Social Determinants of Health for Live and Age- myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theSocial Determinants of Health for Live and Age. Answer: Social determinants of health(SDOHorSDH) refer to range of conditions in which all individuals are born, they grow, live and age. These determinants are often related to a plethora of social and economic conditions, in addition to the distribution of these conditions among the population. These determinants are thought to exert significant impacts on the differences in health status between an individual or group of individuals.These social determinants are considered as majorhealth promotingfactors that prevail primarily in the living and working conditions of the target population. These often encompass wealth, distribution of income, power, and influence (Braveman and Gottlieb 2014). Unlike individualrisk factorsthat govern the overall health and wellbeing of an individual, such as, genetic or behavioural risk factors, social determinants of health are found to be primarily responsible for inequities in health. In other words, these inequities are a direct manifestation of toxic c ombination of unfair economic arrangements and poor social policies (Marmot and Allen 2014). The assignment is an evidence based parliamentary submission on an inquiry into housing for asylum seekers in Victoria. Asylum seekers refer to individuals who flee their native land or country and are found to spontaneously enter other country, where they apply for asylum or right to international protection. These individuals often report educational opportunities or employment as the reasons that make them seek asylum or refuge in other countries. Victims of trafficking, political disturbances and war also lead to the development of events that make these people seek refuge in other states or nations. Thus, the circumstances in which these sub-population lives, creates a major influence in shaping their social determinants of health, which in turn increases their vulnerability to experiencing health inequity. Research studies have provided evidence for the fact that most asylum seekers often face a combination of social, legal, economic, cultural, behavioral, and communication related barriers that put the mental, physical, and social well-being of those individuals at risk (Ferrer 2018). Research evidences emphasise on the fact that these social determinants are quite severe for specific vulnerable population such as, minors, women, and lower skilled migrants. This increases their likelihood of getting affected by the determinants and seeks refuge in another region, with the aim of enhancing their wellbeing and standard of living. In addition, there are a range of structural and institutional psycho-social stressors or obstacles that affect the wellbeing and health outcomes of the target population (Marmot and Allen 2014). Usually, social determinants of the health of asylum or refuge seekers are quite distinct from their biological or genetic factors that determine the health outcomes of the individuals. Traditionally, much focus has been given on observing the socio-economic gradient that exists in the society, thereby affecting health equity among the people. This gradient is often shaped by social class, individual socio-economic positions or area deprivation. Major indicators of area deprivation include increased prevalence of mortality that is associated with a range of diseases such as, cancer, cardiovascular disease, lung disorder, stroke, or hepatic diseases among people living in regions that are socially deprived. Poor economic conditions and lack of health literatcy has also been linked with increased obesity rates among men as well as women. Thus, a comparison between the migration variables such as, birth country, legal status and length of residence in the condition with other socio-econ omic factors that determine health outcomes is essential (Bozorgmehr and Razum 2015). According to researchers, involuntary migration experiences, experiences of war and/or political unrest and insecure legal status in the society are the major risk factors that increase the likelihood of asylum seekers and refugees of reporting poor health outcomes (Rechel et al. 013).Moreover, the conditions that surround migration have often been found to fuel several health inequities. Anti-migrant sentiments often reduce their access to appropriate education facilities, healthcare resources, and dignified and safe living and working conditions (Semenza et al. 016). Thus, it can be stated that migration acts as a key social determinant that affects the health of asylum seekers. Other social determinants that act as risk factors are related to deterioration of reproductive health outcomes that are closely linked to substance abuse and human trafficking. These factors increase risks of sexually tr ansmitted infections and unintended pregnancies (Keygnaert et al. 014). Poor standards of living and inadequate access to proper nutrition and healthcare facilities also lead to the development of learning disabilities among minor refugees. Stressful pre-migration incidents and experiences often encompass being a witness to all forms of violence and cruelty. These create post-traumatic stress disorder for the migrant children who have been exposed to warfare, collisions or trafficking (Song et al. 2015). This creates significant negative impacts on the physical and mental health of those children by giving rise to disturbing thoughts, nightmares, depression, social isolation, anxiety, panic attacks and mental distress. Thus, the traumatic experiences often affect the health and overall wellness of those persons (Alpak et al. 2015). While pre-migration traumatic experiences and incidents acts as major risk factors, life circumstances associated with post-migration events have shown greater impacts in worsening the long term health status of most asylum seekers. Large number of stressful incidents that occur after arrival of the asylum seekers to a new nation, and the stereotypes and discrimination that they are subjected to, often leads to poor mental outcomes. Furthermore, the host nation where they arrive, also displays lack of integration and stability in its society. Severe PTSD or related symptoms have been associated with perceived discrimination by host society or community (Li, Liddell and Nickerson 2016). Lack of adequate community and family support also increases the risks of suffering from psychological distress. Post-migration stress is further heightened by administrative processes that lead to the development of depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorders among all asylum seekers. Moreover, asylum seeking adolescents or children most commonly experience protracted stays at refuge or asylum centres. This often increases risks of poor mental and physical health. Policies that exist at the state, federal or local levels also play essential roles in affecting the health of an individual or the entire population. Several policy recommendations must be followed by the Victorian State government to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of the asylum seekers, for whom housing initiatives are being taken. The policies must be enforced by the public health workers and the government with the aim of targeting the high priority social determinants of health. One major recommendation involves creating provisions for the community residents (minors as well) to make their health a part of the renewal process. This can be brought about by identifying the issues that are faced by the community of asylum seekers (Manne 2013). This will encompass identification of major factors that affect the wellbeing of the individuals, such as, exposure to discriminating attitudes and behaviour, increased crime and violence rates towards them, lack of appropriate empl oyment options, lower educational levels, and lack of provisions to participate in the labour force. Presence of poorly maintained or vacant buildings and environmental health hazards must also be recognized by these policies. The policies must respect the international rights of asylum seekers to seek refuge in the concerned country and should also adhere to the rules and systems of refugee and asylum seeker protection that are envisaged by international organizations. The enforced policies and legislation should also create provisions for enacting in a robust manner with the aim of safeguarding the asylum seekers against refoulement, which refers to their forcible return to their nation where they are liable to get persecuted (Yaron, Hashimshony?Yaffe and Campbell 2013). Access to independent or community migration advice must be made available for all people who are seeking refuge in Victoria. Furthermore, the policies should also allow the people an equal access of reviewing the decisions for the administration, related to safeguarding the formers status in the new environment. A consistent legal process must be enacted and applied in the state, with the ultimate aim of determining the protection status of the asylum seekers. This will help the Victorian State government to prevent all forms of discrimination against the individuals, which is often based on their demographic or ethnic backgrounds (Trauner 2016). Recommendations also emphasise on the fact that all asylum seekers who enter Victoria should not be subjected to heavy penalization for migrating to the region without appropriate visa. The government should explicitly recognise housing as an essential dimension of the policies that encompass refugee integration. This will help in realizing the goal of assisting migrants for accessing a safe, decent, affordable and secure accommodation. Owing to the fact that most research evidences experience insecurity due to housing deprivation, the government should promote the rights of the asylum seekers to find a suitable place to live in. Access to properhousingfacilities is imperative for asylum seekersin order to facilitate the process of getting healed from their traumatic experiences. Appropriate housing facilities also help them rebuild their lives. Therefore, formulation of policies that grants the asylum seekers a resident permit will help them join the existing community and enhance their overall wellbeing (Nethery and Gordyn 2014). Disgraceful housing conditions that have been brought about by several forms of systematic neglect often give rise to shortage of social housing. This makes the vulnerable families live in accommodations that are of an extremely low standard. Thus, in order to address the negative effects of living in poor condition on the health of these people, the government should enforce policies tha t offers emergency accommodation or keeps the asylum seekers in induction centres. Such housing facilities should also enable conduction of health checks in order to determine the major risk factors that are taking a toll on their health. Furthermore, the policies must also include regular visits of the government officials at the induction centres to explain the refuge seekers about their rights and responsibilities (Robinson 2013). The policies should identify similar rights of the refugees as other citizens of the state. Homeless refugees who qualify for financial support just receive appropriate monetary help from the government that would help these people to meet the essential living needs. They should be entitled to similar housing benefits and rights of family reunion that would require the government to bring other family members with them for joining. Legal assistance should also be provided to all asylum seekers regarding the legal processes that can be applied for determ ining their protection status. This will increase their access to equal health, employment and educational facilities, while safeguarding them in private lodgings or permanent accommodations, thereby improving the health status (Newman, Proctor and Dudley 2013). Despite major challenges that might arise in relation to the period that is allowed to the refugees for finding housing, upon formulation of an asylum decision, liaison measures must be put by the government in place for minimizing risks associated with homelessness, self-building renovation projects that involve refugees and making use of private sector accommodations. Effective policies should also be designed for establishing links between personal integration and measures that promote community cohesion. Moreover, support services need to be implemented for ensuring presence of tolerable standards that all housing facilities must reach before allowing the asylum seekers to live in them (Bakker, Dagevos and Engbersen 2014). In order to meet these standards, the government policies must focus on surveillance of houses that are structurally sound, have adequate natural light, suitable drainage system, sinks, showers, toilets that are not shared by other households and drinking water facilities. Strengthening collaboration between the member states will foster technical cooperation and will also contribute to the national action on improving the social determinants (Conlon and Gill 2013). To conclude, it can be stated that distributions of social determinants are often shaped by a plethora of public policies and legislation, which have been associated with reflecting the influence of political ideologies of the concerned jurisdiction. Moreover, unequal distribution of experiences that are health-damaging cannot be correlated to occurrence of any natural phenomenon. Thus, there is a need for the Victoria State government to provide social support and shelter to the asylum seekers to welcome them in the communities. Providing assistance with accommodation after migration will help to combat the major social determinants of health and improve the overall wellbeing of the target population. References Alpak, G., Unal, A., Bulbul, F., Sagaltici, E., Bez, Y., Altindag, A., Dalkilic, A. and Savas, H.A., 2015. Post-traumatic stress disorder among Syrian refugees in Turkey: a cross-sectional study.International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice,19(1), pp.45-50. Bakker, L., Dagevos, J. and Engbersen, G., 2014. The importance of resources and security in the socio-economic integration of refugees. A study on the impact of length of stay in asylum accommodation and residence status on socio-economic integration for the four largest refugee groups in the Netherlands.Journal of International Migration and Integration,15(3), pp.431-448. 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