Social Influences on Health & Well-being Portfolio Sample

SECTION 1:Social Influences on Health and Well-being - Portfolio

Choose a local area 

Based on a variety of demographics, infrastructure, and professional networks elements that affect health disparities, the community of Chelmsford, Essex city, has a changing local health profile. In terms of demographics, the town of Chelmsford is lovely, with a wide range of ages, socioeconomic statuses as well as ethnicities living there. Despite its noteworthy wealth, the neighborhood has income as well as housing discrepancies that have an impact on health results. The infrastructure for Chelmsford, schools, healthcare and leisure facilities is strong (Marmot, 2016). Fair accessibility to these services, however, differs according to neighborhood. Some issues impact wellness and health in low-income neighborhoods. The general well-being of the populace is also impacted by green areas and reasonably priced, healthy meals. Social service providers, health care provider as well as educational institutions, make up Chelmsford's professional connections. The degree to which these services are accessible has a significant impact on health results. Gaps in health may be exacerbated in access to support systems as well as specialized treatment. It is essential to tackle factors such as poverty, education and accessibility to healthcare to promote equity in wellness and health.

Breakdown the components 

The numerous elements of Chelmsford's health picture each have their unique health information and statistics.

Obesity- Statistics shows that almost 25 percent of adults in Chelmsford are fat, posing a serious obesity problem for the city (Klein, 2019). This is concerning since obesity has been connected to several illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer. It is a reflection of lifestyle elements including eating habits and exercise routines.

Disability- In Chelmsford, 10 percent of the population reports having a disability, which is a comparatively low rate for impairment (Matheson, 2020). The aforementioned data emphasizes the necessity of implementing inclusive and accessible policies to enable those with impairments to engage completely in society.

Figure 1: Disabled people report lower well-being levels than non-disabled people

Coronary heart disease (CHD) - Data suggest that Chelmsford faces a somewhat higher risk of CHD than the national norm, highlighting the continued importance of CHD as a health problem (London, 2020). Lifestyle decisions including food, exercise, and smoking all have a role, which emphasizes the need for wellness campaigns and preventive initiatives.

Consider wider determinants

A comprehensive analysis of broader factors is necessary in Chelmsford, Essex. Inequalities in income affect people's financial stability and may limit their access to housing, healthcare and education. Age-related healthcare as well as social service needs must be met. The density of the population affects traffic and the need for infrastructure. Levels of living are impacted by housing being accessible and affordable, but inhabitants' economic health is also affected by work prospects. To successfully tackle these variables and advance the health of the community, funding must be allocated efficiently (Thompson, 2017). Disparities in access to healthcare, education and money can all be signs of inequality within a community. These differences might result in greater rates of poverty, fewer educational chances, and a rise in the incidence of health problems including heart disease brought on by things like smoking. Health statistics show the way social variables affect wellness in Chelmsford, Essex. For example, smoking rates can be greater in communities with a lower rate of education; in these neighborhoods, 18% of people smoke. With the use of these data, which show the way housing, income, as well as education affect health inequalities, specific interventions may be made.

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SECTION 2: Social Variables in Healthcare: A Case Study on Natalie’s Bipolar Disorder and Family Challenges

Define the social factors. Explain how it applies to the case study and what impact it may have.

According to sociological viewpoints, social variables are the situations or environments that affect people's quality of life and general well-being (Social Factors, 2023). The healthcare system has been selected as the social component to be discussed in this case investigation because it has a big impact on Natalie's life as well as the relationships of the family as a whole. Natalie's story is characterized by her struggles with psychological wellness, particularly her bipolar condition, and how it affects her capacity to care for Bobby, her toddler, as well as her pregnant child. Because it immediately impacts Natalie's ability to obtain mental health treatments and assistance as well as the family's total wellness, the healthcare system is relevant in this setting.

Natalie’s diagnosed of Bi-Polar illness is a reflection of her early encounters with the medical system. Their mental health circumstance diagnosis is a critical turning point that represents the meeting point of her challenges and the established healthcare system. The diagnosis creates opportunities for counseling, treatments and successful disease management (White, 2017). Nevertheless, the quality as well as access to psychological services offered by the healthcare system will determine how successful these interventions are. When Natalie works through the difficulties brought on by her bipolar condition, the effects of the healthcare system become apparent. Important elements of her treatment strategy include frequent psychological consultations, prenatal care for her pregnant child and involvement in a group for support. The provision of these programs guarantees Natalie's access to the expert assistance required to manage her psychological requirements throughout her pregnancy as well as motherhood. Natalie consequently uses the hospital system as a lifeline on her path to stabilization.

Nonetheless, the case research also draws attention to certain weaknesses in the healthcare system, especially when it comes to providing continuation of treatment and attending to the requirements of the whole family. Even though Natalie is receiving mental health care, there are connections between other areas of everyday life as well as Bobby's wellness, diet, and the dynamics of families in general (Field, 2007). The influence of the healthcare system touches not only on the particular patient but also on the larger picture of family wellbeing. Furthermore, the family's choice-making procedures are influenced by the healthcare system. Natalie's cries for Bobby to come home are entwined with her psychological development, which is closely related to the assistance that the healthcare system offers. The family's unwillingness to get involved with the authorities points to a possible absence of faith or fear of being judged when interacting with other entities. This emphasizes how formal institutions, such as healthcare facilities, are stigmatized and seen negatively by society.

Discuss one relevant theory to explain its relevance and importance. 

Feminist theory sheds light on the connections between Natalie's challenges and larger society systems by offering significant perspectives into the systemic injustices she must contend with. This theory places a strong emphasis on recognizing and correcting the gender-based as well as power disparities that exist in many spheres of people's lives (What is Feminist Theory, 2023). Natalie's encounters include several essential components of feminist thought. Initially, the woman is a single mother who represents the gendered demands that are put on women in the field of parenthood. She also faces difficulties including anxiety, postpartum depression, and a little learning deficiency. Natalie's problems demonstrate how such expectations might exacerbate psychological issues. Women are frequently unfairly burdened by the cultural standards and expectations around parenthood.

The gendered power relations are further highlighted by the non-investigation of Natalie's claims of assault by an unnamed young person in the area. The disregard for her accusations is indicative of larger structural problems, where women's perspectives and experiences are occasionally marginalized or do not receive the consideration they merit. Feminist thought aims to question and alter the power dynamic that this represents (Barry, 2016). Given the diagnosed of Bi-Polar illness, Natalie’s hypersexual behavior and interactions with several men are consistent with feminist views of agency as well as independence. Women's agency in choosing their bodies as well as relationships is recognized and respected by feminist ideology. It also highlights how crucial it is to comprehend these decisions in light of a larger socio cultural framework, which includes the influence of psychological conditions on judgment.

The family's choice to temporarily place Bobby in Maureen’s care meanwhile Natalie goes to prenatal and psychological sessions is a reflection of the intersectionality that feminist philosophy emphasizes. The concept of intersectionality examines how different social categories like gender, color, class, as well as ability intersect as well as shape a person's experiences (Arris, 2017). In Natalie's instance, her availability of services and help is shaped by the intersections between her identities being a woman, a single mom, as well as someone with a slight learning impairment and psychological issues. The need for gender-conscious and all-encompassing health initiatives is consistent with feminist philosophy in terms of its consequences for policy. Policies must acknowledge the particular difficulties that women experience, particularly those who have many identities. These cover legislation about childcare services, psychological help, and the avoidance of domestic abuse.

Raising awareness of laws that combat discrimination as well as violence against women is essential on a national scale (Bonner, 2017). Natalie's story highlights how crucial it is to have a healthcare system that is sensitive to the requirements of women as well as aware of their particular circumstances, particularly when it comes to psychological disorders. A feminist well-versed health policy must encourage accessibility to childcare, complete psychological assistance and an approach that takes women's allegations of abuse carefully.

References

Books and Journals

• Arris, M. J. (2017). Evaluating public and community health programmes. Hoboken, New Jersey: Jossey-Bass.
• Yuill, C. (2016). Understanding the Sociology of Health. SAGE Pub.
• Bonner, A. (Ed.). (2017). Social determinants of health: An interdisciplinary approach to social inequality and wellbeing. Policy Press.
• Field, D. (Ed.). (2007). Sociology of health and health care. Blackwell Pub.
• Klein, R. (2019). The new politics of the NHS. 7th ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
• London, F. (2020). Healthy placemaking: wellbeing through urban design. Newcastle upon Tyne: RIBA Press.
• Marmot, M. (2016). The health gap: the challenges of an unequal World. London: Bloomsbury.
• Matheson, J. Patterson, J. Neilson, L. (2020). Tackling causes and consequences of health inequalities: a practical guide. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
• Thompson, N. (2017). Social problems and social injustice. London: Palgrave.
• White, K. (2017). An introduction to the sociology of health and illness. 3rd ed. Los Angeles: SAGE 
• Online
• Disability, well-being and loneliness, UK: 2019. (2023). Online. Available through: < https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/disability/bulletins/disabilitywellbeingandlonelinessuk/2019 >
• Social Factors. (2023). Online. Available through: < https://helpfulprofessor.com/social-factors-examples/#:~:text=According%20to%20sociologists%2C%20social%20factors,%2C%20infrastructure%2C%20and%20population%20density. >
• What is Feminist Theory. (2023). Online. Available through: < https://study.com/learn/lesson/feminist-theory-overview-beliefs-types.html >