Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
06:48
Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
Social evils, poverty & health
1Department of Medicine, Fortis-Escorts Hospital, Jaipur, India. rajeevg@satyam.net.in
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|November 23, 2007
Summary
Social determinants like poverty and illiteracy significantly impact communicable and non-communicable diseases in India. Addressing these social evils is crucial for improving public health outcomes and ensuring equitable healthcare access for all.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Epidemiology
- Health Policy
Background:
- India faces a substantial burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- Key risk factors include underweight, unsafe practices, poor sanitation, deficiencies, tobacco, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
- These health issues are deeply intertwined with social determinants such as poverty and illiteracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate relationship between social circumstances and health outcomes in India.
- To identify macro and micro-level social factors influencing disease burden.
- To understand the pathophysiological pathways linking social determinants to disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of social factors influencing health in India.
- Analysis of macro-level (governance, economy) and micro-level (poverty, culture) determinants.
- Examination of World Health Organization's social determinants for non-communicable diseases.
- Exploration of pathophysiological mechanisms linking social factors and health.
Main Results:
- Poverty and illiteracy are identified as major social drivers of disease in India.
- Lifestyle changes due to rising incomes contribute to non-communicable diseases.
- Social determinants like stress, social exclusion, and poor working conditions significantly affect health.
- Pathophysiological pathways involve stress responses, neuroendocrine changes, and immune alterations.
Conclusions:
- Eradicating social evils like poverty and improving educational status are essential for public health.
- Equitable and accessible healthcare is vital for mitigating the impact of social determinants on health.
- A multi-faceted approach addressing social and economic factors is necessary for comprehensive health improvement.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:21Dimensions of Health and Illness
The factors influencing the health-illness continuum can be internal or external and may or may not be under conscious control. They are related to the following eight human dimensions, and each dimension is interrelated to one other.
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
01:29Concepts of Health and Illness
Health is a condition of the body, mind, and spirit where an individual remains free from illness. Similarly, wellness is an active state, including living a lifestyle that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. Physical health is critical for the overall well-being and can be affected by lifestyle, activity level, diet, and behavior. The highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental and universal human right. Consider Lisa, a fifteen-year-old born with congenital...
01:21Health Literacy
Health literacy is an individual's or a community's capacity to comprehend, receive, read, and use relevant healthcare information and services. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2018) defines health literacy as the cognitive and social skills that determine the ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways that promote and maintain good health. As a result, the WHO helps individuals manage long-term health concerns, participate in preventative programs,...