Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Diseases of poverty, also known as poverty-related diseases, are diseases that are more prevalent in low-income populations. [1] They include infectious diseases, as well as diseases related to malnutrition and poor health behaviour. Poverty is one of the major social determinants of health.
The social determinants of health in poverty describe the factors that affect impoverished populations' health and health inequality. Inequalities in health stem from the conditions of people's lives, including living conditions , work environment, age , and other social factors, and how these affect people's ability to respond to illness . [ 1 ]
Often, poverty-areas do not have places to walk or get healthy food nearby, and they are bombarded with unhealthy promotions like cigarettes, alcohol, and fast food. [17] High-poverty areas also had higher death rates than low-poverty areas. [16] [18] The cost of housing is a huge detriment to physical health.
Conversely, economic instability, unemployment, and poverty are associated with higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and overall poorer health status. According to Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), Economic stability is described as the ability to obtain the resources that is necessary to one's life and well-being.
The inaccessibility of health care for those living in poverty has a substantial impact on the rate of disability within this population. [12] Individuals living in poverty face higher health risks and are often unable to obtain proper treatment, leading them to be significantly more likely to acquire a disability within their lifetime. [12]
The United States uses a poverty measure based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "economy food plan" by which 11% of Americans are living in poverty, but this is disputed. The World Bank defines poverty in absolute terms. It defines extreme poverty as living on less than US$1.90 per day. [2] , and moderate poverty as less than $3.10 a day.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, an individual who makes $12,760 a year is considered below the poverty line. [16] This amount is enough to cover living and transportation payments, bills, food, and clothing. In the United States, 13.1 percent of the population are reported to fall below the poverty level. [17]
The term is inextricably linked to the similar terms poverty and social exclusion. [5] The concept of relative deprivation has important consequences for both behaviour and attitudes , including feelings of stress , political attitudes , and participation in collective action .