Sociol Economic Factors that Can Affect Health and Illness

Depending on the nature of health care an individual receives or the chances of them contracting a major type of disease comes down to social status. The divide between classes has and still does remain apparent. The wealthy class are able to opt for private medical care and are therefore able to avoid the long National Health Service waiting lists.
Studies in socio-economic circumstances that are related to morbidity and mortality have been inspired by suggestions that the early environment has specific influences, which alter later susceptibility to disease. The main outcomes that were measured were levels of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, morbidity and mortality from broad causes of death. The studies show that patterns emerge with higher death rates occurring with those who have less favourable socio-economic trajectories within their lives (Smith et al 1997).
The introduction of the National Health Service has given everyone the chance to receive better health care, which has lead to better quality of life. This now means that people are living longer than ever before.
…