- The document examines the relationship between financial exclusion, poverty, and health and wellbeing. It explores how health issues can contribute to poverty and financial exclusion, and vice versa.
- Key factors discussed include the links between poverty and poor health, rising income inequality, increasing numbers of people in poverty and relying on credit. Financial exclusion reduces access to banking and affordable credit, exacerbating health problems.
- Low incomes can lead to fuel and food poverty, which are associated with increased health risks like respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and even excess winter deaths. Poor diets also contribute to diseases and health conditions.
Health inequalities presentation (should definitely work)unipal390
The document discusses health inequalities and their causes and effects. It defines health inequalities as preventable differences in health status between different groups in society. Social and economic factors like income, education and employment have a significant influence on individual and group health. Inequalities have many negative effects, including unfairness, higher risks of illness and premature death for disadvantaged groups. Several government reports over the decades, including the Black Report, Acheson Report and Marmot Review, have examined health inequalities in the UK and made recommendations to reduce them. Child poverty is strongly associated with poorer health outcomes for children. Reducing the gap between rich and poor is important for improving population health.
The document discusses health inequalities between ethnic groups. It notes that health issues are more serious for some ethnic minorities, especially blacks, who are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes and die younger than whites. Key factors that contribute to health differences include lifestyle, socioeconomic status, housing conditions, and rates of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Overall, the document examines data showing inequalities in health statuses and top causes of death between ethnic groups in both the UK and US.
This document summarizes a study that analyzed historical time series data from 14 high and middle-income countries from 1936 to 2005 to examine the association between economic recessions/booms and maternal and infant mortality rates. The results suggest that recessions had a modest but significant association with higher mortality rates, particularly in earlier periods from 1936 to 1965. However, the effects varied widely between countries. Some countries like Japan and Canada saw higher vulnerability to economic shocks in the postwar period, while mortality rates in countries like the UK, Italy and US appeared less affected by economic fluctuations. Overall, the data indicate that recessions can negatively impact health outcomes, especially in earlier stages of development, though the relationship has weakened over time as economies grow.
1. Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of their gender and can include verbal, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
2. The UN defines violence against women as any act resulting in physical, sexual, or mental harm, including threats of such acts.
3. Gender-based violence is fueled by inequitable gender norms and can affect people at different stages of life, ranging from intimate partner violence to child marriage.
This document discusses the triple burden of disease faced by many developing countries. It describes the triple burden as the coexistence of infectious diseases, undernutrition, and emerging non-communicable diseases. Many countries now struggle with this combination of communicable diseases, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Addressing this triple burden presents challenges for healthcare systems in developing nations. Risk factors like poverty, malnutrition, urbanization and changing lifestyles have contributed to the rise of non-communicable diseases.
1) The document discusses issues of inequality, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare that disproportionately impact women. It notes that as poverty rises, so does the population in need of reproductive healthcare assistance, while public support is decreasing.
2) Income inequality is linked to poorer health outcomes, as the gap between rich and poor grows, the well-off are less willing to pay taxes to fund public services. Job status also correlates with health, with lower levels reporting more stress.
3) Women face discrimination in healthcare costs and coverage. They may be denied insurance or charged higher premiums based on gender or experiences like domestic violence. Single and minority women have less access and higher rates of poverty and uninsured.
The document discusses the relationship between information inequality and health inequality. It argues that unequal access to information leads to limited engagement, participation, and empowerment, which can reinforce existing health inequalities. Ensuring open access to information for all members of society, along with efforts to improve health literacy, can help reduce inequalities and empower individuals and communities to make healthier choices.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or action. There are several types of diabetes classified based on etiology. Clinical features include polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. Diagnosis is based on fasting or post-meal blood glucose levels according to WHO criteria. Diet and lifestyle factors like obesity are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes risk. Prevention focuses on maintaining a healthy diet and weight through population-level and high-risk individual strategies. Treatment involves diet, oral medications, or insulin to control blood glucose and prevent complications. Specialized diabetes care centers provide management, education, and research.
Health inequalities presentation (should definitely work)unipal390
The document discusses health inequalities and their causes and effects. It defines health inequalities as preventable differences in health status between different groups in society. Social and economic factors like income, education and employment have a significant influence on individual and group health. Inequalities have many negative effects, including unfairness, higher risks of illness and premature death for disadvantaged groups. Several government reports over the decades, including the Black Report, Acheson Report and Marmot Review, have examined health inequalities in the UK and made recommendations to reduce them. Child poverty is strongly associated with poorer health outcomes for children. Reducing the gap between rich and poor is important for improving population health.
The document discusses health inequalities between ethnic groups. It notes that health issues are more serious for some ethnic minorities, especially blacks, who are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes and die younger than whites. Key factors that contribute to health differences include lifestyle, socioeconomic status, housing conditions, and rates of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Overall, the document examines data showing inequalities in health statuses and top causes of death between ethnic groups in both the UK and US.
This document summarizes a study that analyzed historical time series data from 14 high and middle-income countries from 1936 to 2005 to examine the association between economic recessions/booms and maternal and infant mortality rates. The results suggest that recessions had a modest but significant association with higher mortality rates, particularly in earlier periods from 1936 to 1965. However, the effects varied widely between countries. Some countries like Japan and Canada saw higher vulnerability to economic shocks in the postwar period, while mortality rates in countries like the UK, Italy and US appeared less affected by economic fluctuations. Overall, the data indicate that recessions can negatively impact health outcomes, especially in earlier stages of development, though the relationship has weakened over time as economies grow.
1. Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of their gender and can include verbal, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
2. The UN defines violence against women as any act resulting in physical, sexual, or mental harm, including threats of such acts.
3. Gender-based violence is fueled by inequitable gender norms and can affect people at different stages of life, ranging from intimate partner violence to child marriage.
This document discusses the triple burden of disease faced by many developing countries. It describes the triple burden as the coexistence of infectious diseases, undernutrition, and emerging non-communicable diseases. Many countries now struggle with this combination of communicable diseases, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Addressing this triple burden presents challenges for healthcare systems in developing nations. Risk factors like poverty, malnutrition, urbanization and changing lifestyles have contributed to the rise of non-communicable diseases.
1) The document discusses issues of inequality, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare that disproportionately impact women. It notes that as poverty rises, so does the population in need of reproductive healthcare assistance, while public support is decreasing.
2) Income inequality is linked to poorer health outcomes, as the gap between rich and poor grows, the well-off are less willing to pay taxes to fund public services. Job status also correlates with health, with lower levels reporting more stress.
3) Women face discrimination in healthcare costs and coverage. They may be denied insurance or charged higher premiums based on gender or experiences like domestic violence. Single and minority women have less access and higher rates of poverty and uninsured.
The document discusses the relationship between information inequality and health inequality. It argues that unequal access to information leads to limited engagement, participation, and empowerment, which can reinforce existing health inequalities. Ensuring open access to information for all members of society, along with efforts to improve health literacy, can help reduce inequalities and empower individuals and communities to make healthier choices.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or action. There are several types of diabetes classified based on etiology. Clinical features include polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. Diagnosis is based on fasting or post-meal blood glucose levels according to WHO criteria. Diet and lifestyle factors like obesity are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes risk. Prevention focuses on maintaining a healthy diet and weight through population-level and high-risk individual strategies. Treatment involves diet, oral medications, or insulin to control blood glucose and prevent complications. Specialized diabetes care centers provide management, education, and research.
The healthcare systems of the United States and China are compared in the document. Both countries spend a significant amount on healthcare, but the United States spends more as a percentage of GDP. The United States does not have universal healthcare, while China has three systems that provide coverage to over 90% of its population. General health issues are also similar between the two high-income countries, with heart disease and cancer among the leading causes of death. Suggestions to improve both systems include increasing access and affordability in the United States and addressing inequalities between rural and urban areas in China.
Healthcare causal essay sample from assignmentsupport.com essay writing ser...https://writeessayuk.com/
The document discusses challenges facing the US healthcare system as life expectancy increases and the population ages. Advancements in medicine have led to unprecedented growth in the elderly population. This will strain Medicare and increase demands for healthcare services, home care, and healthcare workers. It will also drive up overall healthcare expenditures. To support the growing elderly population, the government should promote education in health fields and encourage careers in geriatric, primary, and preventative care.
Health care disparities exist between different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The WHO defines health disparities as differences in health outcomes that are closely linked to social and economic disadvantage. There can be up to a 33 year difference in life expectancy between racial groups. Disparities are driven by social determinants like education, income, and environment. Minority groups face greater barriers to accessing quality health care due to lack of insurance, language barriers, and provider biases. Addressing disparities requires improvements in data collection, the health workforce, and policies aimed at promoting equity.
The document discusses social inequalities in health. It provides evidence that health outcomes vary between socioeconomic groups, with those in lower socioeconomic positions experiencing higher mortality rates and morbidity. This is referred to as health inequity. The causes of health inequities involve both access to healthcare as well as social determinants of health like living and working conditions. Historically, governments and policymakers have implemented reforms to public health systems, labor laws, and social welfare programs to improve population health and promote health equity.
The document summarizes the historical transition and growth of the U.S. health care system from the 19th century to present day. It discusses key milestones like the establishment of private health insurance in the 1930s and government programs Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Major changes included the rise of HMOs in the 1980s and an increased focus on preventative care and reducing costs. The paper also examines challenges facing the system like an aging population as baby boomers require more care and changing demographics bringing new diseases. Financing and technology are seen as important factors enabling advancement, but affordability remains a challenge given high expenditures in the U.S. system.
This document discusses several strategies for managing health risks like aging populations, depression, obesity, diabetes, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. It examines how differing management approaches have led to varying outcomes. Effective management of these issues requires awareness of why some risks are harder to address, like those indirectly caused by modern lifestyles. Both short-term and long-term strategies across multiple levels are needed to control risks and their impacts on public health.
- The document outlines strategies for improving public health in England, including establishing Public Health England and strengthening local public health leadership and resources.
- It discusses priorities like reducing obesity, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, and improving mental health. It also aims to decrease health inequalities between rich and poor areas.
- Key elements include new public health systems, a public health outcomes framework, and allocating ring-fenced public health budgets to local authorities to commission public health programs.
Today it’s critical for providers to devote time to patient education; inform patients about their conditions and how to prevent, treat, and manage them. Proper management of chronic conditions extends well beyond episodic and infrequent visits to a provider’s office. This population health white paper discusses why patients must become responsible for their day-to-day disease management. Patients will frequently be required to self-monitor their health indicators, observe symptoms, and note behavior, but they must also adhere to complex medication regimens
This document discusses the growing prevalence and economic impact of chronic diseases in the San Joaquin Valley region of California and San Joaquin County specifically. It finds that rates of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are higher in the region than statewide averages and are leading to premature death. The high costs of treating chronic diseases place a large burden on both the healthcare system and individuals' finances. Where people live determines their exposure to risks and opportunities for healthy living. Understanding current health issues is important to addressing them through public policy changes.
Research done while in PwC Mexico. A short version was included as part of a PwC publication "Future of Pacific Alliance", that was presented at the presidental summit in Chile on July 2016.
Roadmap for Universal Health Care. FDR, PHFI, and Loksatta are convening a Roundtable of experts, thinkers and practitioners to have a purposive dialogue and help evolve a viable, effective model of universal healthcare delivery in India
Health care in Australia is delivered through both public and private systems. The public system is funded through taxes and Medicare provides universal healthcare access. Private health insurance can be purchased for services like hospitals and extras. Approximately 90% of health spending currently goes to treating illness rather than prevention. There is a push to increase funding for prevention to improve health and control costs as the population ages. New technologies have improved disease detection but also increase costs.
This document analyzes the impacts of utility disconnection and eviction moratoria policies on COVID-19 infections and deaths across US counties. It finds that policies limiting evictions reduced COVID-19 infections by 3.8% and deaths by 11%, while moratoria on utility disconnections reduced infections by 4.4% and deaths by 7.4%. Had these policies been adopted nationwide, infections could have been reduced up to 14.2% and deaths up to 40.7% with eviction moratoria, and infections reduced up to 8.7% and deaths up to 14.8% with utility disconnection moratoria. The document provides background on housing precarity and heterogeneity in government COVID-
NHS and social care workforce: meeting our needs now and in the future slidepackThe King's Fund
The second slidepack in this Time to Think Differently series explores the challenges that the health and social care workforce will face in the future, offering practical suggestions to address them.
This document discusses universal health care in the United States and its potential effects on society. It first defines universal health care as a system that provides health insurance to all citizens. It then compares the systems in other countries like Canada, Great Britain, and Germany. In the US, over 45 million people are uninsured despite health care being declared a basic right. The document outlines several potential effects of universal health care on employment, government spending, households, and the economy. Both pros and cons are discussed. In conclusion, it states that most cannot afford treatment without insurance and increasing costs may raise the uninsured population.
This presentation discusses the history and key aspects of universal healthcare in the United States. It covers major healthcare programs and reforms over time like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. Key points of the ACA are explained, such as the individual mandate, health insurance exchanges, Medicaid expansion, and new regulations for insurance companies. The presentation also addresses criticisms around the cost of universal coverage and impacts on taxpayers, employers, and immigrants.
This document discusses financing primary health care in Cameroon. It notes that currently, household health financing is mostly done through out-of-pocket payments, which can lead to catastrophic health expenditures and push households into poverty. While Cameroon has social health insurance and community-based insurance programs, coverage remains low, with 62% of Cameroonians lacking access to quality healthcare. The document proposes studying alternative sustainable financing methods to improve access and reduce financial barriers to healthcare.
This document discusses primary health care financing reforms in Cameroon. It notes that Cameroon currently relies heavily on out-of-pocket payments for health care, which has led to high rates of catastrophic health expenditures and barriers to access. The document reviews Cameroon's socioeconomic context and history of health policies. It proposes developing a more sustainable financing method to improve access and reduce financial barriers. A literature review defines key concepts in health policy, financing, equity, efficiency, and expenditures to provide context for analyzing alternatives.
Promoting and protecting the health of vulnerable aggregatesحسين منصور
This document discusses the health needs and challenges faced by vulnerable populations including those in rural areas, those experiencing poverty and homelessness in urban areas, migrant families and seasonal workers, individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, those with mental health issues, and individuals in correctional facilities. It outlines key characteristics, health risks, and resources for nurses to address the needs of each group. The roles of community health nurses are described, such as providing education, advocacy, and care coordination to promote health and reduce risks for these vulnerable aggregates.
Compare and Contrast: US Health Care and the Netherlands Health CareMaddox5329
The document compares the health care systems of the United States and Netherlands. It finds that while government health care expenditures as a percentage of total spending are similar between the two countries, total per capita health care expenditures are much higher in the US. The standard coverage provided in the Netherlands includes broader benefits like access to general practitioners and dental for those under 18, while out-of-pocket costs for individuals are higher as a percentage of private spending. Both countries require residents to have health insurance and penalize those who do not comply.
The Relationship between Financial Exclusion, Health, Poverty & Wellbeing (sh...Victoria Mackay-Parkin
This document discusses the relationship between financial exclusion, poverty, health, and wellbeing. It defines financial exclusion as limited access to mainstream financial services. Being financially excluded can increase health risks through the "poverty premium" of paying more for goods and services without access to cheaper payment methods. This can contribute to fuel poverty and cold, damp homes linked to various health conditions. Financial exclusion also limits access to affordable credit, increasing risks of unmanageable debt which has significant impacts on mental health. Overall, the document examines how financial difficulties can negatively impact physical and mental health.
This document outlines a lecture on health discrepancies and their causes. It introduces the lecturer, Precious Bembridge, who has 9 years of experience in higher education. The lecture will discuss early developments in healthcare like sanitation, principles of health promotion, and socioeconomic influences on health globally and nationally. Students will learn about using statistics to monitor health in England and how housing and homelessness impact health.
The healthcare systems of the United States and China are compared in the document. Both countries spend a significant amount on healthcare, but the United States spends more as a percentage of GDP. The United States does not have universal healthcare, while China has three systems that provide coverage to over 90% of its population. General health issues are also similar between the two high-income countries, with heart disease and cancer among the leading causes of death. Suggestions to improve both systems include increasing access and affordability in the United States and addressing inequalities between rural and urban areas in China.
Healthcare causal essay sample from assignmentsupport.com essay writing ser...https://writeessayuk.com/
The document discusses challenges facing the US healthcare system as life expectancy increases and the population ages. Advancements in medicine have led to unprecedented growth in the elderly population. This will strain Medicare and increase demands for healthcare services, home care, and healthcare workers. It will also drive up overall healthcare expenditures. To support the growing elderly population, the government should promote education in health fields and encourage careers in geriatric, primary, and preventative care.
Health care disparities exist between different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The WHO defines health disparities as differences in health outcomes that are closely linked to social and economic disadvantage. There can be up to a 33 year difference in life expectancy between racial groups. Disparities are driven by social determinants like education, income, and environment. Minority groups face greater barriers to accessing quality health care due to lack of insurance, language barriers, and provider biases. Addressing disparities requires improvements in data collection, the health workforce, and policies aimed at promoting equity.
The document discusses social inequalities in health. It provides evidence that health outcomes vary between socioeconomic groups, with those in lower socioeconomic positions experiencing higher mortality rates and morbidity. This is referred to as health inequity. The causes of health inequities involve both access to healthcare as well as social determinants of health like living and working conditions. Historically, governments and policymakers have implemented reforms to public health systems, labor laws, and social welfare programs to improve population health and promote health equity.
The document summarizes the historical transition and growth of the U.S. health care system from the 19th century to present day. It discusses key milestones like the establishment of private health insurance in the 1930s and government programs Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Major changes included the rise of HMOs in the 1980s and an increased focus on preventative care and reducing costs. The paper also examines challenges facing the system like an aging population as baby boomers require more care and changing demographics bringing new diseases. Financing and technology are seen as important factors enabling advancement, but affordability remains a challenge given high expenditures in the U.S. system.
This document discusses several strategies for managing health risks like aging populations, depression, obesity, diabetes, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. It examines how differing management approaches have led to varying outcomes. Effective management of these issues requires awareness of why some risks are harder to address, like those indirectly caused by modern lifestyles. Both short-term and long-term strategies across multiple levels are needed to control risks and their impacts on public health.
- The document outlines strategies for improving public health in England, including establishing Public Health England and strengthening local public health leadership and resources.
- It discusses priorities like reducing obesity, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, and improving mental health. It also aims to decrease health inequalities between rich and poor areas.
- Key elements include new public health systems, a public health outcomes framework, and allocating ring-fenced public health budgets to local authorities to commission public health programs.
Today it’s critical for providers to devote time to patient education; inform patients about their conditions and how to prevent, treat, and manage them. Proper management of chronic conditions extends well beyond episodic and infrequent visits to a provider’s office. This population health white paper discusses why patients must become responsible for their day-to-day disease management. Patients will frequently be required to self-monitor their health indicators, observe symptoms, and note behavior, but they must also adhere to complex medication regimens
This document discusses the growing prevalence and economic impact of chronic diseases in the San Joaquin Valley region of California and San Joaquin County specifically. It finds that rates of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are higher in the region than statewide averages and are leading to premature death. The high costs of treating chronic diseases place a large burden on both the healthcare system and individuals' finances. Where people live determines their exposure to risks and opportunities for healthy living. Understanding current health issues is important to addressing them through public policy changes.
Research done while in PwC Mexico. A short version was included as part of a PwC publication "Future of Pacific Alliance", that was presented at the presidental summit in Chile on July 2016.
Roadmap for Universal Health Care. FDR, PHFI, and Loksatta are convening a Roundtable of experts, thinkers and practitioners to have a purposive dialogue and help evolve a viable, effective model of universal healthcare delivery in India
Health care in Australia is delivered through both public and private systems. The public system is funded through taxes and Medicare provides universal healthcare access. Private health insurance can be purchased for services like hospitals and extras. Approximately 90% of health spending currently goes to treating illness rather than prevention. There is a push to increase funding for prevention to improve health and control costs as the population ages. New technologies have improved disease detection but also increase costs.
This document analyzes the impacts of utility disconnection and eviction moratoria policies on COVID-19 infections and deaths across US counties. It finds that policies limiting evictions reduced COVID-19 infections by 3.8% and deaths by 11%, while moratoria on utility disconnections reduced infections by 4.4% and deaths by 7.4%. Had these policies been adopted nationwide, infections could have been reduced up to 14.2% and deaths up to 40.7% with eviction moratoria, and infections reduced up to 8.7% and deaths up to 14.8% with utility disconnection moratoria. The document provides background on housing precarity and heterogeneity in government COVID-
NHS and social care workforce: meeting our needs now and in the future slidepackThe King's Fund
The second slidepack in this Time to Think Differently series explores the challenges that the health and social care workforce will face in the future, offering practical suggestions to address them.
This document discusses universal health care in the United States and its potential effects on society. It first defines universal health care as a system that provides health insurance to all citizens. It then compares the systems in other countries like Canada, Great Britain, and Germany. In the US, over 45 million people are uninsured despite health care being declared a basic right. The document outlines several potential effects of universal health care on employment, government spending, households, and the economy. Both pros and cons are discussed. In conclusion, it states that most cannot afford treatment without insurance and increasing costs may raise the uninsured population.
This presentation discusses the history and key aspects of universal healthcare in the United States. It covers major healthcare programs and reforms over time like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. Key points of the ACA are explained, such as the individual mandate, health insurance exchanges, Medicaid expansion, and new regulations for insurance companies. The presentation also addresses criticisms around the cost of universal coverage and impacts on taxpayers, employers, and immigrants.
This document discusses financing primary health care in Cameroon. It notes that currently, household health financing is mostly done through out-of-pocket payments, which can lead to catastrophic health expenditures and push households into poverty. While Cameroon has social health insurance and community-based insurance programs, coverage remains low, with 62% of Cameroonians lacking access to quality healthcare. The document proposes studying alternative sustainable financing methods to improve access and reduce financial barriers to healthcare.
This document discusses primary health care financing reforms in Cameroon. It notes that Cameroon currently relies heavily on out-of-pocket payments for health care, which has led to high rates of catastrophic health expenditures and barriers to access. The document reviews Cameroon's socioeconomic context and history of health policies. It proposes developing a more sustainable financing method to improve access and reduce financial barriers. A literature review defines key concepts in health policy, financing, equity, efficiency, and expenditures to provide context for analyzing alternatives.
Promoting and protecting the health of vulnerable aggregatesحسين منصور
This document discusses the health needs and challenges faced by vulnerable populations including those in rural areas, those experiencing poverty and homelessness in urban areas, migrant families and seasonal workers, individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, those with mental health issues, and individuals in correctional facilities. It outlines key characteristics, health risks, and resources for nurses to address the needs of each group. The roles of community health nurses are described, such as providing education, advocacy, and care coordination to promote health and reduce risks for these vulnerable aggregates.
Compare and Contrast: US Health Care and the Netherlands Health CareMaddox5329
The document compares the health care systems of the United States and Netherlands. It finds that while government health care expenditures as a percentage of total spending are similar between the two countries, total per capita health care expenditures are much higher in the US. The standard coverage provided in the Netherlands includes broader benefits like access to general practitioners and dental for those under 18, while out-of-pocket costs for individuals are higher as a percentage of private spending. Both countries require residents to have health insurance and penalize those who do not comply.
The Relationship between Financial Exclusion, Health, Poverty & Wellbeing (sh...Victoria Mackay-Parkin
This document discusses the relationship between financial exclusion, poverty, health, and wellbeing. It defines financial exclusion as limited access to mainstream financial services. Being financially excluded can increase health risks through the "poverty premium" of paying more for goods and services without access to cheaper payment methods. This can contribute to fuel poverty and cold, damp homes linked to various health conditions. Financial exclusion also limits access to affordable credit, increasing risks of unmanageable debt which has significant impacts on mental health. Overall, the document examines how financial difficulties can negatively impact physical and mental health.
This document outlines a lecture on health discrepancies and their causes. It introduces the lecturer, Precious Bembridge, who has 9 years of experience in higher education. The lecture will discuss early developments in healthcare like sanitation, principles of health promotion, and socioeconomic influences on health globally and nationally. Students will learn about using statistics to monitor health in England and how housing and homelessness impact health.
Health inequalities refer to preventable differences in health status between different population groups. They are caused by a complex mix of social, economic, and environmental factors like income, education, employment, living conditions, and access to healthcare. People in lower socioeconomic positions face higher risks of poor health and earlier death. Reducing health inequalities is important because they are unfair, affect society as a whole, are avoidable through policy changes, and some interventions can reduce inequalities in a cost-effective manner. Several government reports over the decades, including the Black Report, Acheson Report, Wanless Report, and Marmot Report, have investigated health inequalities in the UK and made recommendations to address their social determinants and
Problem debt, defined as having difficulties repaying debts, can negatively impact physical and mental health by promoting anxiety and depression. Both low income and problem debt are associated with worse mental health outcomes, though the impact of income appears mediated by debt issues. While any debt does not necessarily constitute a problem, the evidence suggests those with lower incomes are most vulnerable to problem debt and its health consequences.
This document discusses the relationship between health and economic development. It argues that higher incomes are generally associated with better health outcomes, as wealth allows for investments in nutrition, sanitation, and healthcare. However, economic growth also brings new health risks from factors like pollution, traffic accidents, and unhealthy lifestyles. Both poverty and ill health perpetuate each other, as poor health reduces productivity and income. The document advocates for "healthy growth" that invests in cost-effective public health programs while also regulating industries to minimize health risks from production and consumption.
Public health lowdown, with the Solent Delta blues John Middleton
This document summarizes a presentation given by Professor John Middleton, President of the Faculty of Public Health, about public health issues. It discusses the Faculty of Public Health, its role in improving and protecting public health through training, advocacy and knowledge. It highlights issues like teenage pregnancy rates, housing quality, mortality rates, non-communicable diseases, conflicts over natural resources, and climate change refugees that impact public health. It also outlines Professor Middleton's goals as President, which include strengthening relationships across the UK, implementing a new public health curriculum, and addressing issues like Brexit, antimicrobial resistance, and violence prevention.
This document discusses a module developed through a collaboration between the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance population health education. It acknowledges the individuals and institutions involved in developing the module. The module aims to discuss key topics related to population health determinants, health status, leading causes of death, health disparities, and use of Healthy People objectives in public health planning. It was made possible through a cooperative agreement between the CDC and the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research.
Disparities in Health Care: The Significance of Socioeconomic StatusAmanda Romano-Kwan
This research paper discusses the disparities in the health care system, with a specific focus on socioeconomic status and how it affects the access and availability of quality care.
The current health care funding system needs to be future-proofed effectively, to relieve the future cost on younger generations, and ensure later life health care quality is not downgraded. The document discusses how health care expenditure is increasing due to an aging population, rising costs of new medical technologies, and higher public expectations. It notes that health care costs rise dramatically with age, and that the number of older Australians will more than triple by 2049-50. This increasing cost will place significant burden on younger generations if the current pay-as-you-go funding model based on taxation continues unchanged. The document calls for a comprehensive policy framework and debate on sustainable options to fund health care into the future.
This document outlines the UK government's new cross-government strategy to address rising obesity rates in England. The strategy aims to reverse the trend of increasing obesity by 2020, with a focus on reducing childhood obesity rates to 2000 levels. It acknowledges obesity is a complex issue requiring action across many areas of society. The strategy proposes actions in five key areas: promoting children's health, promoting healthy food, increasing physical activity, supporting workplace health, and improving treatment for obesity. It aims to radically transform opportunities for healthier choices and improve information and support. The strategy represents the first steps, and progress will be monitored annually to strengthen policies. The vision is for all children to grow up at a healthy weight through healthy eating and active lifestyles.
The Importance Of Lifestyle Factors In The Maintenance Of...Amanda Burkett
This document discusses the importance of continuing professional development (CPD) for staff working in a National Health Service (NHS) medical imaging department. CPD helps ensure high quality, patient-centered care by allowing staff to learn new skills and stay up to date. It contributes to reducing medical errors and negligence claims against the NHS. CPD is also important for career progression and addressing workforce issues like low morale. The document provides examples of CPD activities for radiographers and suggests increased uptake of CPD in imaging departments.
Prompted by the 20th anniversary of the 1993 World Development Report, a Lancet Commission revisited the case for investment in health and developed a new investment frame work to achieve dramatic health gains by 2035. Our report has four key messages, each accompanied by opportunities for action by national governments of low-income and middle-income countries and by the international community.
HCS 410(2) ACA Tittle IV-Prevention of Chronic diseasesMaria Jimenez
The document summarizes key aspects of the Affordable Care Act as it relates to prevention and wellness. It describes how the ACA aims to promote prevention, fund public health initiatives, and reduce chronic disease. It discusses provisions such as banning pre-existing condition exclusions, covering preventive services with no cost sharing, and investing in community-based prevention programs. However, it also notes that Republicans questioned whether these prevention initiatives were worth funding.
There are many factors that influence health inequalities in the UK, including geographical area, racial group, gender, and social class, with social class having a strong link to poverty. While health has improved overall, gaps between higher and lower social classes persist and may be widening. Approaches to solving health inequalities debate whether the focus should be on collective government action to address root social and economic causes, or more individualistic approaches emphasizing personal responsibility and lifestyle changes. Current thinking in the UK and Scotland incorporates elements of both, with a greater emphasis on prevention through social inclusion and poverty reduction policies.
This document outlines the UK government's plan to improve nutrition and public health in England through encouraging healthier eating. It recognizes that while many in England eat well, poor diet is a major cause of health issues like cancer and heart disease. The plan aims to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and decrease intake of fat, salt, and sugar to help reduce obesity, diseases, and health inequalities. It will coordinate efforts across different sectors and levels of government to support healthier choices and make nutrition information more available. The overall goal is to improve population health and reduce diet-related deaths and health costs in England.
The importance of family medicine in Eastern Mediterranean countries is discussed. Family medicine is highlighted as the first level of contact with the health system, providing comprehensive and continuing care through principles of primary health care including continuity, accessibility, and community participation. There is a need to strengthen family medicine in the region given the small number of family physicians currently, which is insufficient to meet population needs. Barriers to developing family medicine include the presence of narrow specialists at primary care centers.
Obesity epidemic in Mexico. Foundations to establish a Public Policyinventionjournals
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The Relationship between Financial Exclusion, Health, Poverty & Wellbeing (3)
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The RelationshipbetweenFinancial Exclusion, Poverty, HealthandWellbeing | 2014 | Victoria Mackay-Parkin
The Relationship between
Financial Exclusion, Poverty,
Health and Wellbeing
Victoria Mackay-Parkin
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The RelationshipbetweenFinancial Exclusion, Poverty, HealthandWellbeing | 2014 | Victoria Mackay-Parkin
Contents
PAGE NO.
1. Introduction 3-6
2. Health and Wellbeing as a Factor of Financial Exclusion and Poverty 7-9
3. The Effect of Financial Exclusion and Poverty on Health and Wellbeing 10-13
4. Conclusion 13-16
5. Recommendations 16-17
6. References 17-20
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Introduction
Coming at a time where the bite of the recession is still being felt by the majority, when 1 in
5 citizens live below the UK poverty line, and during the largest welfare benefit reform since
the 1940’s, this paper investigates the relationship between financial exclusion, poverty,
health and wellbeing.
The links between poverty and ill-health are well established and it is known that people
with a long term ill-health problem or disability are more likely to be living with a low
income or in poverty (The Poverty Site, 2009). Current evidence also shows that the health
inequality gap is widening - income inequality has risen in each of the last three years and is
now at its highest level since a comparable time series began in 1961 (Brewer M, Muriel A,
Phillips D and Sibieta L, 2009). What is less well known are the root causes of poverty, and
how financial exclusion can play a significant role in the creation and exacerbation of
poverty.
The issue is also an important one for government. Financial exclusion has long been
recognised as an area of disadvantage that bears a cost for both the individual and broader
society (Resolution Foundation, 2008), but increases in the numbers experiencing poverty –
particularly food and fuel – also comes with a price tag. Health conditions and disabilities
are worsened, and new ailments manifest themselves putting a strain on the already
stretched UK health care system. Foodbank usage is at an all-time high (Trussell Trust,
2014), up to one third of the UK population rely on credit to bolster their income (Payplan,
2014), and for 9 million of these people, that credit has become serious problem debt
(thisismoney, 2013).
This paper seeks to explore the impact health and wellbeing can have on levels of poverty
and financial exclusion, but equally, it examines how poverty and/ or being financially
excluded can have a detrimental effect on a person’s health and wellbeing.
The essay questions whether enough is being made of the research available, and whether
the agendas are joined up at a strategic level so as to make a lasting impact.
FINANCIAL EXCLUSION
The term ‘financial exclusion’ first appears in 1993 when a group of geographers concerned
about physical exclusion from banking services reference it as part of their work (Leyshon
and Thrift, 1993). In 1999, financial exclusion starts to be used in a broader sense to refer to
people who have reduced access to mainstream financial services (Kempson and Whyley,
1999).
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European Social Watch state that a person is considered financially excluded “when they
have no access to some or all of the services offered by mainstream financial institutions in
their country of residence, or do not make use of these services”. The study ‘Financial
services provision and prevention of financial exclusion’ (Réseau Financement Alternatif,
2008) establishes a list of basic financial services considered essential to daily life: a bank
account to receive income; a transaction account to make payments from; a savings
account to store money; and access to unsecured credit to manage temporary cash
shortages and unexpected expenses.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION
As one might expect, financial inclusion is the opposite of financial exclusion.
Transact, the National UK Forum for Financial Inclusion, defines it as: “a state in which all
people have access to appropriate desired financial products and services in order to
manage their money effectively. It is achieved by financial literacy and financial capability on
the part of the consumer, and access on the part of the financial product, services and
advice suppliers.”
In 2004, the Government’s Child Poverty Review highlighted financial exclusion as a
significant contributor to child poverty. Later that year, alongside the Pre-Budget Report,
the Treasury published ‘Promoting Financial Inclusion’, a strategy document that focused on
three key priorities:
• Increasing access to banking services
• Improving access to affordable credit
• Increasing the supply of free face-to-face money advice
In 2005, the then Labour government announced a Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) to support
the strategy, and a Financial Inclusion Taskforce was established to monitor and evaluate
the progress of the government’s financial inclusion priorities. Based in HM Treasury and
Chaired by Brian Pomeroy, the Taskforce was an independent group of financial inclusion
experts, assisted by a team of civil servants. The Financial Inclusion Fund ran from 2005 to
2011 and provided the sector with £250 million pounds.
POVERTY
The UK is the world's six largest economy, yet it is reported that 1 in 5 of the UK population
live below our official poverty line. Whilst poverty does not automatically mean a person
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will be financially excluded, it is recognised that it is a significant factor that will increase the
likelihood of being so. Poverty can be described as ‘absolute’ or ‘overall’, but it has more
recently been accepted that poverty depends on the place and time that you live. Peter
Townsend, a leading sociologist defines poverty as follows:
“Individuals, families and groups in the population can be said to be in poverty when they
lack resources to obtain the type of diet, participate in the activities and have the living
conditions and amenities which are customary, or at least widely encouraged and
approved, in the societies in which they belong”.
Whilst UK government measures take 60 per cent of median income as the poverty line,
Townsend’s ‘consensual’ method uses public opinion to set minimum standards and allows
for choice in lifestyles. A poverty threshold is then identified by relating to income those
who lack necessities because they can’t afford them (rather than from choice) and so
defines poverty in terms of both multiple deprivation and income.
Two specific sub-categories of poverty this report touches upon are that of fuel poverty and
food poverty.
Fuel Poverty
A household is said to be fuel poor if it needs to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel
to maintain a satisfactory heating regime, usually 21 degrees for the main living area, and 18
degrees for other occupied rooms. This measurement is set to be changed by the current
government but most existing statistics refer to this definition.
There are recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) to keep indoor
temperatures above 18 degrees, but there are also some critical thresholds around
acceptable temperatures in relation to health (Collins KJ, 1986). For instance, the longer an
individual is exposed to cold temperatures, the greater risk of harm to health. The impact is
exacerbated for vulnerable individuals, and the colder the temperature, the greater the risk
of harm:
Temperatures that are lower than 16 degrees appear to impair respiratory functions.
Temperatures below 12 degrees place strain on the cardiovascular system.
Temperatures below 6 degrees place people at risk of hypothermia.
Not only do low temperatures and cold homes aggravate exiting conditions, in extreme
cases they can actually result in death, especially in older people. This is commonly referred
to ‘Excess Winter Deaths’. Each year around 20,000 more people aged 65 or over die in
winter months than other months. Respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues and
hypothermia are very often the underlying cause or a contributory factor to these deaths.
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Food Poverty
The Department of Health has defined food poverty as “the inability to afford, or to have
access to, food to make up a healthy diet.” Under this definition the drivers of food poverty
are low incomes and high and rising food prices. It also incorporates other non-financial
barriers to a healthy diet, which include a lack of awareness of what constitutes a healthy
diet, not having the skills to prepare healthy food, or being unable to access sources of
healthy food because of mobility problems or because it is not available locally (Department
of Health, 2005).
The impact of a poor diet on health is well documented. Yet it is only in the past few years
that the immense contribution it makes to poor health has been quantified: poor diet is
related to 30% of life years lost in early death and disability (Press V, 2004). Poor diet is a
risk factor for many of the UK’s major illnesses and contributes to:
■ almost 50% of coronary heart disease deaths (Yusuf S, Hawken S, Ounpuu S et al, 2004)
■ 33% of all cancer deaths (Doll R, Peto R, 1981)
■ increased falls and fractures in older people (Vellas B et al, 1986)
■ low birth weight and increased childhood morbidity and mortality (Acheson D, 1998)
■ increased dental issues in children (James WPT et al, 1997)
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
For many, health and wellbeing extends beyond the traditional views of health. The World
Health Organisation defines ‘health’ as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-
being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Psychological perspectives
typically describe wellbeing as the presence of positive health conditions and attributes
(Fraillon, 2004).
When considering health and wellbeing in this report, the following definitions are assumed:
Physical health - referring to the efficient functioning of the body and its systems
including nutrition, physical activity, preventative health care, physical safety, sexual
and reproductive health and drug use. Physical disabilities, conditions and
impairments fall into this category.
Mental health - referring to a person’s cognitive and thinking processes, the capacity
to think coherently, express thoughts and feelings and respond constructively to
situations. It includes factors including a sense of autonomy, resilience,
connectedness, self-efficacy and optimism. Learning disabilities and difficulties are
included in this category.
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Health and Wellbeing as a Factor of Financial
Exclusion and Poverty
People with a disability (mental or physical) or in poor health are not automatically going to
experience financial exclusion or poverty, but there is an increased probability. Disabled
people are twice as likely to live in relative poverty as non-disabled people (Parckar, G,
2008) and when the additional costs disabled people face as a result of their impairment are
factored in, figures imply that well over half of disabled people in the UK could be living in
poverty.
A piece of research from the 1990’s (HMSO, 1990) details that on average households with a
disabled member spend £1.40 per week more on fuel, 8Op per week more on services (of
which 46p is on domestic service), 47p per week more on tobacco and £1.80 per week more
on durables. More up to date research focussing specifically on the financial struggles of
families with a disabled child or children references the challenge of managing additional
costs is exacerbated by the constraints on the parents’ ability to work full or even part time
(Social Finance, 2011). Another study reports that parents of severely disabled children do
14 weekly loads of washing, compared with only two for non-disabled children (New
Philanthropy Capital, 2007). If considering the fuel poverty factor, this one area alone will
cause a significant increase in fuel usage and therefore energy bills.
In terms of accessing financial products and services, evidence suggests people with certain
disabilities are also more at risk of being excluded.
Research aimed to help the Payments Council understand the needs and experience of
using payments systems among people over 80 and those living with cognitive, physical or
sensory impairment (Policis, Toynbee, 2012) identifies a number of issues. These include:
physical inaccessibility of ATMs, bank branches and payment terminals; difficulty with text
layout, screen colours and back-lighting for ATMs; lack of standardisation between ATMs;
small and fiddly buttons on payment terminals and ATMs; a requirement to remember PINs
and passwords.
Some of these findings have been echoed in a recent report undertaken for Dosh Ltd, an
organisation which supports people who have a learning disability with their money via
advice and advocacy services. Their report raises concerns that for people with a learning
disability, basic access to banking can be denied:
“The research has highlighted four key issues in relation to this: mental capacity, proof of
identity, access to money and consistency of service and information. Within these, a
number of common themes emerged, notably around lack of clarity about how to reconcile
the inclusive and supportive message of the Mental Capacity Act and Equality Act with the
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security and regulations focus of banking laws. These problems were compounded by the
inconsistency between the service and information received in different branches which
seemed to stem from head office policies not being effectively communicated to, or
implemented in, branches, as well as a lack of guidance and training for all staff.” (Beckford
M, 2004).
Other acknowledged difficulties for people with disabilities or poor health include the
reliance on family members or carers to assist with bill payment, cash withdrawals,
purchasing goods and day-to-day money management. This in itself causes issues as the
individual can expose themselves to financial exploitation. Equally, carer’s, particularly those
who are not family members, can find themselves in the uncomfortable position of being
asked to help assist with personal finances leaving them open to allegations of financial
abuse. A further concern raised by carers is being asked to be purchase goods/ services but
having to wait to be reimbursed. Given many carer’s receive National Minimum Wage, this
can stretch their own limited funds and make budgeting difficult.
Parents of disabled children who cited lack of time as an exclusion issue claimed complex
benefit forms prevented access to certain benefits, particularly the child element of DLA
(Disability Living Allowance) (Social Finance, 2011). Their findings also indicate that lower
income families with disabled children may not be claiming their full entitlement of benefits
when compared to average income families with disabled children. The report does not
offer a reason for the low uptake from this income group, though the complexity of
applications and the fact many benefits have to be claimed online could be factors. Low
income households very often face the additional challenge of digital exclusion (Burton L,
2013), and literacy can be an issue too (NIACE, 2011) – indeed, poor literacy and numeracy
skills can limit an individual’s ability to gain employment perpetuating the disadvantage and
low income cycle (NIACE, 2013).
The positive effect of incorporating welfare benefits advice into health practices is one area
that has been explored, at least to some degree. In a report produced for NHS Greater
Glasgow and Hyde, the author reviewed a broad cross-section of projects which
incorporated some degree of benefits advice into health settings and delivery services
(Dobbie L and Gillespie M, 2010). The findings were largely positive, but recognised that the
data tended to focus on quantitive outputs as oppose to qualitive outcomes. It did find that
benefit advice was generally well received and uptake increased as a result of the
interventions. If properly tailored to people’s individual needs, for example, someone
diagnosed with a long-term condition will likely have different advice needs at the point of
diagnosis as an in-patient with a short-term health complaint, then it could go some way
towards alleviating the barriers to benefit uptake that many experience.
Savings are a further area in which people with disabilities are reported to have lesser
provision. The majority of disabled people (85%) say they have not saved money during the
last 12 months because they cannot afford to, a significantly higher number than non-
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disabled people (79%) (ONS, 2011). This could be as a direct result of having lower
household incomes (HMSO, 1990). Disabled people are also less likely to experience
problem debt or become reliant on credit, but are disproportionately more likely to turn to
a loan shark - 1 in 10 compared with just three per cent of non-disabled people (Ipos MORI,
Social Institute Research, 2013). Individuals with learning disabilities or diminished mental
capacity can be most at risk, with some such victims describing the loan shark as a friend.
Alongside those with physical health disabilities, mental health sufferers can also find
themselves experiencing financial exclusion or finding financial difficulties being heightened
because of their condition. Mind, one of the UK’s leading mental health charities
acknowledges that many common mental health conditions can make managing money
more difficult because of the symptoms a sufferer can experience. It goes on to describe
some specific ways that mental health problems can affect finances:
If the ability to work is affected there may be a sudden or, possibly, dramatic
reduction in income.
If time is spent in hospital, it may be difficult to keep up to date with financial
commitments.
If experiencing symptoms such as mania, capacity to make financial decisions may be
affected as a sufferer could act recklessly or unwisely.
Depression can result in losing the motivation or the ability to concentrate to keep
control of finances.
If unable to make their own independent decisions, a person could be more
vulnerable to financial exploitation or abuse.
If we consider ‘money advice’ which can include information, advice and guidance in
financial areas including; debt, welfare benefits and money management, then many people
with mental health conditions (in which we include learning disabilities) experience access
difficulties. Traditional advice services like those delivered by, for example, Citizens Advice,
are facing funding cuts which puts increased pressure on already stretched face-to-face
services – yet there is a noted preference for this group to receive advice in person. The
complexity of some personal debt cases, debt solutions or welfare benefits claims do not
always translate easily to telephone or web-based services. This can mean in the absence of
a face-to-face service, some individuals are not claiming the benefits they might be entitled
to, or are going without support for debt. Services like comparing and switching fuel
supplier or bank account are also largely web or phone-based, meaning the financial savings
that can be made through such activities are being missed out on.
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The Effect of Financial Exclusion and Poverty
on Health and Wellbeing
We have touched upon how mental and physical conditions and disabilities can lead to
financial exclusion and increase levels of poverty, but what if we reverse this? Can living in
poverty and/ or experiencing financial exclusion have an impact on a person’s mental or
physical health? Mounting evidence would suggest yes.
Financial exclusion is very often associated with something called ‘the poverty premium’ -
this when an individual or households pays more for goods or services. It happens very
often because an individual does not have access to a bank account and is unable to take
advantage of cheaper payment methods like Direct Debits or online paperless incentives. In
the case of home energy, this results in a household having to use a pre-payment meter. A
2013 report by ‘thisismoney’ states people using pre-payment meters pay on average £19
per week more than those paying by Direct Debit. The high costs associated with pre-
payment meters are therefore a well-documented factor contributing to fuel poverty
(Purcell S, 2014).
As has been referenced earlier, fuel poverty can lead to people living in cold, damp homes.
Such conditions can cause or contribute to the following health conditions:
• Increased risk of hypothermia
• Increased respiratory illness
• Increased risk of heart attack and strokes
• Underweight infants
• Social isolation
Other instances of the poverty premium in effect can be evidenced through the accessing of
credit. Many without a bank account, or seeking small loan amounts over short periods, or
with a limited/ damaged credit report are excluded from borrowing from mainstream credit
providers like banks. Such credit is instead obtained via sub-prime lenders who typically
charge an APR (annual percentage rate) upwards of 300%, so the financially excluded not
only end up paying more, they also expose themselves to the increased risk of credit
becoming unmanageable debt due to high repayment costs.
Debt, a growing issue for households in the UK, has a huge impact on mental health and
wellbeing. Nearly half (44%) of people who currently have or have had mental health
problems have severe or crisis debts. Just one in ten people who have never had mental
health problems have severe or crisis debts (survey - moneysavingexpert.com, 2011).
A 2012 survey by debt counsellors Christians Against Poverty found that 68% of those
seeking debt help had been prescribed medication by their GP to help them cope, 75% of
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those in a couple said debt affected their relationship and 40% had considered or attempted
suicide.
In 2013 it was estimated by the Money Advice Service that 9 million UK citizens are
currently experiencing ‘serious debt’. If we apply this figure against the findings of Citizens
Advice who state three-quarters of their debt customers feel their mental health has
affected by their situation, then we might conclude that 6.75 million people are suffering in
the UK as a result. These examples serve to demonstrate how financial exclusion can
contribute to ill health.
On the flip side of debt, having savings and/ or financial products like home contents, health
or life insurance can have a positive effect on health and wellbeing.
‘The Asset Effect’ by Bynner and Paxman (2001), explores the value of owning assets and
having savings – the study concentrates specifically on males and females aged 23 from the
USA. Their findings conclude that having assets at 23 positively effected a number of
outcomes:
Marital breakdown less likely
Less likely to spend time unemployed or experience unemployment
Savings at age 23 relate to positive good health and an absence of depression
People who have assets at age 23 are less likely to smoke at age 33
‘political interest’ is positively related to the possession of assets at age 23, and
there is evidence of more political trust and a commitment to the work ethic
What this report also highlights is that there is very little correlation between the value of
the asset and the resulting positive outcomes. This tells us that it is the presence of an asset,
not its monetary value that matters.
Supporting these findings is a more recent American study which finds that a young person
with their own savings and an account in their own name is seven times more likely to
attend college than a similar youth who did not have an account. A savings account also
increases the chance that they will persevere and do what it takes to get through college.
Those with a savings account opened for them as children are twice as likely as their peers
without savings to have graduated or to be on course to graduate college by age twenty-
three (Elliott, Monique Constance-Huggins, Hyun-a Song, 2012)
In the UK, The Savings Gateway proposal supported these conclusions with a scheme that
would have seen the government match the savings of ‘the poor’ by 50p for every £1, with a
maximum investment of £300. It was due to start in July 2010 following two pilots but was
scrapped by the current coalition government after being deemed too expensive. The Child
Trust Fund, a scheme which gave children two vouchers worth £250 (£500 for children from
low income families) to invest, and enabled friends and family members to invest tax free
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on their children's behalf, was also axed in the same year. To date, nothing at a national
level has been introduced to replace them.
Like savings, insurance products can provide the policy holder with a sense of security and
peace of mind, which can in turn being linked to a person’s health and mental wellbeing.
Both savings and insurance can provide a monetary buffer in times of need, and are a key
determinant of financial resilience. People without such measures in place are more at risk
of making expensive or poor financial decisions if faced with an income shock, this can
include using high cost or illegal forms of credit to make ends meet (Lewis S and Messy F,
2012).
Those diagnosed with potentially life-threatening illnesses like cancer or stroke are also
likely to experience a negative impact on their finances. This could be due to a reduction or
loss of earnings if work has had to be given up or scaled back – both on the part of the
sufferer, and any family carers. As part of their treatment, it is likely that a specific diet,
exercise, hospital visits and a warm home are recommendations to aid recovery – all of
which can add significant financial pressure to potentially stretched household.
And it isn’t just newly diagnosed conditions that affect income or heighten levels of poverty,
existing conditions can also be worsened by the effects of poverty or financial exclusion.
Recent Experian data ranking areas of deprivation in England listed the ‘risk of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease’ (COPD) as one of its key poverty indicators. As the only
medical factor on the list, COPD highlights the strong impact of fuel poverty on chronic
health conditions in England.
COPD, a collection of respiratory diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is
usually caused by smoking. However, there is also sufficient evidence to suggest that living
in inadequately heated environments can exasperate pre-existing health conditions such as
COPD, indicating a link between COPD and poverty. In 2009 NHS Northeast published
findings that high levels of fuel poverty in the region due to elevated fuel costs is causing
people to live in the cold conditions known to exacerbate COPD (Roger E, Ford C, Sumby P,
2009).
Food poverty is another growing area of concern which can be directly linked with low
incomes and financial exclusion, and has negative health impacts.
According to an independent report commissioned by the current government, low
incomes, unemployment and benefit delays have combined to trigger increased demand for
foodbanks among the UK's poorest families. (Lambie-Mumford H, Crossley D, Jensen E,
Verbeke M and Dowler E, 2013). Cutting out fresh food or skipping meals is also
commonplace as household budgets are increasingly squeezed. A third of the households
consulted in the second Real Life Reform paper reported that they now spend less than £20
a week on food, partly to cope with spiralling gas and electricity bills. This is up from a
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quarter since their previous report in September 2013. The households spent an average of
£2.10 a person each day on groceries, having cut their daily food budget drastically (from
£3.27) since the summer of 2013 (NHC, 2013). However, it is not just those impacted by the
welfare reforms that have changed their eating habits, an IFS report found that household
food purchasing behaviour has changed significantly since the recession with people
spending an average of 8.5% less. Pensioner households, single-parent households and
households with young children saw the largest declines in the nutritional quality of the
foods purchased between 2005–07 and 2010–12 (Griffith R, O’Connell M and Smith K (2013)
So what does this mean for health? Well it will come as no surprise that going without food
or consuming food with a poor nutritional value will have a negative effect. Obesity and
obesity-related illnesses like diabetes are on the rise in the UK. Many families cite
diminishing household budgets on making food choices for their family they know lack
nutritional value or are filled with empty calories – this is especially evident in the school
holidays when children normally in receipt of free school meals have to be catered for all
mealtimes at home (Gill O and Sharma N, 2005)
Low birth weights, dental cavities and a weakened immune system are all linked to
malnutrition, a sure sign of food poverty. A poor diet is also associated with low academic
performance in children as concentration levels wain amongst pupils who have no breakfast
or an insufficient/ inappropriate breakfast. According to a 2005 study published in
‘Physiology and Behaviour’, eating a healthy breakfast in the morning has beneficial effects
on memory and attention, allowing children to more quickly and accurately retrieve
information.
Households experiencing financial exclusion and low income may also find the cost of food
heightened further if they are unable to afford the transport costs to shop at cheaper, large
supermarkets, frequently built out of town. It is well documented that local convenience
stores cost significantly more in comparison, though many families feel they have no choice
but to purchase goods there. Not having access to the internet or a bank account aggravates
the situation as individuals are be unable to take advantage of online discounts, offers and
home delivery services.
Conclusion
Health and Wellbeing as a Factor of Financial Exclusion and Poverty
Physical Health - There is sufficient, albeit limited evidence, that people with a physical
health condition or disability can experience levels of financial exclusion as a result of their
impairment - particularly when it comes to managing money and utilising banking products
and services.
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Many experience difficulty accessing ATMs as the majority are not designed with physical
limitations in mind (though this is improving). A dependence on carers and family members
to help access and manage money can increase the probability of financial abuse. This is a
particular risk for those who struggle with online or telephone banking due its complexity or
poor design, or for those who rely on others to withdraw cash for them.
Results of a 2009 survey carried out by Social Finance cited time as a factor for financial
exclusion. That looking after a disabled child took up a lot of time and didn’t leave much for
financial planning and researching (products and services). This can lead to reactive and
poor decision making, or an oversight in the payment of bills.
The reported higher living costs that many with a physical disability can experience, coupled
with living in a low income household, will undoubtedly have an impact on the lifestyle and
consumer choices an individual can make – although subjective, this could in turn result in
lower levels of happiness and wellbeing. The main reason that disabled working-age adults
are more likely to be in low-income households is because they are less likely to be in work,
rather than because they are more likely to be in low income if not in work. Poverty and
low-income as detrimental factors on health are therefore real concerns. From a financial
exclusion perspective, having low levels of income generally means an individual is less likely
to save or have insurance products in place which can leave them exposed to financial
shocks.
There was no evidence to suggest that a physical health condition or disability affects a
person’s ability to access credit, however, if out of work and reliant on benefit income, an
individual is unlikely to be able to access mainstream credit via the likes of a bank. This
might subsequently force an individual to utilise sub-prime credit sources like door step
lenders, pawn brokers or pay day loan providers.
Mental Health - People suffering from a mental health condition also found themselves
more likely to be financially excluded, though often in different ways.
Certain conditions enhance the probability of a person making rash financial decisions,
experiencing difficulty managing their finances, or keeping on top of bill payments – fuelling
the likelihood of problem debt. Yet debt solutions and accessing debt advice in the first
place can present a huge problem for many, particularly those dealing with anxiety and
depression.
Dementia-like conditions come with other access barriers, namely in the need to remember
PIN numbers and passwords, or keep track of bills and purchases. A reliance on others may
place them at increased risk of financial abuse, or cause them to consider themselves a
victim if certain transactions cannot be recalled.
Learning disabilities or difficulties present their own set of challenges, not least in the
heightened probability of falling victim to a loan shark. Without support, and depending on
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the severity of the disability, some people might experience day-to-day problems with
budgeting and making informed financial choices. The ease of access to credit via online
loan providers can also result in individuals entering into agreements they are unable to
honour or fully understand. This group also reported difficulty in accessing banking services
due in the main to a lack of understanding of Mental Capacity Act and Equality Act by staff.
There was no evidence to suggest mental health is a barrier to financial products, though
the complexity of some products, particularly the policy wording associated with insurance
products can be off-putting to a great many.
The Effect of Financial Exclusion and Poverty on Health and Wellbeing
Financial Exclusion - This report notes that there is very little research available which
specifically draws parallels between health and financial exclusion, far more is written about
poverty, particularly low income, and the impact it has on health and levels of wellbeing.
Debt, which can be a symptom of financial exclusion, is in contrast a well-documented
financial area that has a specific impact on health and wellbeing – particularly mental
health.
Debt can cause significant damage to person’s mental health; the stress and worry of being
unable to make payments, and the added burden of creditors applying pressure and making
recovery threats can cause countless individuals to experience amplified levels of anxiety
and depression. This in turn can result in the breakdown of relationships, absenteeism and
even dismissal from work, weight loss through lack of appetite, and in extreme cases,
feelings of and attempts at suicide. Other pre-existing health conditions are also often
worsened if a sufferer is experiencing the negative mental health effects of debt.
The inability to access bank accounts is cited as the main reason for people falling victim to
the poverty premium. As we have heard, those without a transactional account are forced
into the sub-prime lending market, and have to pay for their energy consumption via costly
pre-payment meters. They are also unlikely to be able to access traditional insurance
products which require the holder to pay premiums by Direct Debit or standing order
leaving them financially exposed.
Not having insurance cover or a savings buffer can not only leave an individual vulnerable,
but can also invoke feelings of worry. Conversely, we have explored that having such assets
not only results in feels of security and wellbeing, but is also linked to a whole host of
positive outcomes, especially in young people.
The uptake of welfare benefits is one area where, if the claimant is successful, income can
be maximised helping to alleviate the effects of poverty. However, the complexity of the
welfare benefits system coupled with the largely digital access route has resulted in many
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going without. The findings in the review carried out for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
evidences the important role that the health sector could play in overcoming some of these
access issues for patients.
Poverty - Putting financial exclusion aside, poverty clearly has the biggest impact on health
and wellbeing. Fuel poverty and food poverty in particular are reported to not only worsen
existing health conditions and disabilities, but are also the direct liked to the development
of new ones. Low birth weight, malnutrition, cerebral palsy, respiratory diseases, heart
failure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, sudden infant death, and many mental health
conditions have all been linked to poverty – either as a direct or indirect cause.
Worryingly, trends show that the income gap is widening forcing more low income families
into poverty. This will not only have an impact on those individuals affected, but will be
detrimental to the UK economy, potentially increase the country’s welfare bill, and put
added costs and pressure on the advice sector and the NHS – all of which are unsustainable.
Recommendations
1. The first recommendation of this report is to conduct further qualitive and quantitive
research into existing projects and new opportunities for financial inclusion
information and broader money advice to be incorporated into the health care
sector. This could be through the training of health care professionals to deliver
some aspects themselves, the inclusion of advice services and information in health
care buildings, or a robust referral system allowing practitioners to identify financial
needs in patients and refer them to the appropriate specialist service. An example of
the latter in practice is the recently launched ‘prescribe a boiler scheme’ aimed at
reducing the health impacts of cold/ damp homes piloted by housing provider
Gentoo in conjunction with local GP surgeries.
2. The second recommendation is to replicate a model like that of the ‘dementia
friend’, training volunteers to become locally based ‘champions’ in financial inclusion
with skills to offer information, guidance and signposting to specialist help. A
national network of such individuals would help ease the pressure on advice
organisations and other financial inclusion professionals, but would also allow
deeper penetration into communities, with a greater likelihood of reaching those in
poverty and most in need.
3. As part of their patient offer, Macmillan Cancer Support provides debt and welfare
benefits advice to cancer sufferers and their families. The service is well utilised but
is not available in all Local Authority areas. It is recommended that such provision be
made available nationally, and that other charities supporting people with health
conditions consider the merits of incorporating money advice alongside their care
package.
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4. The benefits of holding assets, regardless of size or value, is evidenced in a variety of
studies. A number of Housing Associations already promote home contents
insurance to tenants in support of their financial inclusion work. These schemes are
generally designed with excluded tenants in mind, offering features like no excess,
low premiums and the ability to pay weekly in cash negating the need for a bank
account. A further recommendation of this report is to develop and extend the
target audience of such schemes to include other financially excluded groups, for
example, private tenants. A broader range of insurance products should also be
considered, particularly those relating to affordable and accessible options around
health insurance, life insurance and funeral cover (according to research by the
University of Bath, 100,000 UK citizens do not have financial provision to cover the
cost of a funeral, meaning many families are taking on debt to meet the costs for the
deceased).
5. Developing a savings culture amongst the young, the financially excluded and those
on low incomes is very important. Not only does it provide a financial safety net if
the unexpected was to happen, it also evokes feelings of satisfaction, security and
general wellbeing. A program in Glasgow which has the potential to be reproduced is
that of Glasgow’s Future Savers ‘Starter for Ten’. This innovative scheme will provide
every year 7 pupil with a community credit union account so, as adults, they will
always have access to an affordable credit source. They will also have £10 deposited
to help kick start their savings habit. This is the first scheme of its kind in the UK, and
this report recommends other Local Authorities to consider replicating it themselves.
6. Recommendations for banking services mirror those already raised in reports
referenced in this paper. They include; developing a means of ensuring the privacy
and the security of personal information while delegating payment services; a way to
share access to banking to enable family members to provide support without
account holders ceding control; the flexibility to specify the scope and limit
delegation so that individuals are able to tailor delegation to their needs and
circumstances, a standardisation of ATM screen information and button layout,
greater number of wheelchair-friendly ATMs positioned at an appropriate height,
options for increased text size and voice activated guidance as standard in all ATMs,
developing ways around the challenges faced by those with dexterity and memory or
focus issues in negotiating payment terminals and Internet shopping and banking,
clarity about how to reconcile the inclusive and supportive message of the Mental
Capacity Act and Equality Act with the security and regulations focus of banking laws,
review of the ID requirements for opening a bank account which continue to prevent
many from accessing services, and further opportunities for appropriate
organisations to gain ‘trusted partner status’ with banks which would allow them to
open accounts for their clients.
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