Health Disparities and Socioeconomic Inequalities: Investigating the Link between Poverty and Public Health Outcomes

Abstract

The presence of socioeconomic inequalities, especially the issue of poverty, is one of the primary factors that influence the results of the population health in a complicated interaction of the social determinants and access to healthcare. The given work analyzed the relationship between poverty and health inequality in terms of the prevalence of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and the expected lifespan of low, middle, and high-income groups. The research was set as mixed-methods research that had a quantitative analysis (using national data sets where income, education and employment status were linked with health outcomes) and a qualitative analysis (using interviews and focus groups to represent the lived experiences of barriers to healthcare access). Quantitative data showed a sharp social gradient: the prevalence of chronic diseases was 45 and 15 percent in low-income and high-income populations, respectively, and the difference in life expectancy was 7-10 years. There was also an increased risk of anxiety, depression, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes with lower income. Cost, provider shortage, and low health literacy were cited as major obstacles to qualitative evidence, in addition to psychosocial stress and social isolation. Triangulation ensured that there were similarities in the data sources. The findings underlined the importance of structural policy modification that ought to focus on healthcare access, housing, education, and community-based measures to minimize health disparities and enhance outcomes of the underprivileged groups.