Unlocking Health Equity: Why Class is the Key Factor You Can’t Ignore – PMLiVE

People from lower-income backgrounds often face serious health challenges. Studies show they tend to be sick more often, struggle with mental health issues, and have shorter lives compared to wealthier individuals.

The roots of these inequalities have been seen for over a century and still persist today in every country. Those with lower socio-economic status (SES) generally face higher rates of chronic illnesses and mental health conditions. Key reasons for this include limited access to healthcare, subpar living conditions, fewer healthy lifestyle choices, and stress linked to financial struggles.

In society, “class” describes groups of people sharing similar economic status, influenced by factors like income, education, job type, and social connections. This concept isn’t new; it has existed throughout history. For example, ancient civilizations like Egypt had clear social hierarchies distinguishing the elite from commoners and slaves.

In his 1958 book, Nation of Immigrants, John F. Kennedy claimed America lacked a strict class structure. However, even today, social class significantly affects health outcomes in the U.S. Recent studies reveal that women from higher SES backgrounds enjoy better pregnancy results, experiencing fewer complications such as gestational diabetes or preterm births.

Low SES does not just affect pregnancy; it also impacts how well people use medications. Research shows that those with lower income often struggle to follow treatment plans. They usually face obstacles like high medication costs and limited healthcare access, leading to lower medication adherence rates.

So why is addressing class issues so difficult? Unlike more defined characteristics like race or gender, class is complex and can be sensitive for many. People often don’t want to talk about their economic background, making it harder to identify and tackle class disparities.

To effectively address these issues, researchers can take an intersectional approach, considering factors like ethnicity, pre-existing health conditions, and more in their studies. This approach leads to better insights and targeted health programs. For example, clinical trials often gather information about participants’ income and education, helping identify potential impacts of SES on health.

However, studies vary in how they measure SES, making it tough to compare results and develop effective health services. A standardized way to collect data on class could improve clarity and outcomes in health policies.

Successful community programs can provide valuable insights. The 2016 ‘Healthy Neighborhood Initiative’ in South Central Los Angeles, for instance, showed great promise. This program involved local residents as health workers, mobile clinics, food support partnerships, and financial education workshops. It resulted in greater healthcare usage and improved health habits among low-income residents.

But sustaining these initiatives can be challenging after initial funding ends. The life sciences sector could play a crucial role in supporting these community efforts far beyond initial grant periods, leading to more lasting changes.

While tackling class issues in health is not easy, the rewards can be significant. By focusing more on this, we can work toward a healthier future for everyone.

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