Women’s health issues have been politicized, making it difficult for many women to access family planning assistance, abortion, and preventative care. Barriers to entry affect the number of medical students of color, reducing the chance of people being able to see a doctor of their own race. Poverty, housing discrimination, and other factors all influence healthcare disparities. Other systemic issues compound the problem as well. Many Black, Latino, and Native Americans struggle with getting white doctors to take their symptoms seriously, leading to alarming disparities in care. Additionally, many undocumented immigrants avoid preventative or routine care for fear of deportation.Įven if people can manage to see a doctor and pay for their care, systemic racism in healthcare affects people all over the country. They are almost never eligible for public health insurance and typically struggle to pay for their care out of pocket. Noncitizens often struggle to obtain healthcare, especially those who are undocumented.
Legal Status as a Deterrent for Seeking Care Sometimes, this means people must travel long distances or work with a provider who doesn’t make them feel comfortable. Both rural and urban areas are experiencing these shortages, causing long waiting periods and forcing people to see any provider that may be available. Many areas of the country are facing shortages in healthcare personnel. Medical debt is a common cause of bankruptcy. This reduces overall health and well-being or leads to life-threatening conditions. High deductibles and out-of-pocket costs cause many people to avoid going to the doctor except in emergencies. Many lower- and middle-class jobs do not offer health benefits and don’t pay their employees enough to purchase insurance independently.Įven for people who have insurance, costs can be prohibitive. Health insurance is expensive in the United States, and it is often dependent on employment status. Understanding how they affect access can help us come up with solutions. Some people are completely unaffected by these factors, while others might face barriers from all six. Everyone has a unique situation and many people have several social factors impacting their ability to access health services. There are six social factors that affect an individual person’s likelihood of receiving quality healthcare. The Six Social Factors in Systemic Health Inequities Language barriers can also lead to poorer access and quality of care. Many people are unable to access proper preventative care due to a lack of health insurance or education. They may face barriers in other areas of their lives and additionally have trouble accessing healthcare, which often leads to chronic health problems or environmental health risks from poor living conditions. Systemic health disparities generally affect people who already belong to vulnerable communities. They are also more likely to get the respect and trust of healthcare professionals, leading to a higher level of care. They are able to afford comprehensive insurance that allows them to pay for medical treatment when needed. Typically, people with more resources and power have a much easier time getting the treatment and advice they need to stay healthy. What Are the Social Issues We’re Facing in Healthcare?Īlso known as the “ social determinants of health,” social issues in healthcare describe the factors that make it easier or harder for someone to get access to quality care and wellness opportunities.
It’s important to be aware of these differences and inequalities so we can work toward a better, more equal society that prioritizes health for all.
There are so many factors dictating our experience with the healthcare system. It’s impossible to escape the realities of society and the history of oppression in our cultures, even when it comes to something as basic as talking with a doctor or trying to pay for a routine procedure. Social factors affect us in every area of life, including health, wellness, and how we’re treated by healthcare professionals. Unfortunately, this just isn’t the case in the United States. We’d like to believe that everyone will have a positive experience when they need to shop for health insurance, see a doctor, or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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