Health disparities are the most concerning factor that affects the health index of countries. According to statistics even the world’s most developed economy countries like US and UK are severely affected by health disparity.
Health disparity means a lack of available healthcare facilities and the ability to prevent or cure diseases to achieve optimal health and higher life expectancy. Several factors contribute to health disparity in countries such as racial discrimination, social and political status, economic status, and allocation of resources.
One such important pillar that contributes to the widening gap in health disparity is education. In this article, we will be sharing how pivotal the role of education is in reducing health disparity in society.
How Education Plays a Vital Role
There is an estimated £32 billion loss in the UK economy due to health disparity.
Several studies and statistics have proved the fact that there is a direct relationship between health and education. Education acts as a bridge between ignorance and enlightenment making people aware of informed choices and positive health attitudes.
According to a 2008 study by the Department of Health, they showed that adults with a lack of higher education were found to be more indulged in behavioral risk factors and more obese.
The influence of education on health has several strings and is a bit complex to understand. A rich family can afford better goods and services and can attain better conditions by investing in themselves as compared to a poor family.
Money allows the rich family to access any available resources in the market. So money here is the key that unlocks any door same is with education. Education acts as a tool that gives individuals proper knowledge and allows them to make informed choices.
It’s not just about health education but even getting access to higher education and skills in any field can open new opportunities improving your substantial income, which allows you to fulfill your physiological and psychological needs.
In What Ways Does Education Remove Health Disparity
There are several key strategies and methods to address health disparity with education.
Online Learning
After Covid-19 a lot of emphasis has been given to online learning platforms. The advantage of online learning is that anyone at any place can access it without any social or racial hindrance. Online master of health administration programs exemplifies this approach, breaking down geographical and logistical barriers that previously limited access to advanced health education.
Including Health Awareness in School Curriculum
Good things are taught at the earliest, so what better way could be to implement health education in schools as part of the curriculum? Teaching basic simple things related to sanitation and cleanliness allows children to adopt basic healthy habits to their lifestyle.
Research
Higher education and brilliant minds are the powerhouse of excellence and development. Lack of access to higher education leads to poor healthcare growth and negatively impacts innovation in the country.
Promotes Diversity
Addressing diversity and social norms is very important in the healthcare sector. Education institutes ensure that healthcare facilities are accessible to all and culturally sensitive.
Enriching and supporting students from backward groups in society in health education programs can change the perspective.
Impact of Higher Education in Psychological Health
The definition of health is not just limited to physiological well-being but psychological as well. A well-qualified individual is likely to have better opportunities which allow him to earn more which will give him a sense of satisfaction.
According to the National Institute of Health report hopelessness and lack of motivation are the major causes of anxiety and depression. Lower status in society generally leads to a lack of confidence which affects how one sees oneself in the mirror, having a high status is somewhat directly correlated to having a positive mindset.
Hindrances in Health Education
The biggest flaw is health education is not accessible to everyone and higher education costs so much that only middle and rich-class families can afford it. This lack of availability leads to disguised disparity.
In many countries, social norms and stereotypes still exist which is a fatal flaw in the education system. In many places, proper health facilities and resources are not provided because of racial differences.
Additionally, the government’s priority to spend on adult education has always been a low priority. Although education cannot solely be regarded as the main cause as bureaucracy delves in every department.
Conclusion
The worst part is that lack of education creates disparity among individuals and traps them in a vicious circle. A poor will tend to remain poor due to a lack of access to resources and knowledge.
Proper education not only paves the way toward a better future but also removes social disparity and creates a sense of acceptance. Improving macro-level disparity requires a huge amount of effort in the long run, it requires making health infrastructure accessible to everyone.
FAQs
Ans: Diet, environment, and routine play a significant role in affecting individual health.
Ans: Income, environment, natural resources, and social barriers also lead to health disparity in the world.
Ans: Cleanliness, proper diet, physician consultancy, exercising regularly, and proper sleep are the best ways to improve your health and live a better life.
Ans: Behavior that critically affects the health status is known as behavioral risk factors. For example consuming tobacco and alcohol, lack of proper sleep, and lack of physical activity are some examples of behavioral risk factors.
