Although it is easy to understand health advice such as toothbrushing 2s a day, smoking cessation, reduce cariogenic diet, many individuals are not able to simply follow the healthy and alternative advice due to a variety of factors, such as social determinants (sociocultural, socioeconomic, (AIHW, 2016). This includes culture, media, religion, family, peers, geographic location, access to medical/technology, employment, income, and education (AIHW, 2016).
For example, some people are unable to toothbrush daily due to their low perceived susceptibility to oral health conditions and are unable to afford a simple toothbrush and toothpaste. Also, some mental illnesses are so debilitating that they prevent individuals’ motivations to toothbrush. Additionally, someone from a low socioeconomic background may not be able to afford a healthy and well-balanced diet, so they live with an unhealthy diet, high in carbs and sugars. Individuals who smoke may not be fully educated on the oral and overall health implications tobacco and nicotine have on the body and therefore continue to smoke.
As a result of these social determinants, many individuals experience lower health outcomes and quality of life. In Australia, Indigenous Australians are seen to have significantly large health gaps (AIHW, 2016).
Reference
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2016. Australia’s health 2016. Australia’s health series no. 15. Cat. no. AUS 199. Canberra: AIHW.
Pictured (below): All the fish by Sally Gabori
