidence has accumulated, however, pointing to socioeconomic factors such as income, wealth, and education as the fundamental causes of a wide range of health outcomes. This article broadly reviews some of the knowledge accumulated to date that highlights the importance of social—and particularly socioeconomic— factors in shaping health, and plausible pathways and biological mechanisms that may explain their effects. We also discuss...

Words: 9260 - Pages: 38

Premium Essay

Healthcare

...Health is about being well overall; however it may hold an different meanings depending on the way it used. Typically, people used it to referring to how one can improve his or her life. Every society establishes its meanings of true health, based upon many factors including biological and behavioral factors and social and physical environments (Longest, 2006). Moreover, there are many factors that indicate what health status in that certain area. The Institute of Medicine (IOM, 2001) deemed health as more than the absence of disease and injury, also Nursing agreed with this organic definition . The IOM (2001) implements the idea of "positive health" thus attached are four components: a healthy body, high-quality personal relationships, a sense of purpose in life, and resilience to stress, trauma, and change. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as physical, mental, and social well-being (WHO &UNICEF, 1978). The Determinants of Health There are a many factors that determine what health an certain area is within a society. Thus a society would know what health polices to enforce when certain determinants are recognize. So, below there will be a brief elaboration on some influential factors. Social Environment It’s evident that extreme stress or burn out can caused a person to become unhealthy. It’s apparent that some stress is natural and necessary such as a women giving birth, she has to experience some level of stress during the delivery process...

Words: 1469 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Many Aspects of an Individual's Environment Can Affect His/Her Health.

...The aim of this essay is to examine the notion that many aspects of an individual’s environment can affect his/her health. To do this I (avoid using the personal pronoun “I”) will look at both the physical and social aspects of a person’s environment (the students were asked to consider both the physical and social environment – students who covered only one of these got a low mark) . I will attempt to make clear the links between these elements and will consider how they impact on health. There are numerous factors influencing health, such as age, race, gender to name a few. However, for the purpose of this essay I intend to concentrate on a number of other elements also thought to be key factors influencing health; social class, employment, income, housing and place of residence. (This has set the scene well showing that the student knows that many factors can affect health but then tells us which ones she will concentrate on). Social Class Table 1 Social class classification Higher managerial and professional e.g. company directors, bank managers, senior civil servant e.g. doctors, barristers and solicitors, teachers, social workers Lower managerial and professional e.g. nurses, actors and musicians, police, soldiers Intermediate e.g. secretaries, clerks Small employers and own account workers e.g. publicans, playgroup leaders, farmers, taxi drivers Lower supervisory, craft and related occupations e.g. printers, plumbers, butchers, train drivers ...

Words: 2471 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Social Determinants Of Health

...impact of the social determinants of health on accessibility to health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. INTRODUCTION 150 words Nurses have an extensive role in caring for the health and wellbeing of people and ensuring they have accessibility to health care. This paper will explore and provide evidence into how the social determinants of health, especially racism or racial discrimination impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders or Indigenous Australian people’s access to health care. Exploring the impact of social determinants of health on Indigenous Australians and the numerous poorer health outcomes experienced by this population group will...

Words: 1457 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Social Constructionism Theory

...Depression is one of the major mental illnesses affected the majority of people in Australia. It was demonstrated that one in seven Australians will suffer from depression throughout their lifetime (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], as cited in Black Dog Institute, n.d.). In this report, I choose Social Constructionism theory to analysis whether the public perspective stigmatized depression and obstruct depressed people to seek treatment. Firstly, the rationale of choosing depression as a health issue will be indicated. It was followed by illustrating the social, cultural and environmental determinants of depression. Social Constructionism theory and the concept of stigma are linked together to claim the causes of misconception of depression...

Words: 1508 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

P3 Trends and Patterns in Health and Illness in Three Social Groups.

...P3 Trends and Patterns in health and illness in three social groups. There are many significant differences in humanity and illness rates which continues to occur among income groups, a section of the community whose income falls within a certain range, and social classes, individuals and groups are considered on the sources of respect and status which is learnt mostly through financial success and the growth of wealth. Social class may also refer to any particular level in such a grading, in most developed countries. The fact reminds us of the significance of social and economic causes of health. There is small uncertainty that the low average of living and persistence of total poverty in the developing world are the main factors of health in developing countries. We have the knowledge that our life routes are socially and economically planned and is genetically determined, which changes the determinants of population health into a social science. Medical sciences speak about the biological paths involved in diseases. There are many opportunities for treatment, but so far health is a social creation and some forms of social organization tend to be healthier than others. To advance our understanding of health all depends on collective research. There was change in public health and there was a sudden rise in life expectancy in developing societies. Life expectancy in more developed societies has increased at the rate of two to three years added to life in the 20th century. The...

Words: 1794 - Pages: 8