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Poor health outcomes appear to be an effect of economic inequality across a population. Nations and regions with greater economic inequality show poorer outcomes in life expectancy, [31]: Figure 1.1 mental health, [31]: Figure 5.1 drug abuse, [31]: Figure 5.3 obesity, [31]: Figure 7.1 educational performance, teenage birthrates, and ill health due to violence.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." [1] Identified by the 2012 World Development Report as one of two key human capital endowments, health can influence an individual's ability to reach his or her full potential in society. [2]
These health disparities are root issues to the health equity crisis present not just in the United States, but even around the world. For example, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, [ 2 ] followed closely by cancer , with the fifth most deadly being diabetes .
"The poor health of the poor, the social gradient in health within countries, and the marked health inequities between countries are caused by the unequal distribution of power, income, goods, and services, globally and nationally." [1] First, structural violence is often a major determinant of the distribution and outcome of disease. [4]
These disparities in education can ultimately lead to issues of mental health. When this happens, less privileged groups get looped into the cascading effects of inequality. Disparities in education, contributory to socioeconomic status, immigrant status, and ethnic/racial status can be another contributing factor to mental health inequality. [14]
In 1995, Jo C. Phelan and Bruce G. Link developed the theory of fundamental causes.This theory seeks to outline why the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health disparities has persisted over time, [1] particularly when diseases and conditions previously thought to cause morbidity and mortality among low SES individuals have resolved. [2]
While both males and females face health disparities, women have historically experienced a disproportionate amount of health inequity. This stems from the fact that many cultural ideologies and practices have created a structured patriarchal society where women's experiences are discredited. [ 18 ]
These embedded stressors as a result of societal inequities and prejudice could largely explain the underlying health disparities in negative birth outcomes. Although studies examining the effects of prenatal stress are limited, for a few reasons, evidence does support the consequences of high levels of stress or anxiety. [ 116 ]