Diseases of poverty

Diseases of poverty (also known as poverty related diseases) are diseases that are more prevalent in low-income populations. They include infectious diseases, as well as diseases related to malnutrition and poor health behaviors. Poverty is one of the major social determinants of health. The World Health Report, 2002 states that diseases of poverty account for 45% of the disease burden in the countries with high poverty rate which are preventable or treatable with exciting interventions. Diseases of poverty are often co-morbid and ubiquitous with malnutrition. Diseases of poverty (also known as poverty related diseases) are diseases that are more prevalent in low-income populations. They include infectious diseases, as well as diseases related to malnutrition and poor health behaviors. Poverty is one of the major social determinants of health. The World Health Report, 2002 states that diseases of poverty account for 45% of the disease burden in the countries with high poverty rate which are preventable or treatable with exciting interventions. Diseases of poverty are often co-morbid and ubiquitous with malnutrition. Poverty and diseases are causally related. Poverty increases the chances of having these diseases as the deprivation of shelter, safe drinking water, nutritious food, sanitation, and access to health services contributes towards poor health behaviors. At the same time, these diseases act as a barrier for economic growth to affected people and families caring for them which in turn results into increased poverty in the community. These diseases produced in part by poverty are in contrast to diseases of affluence, which are diseases thought to be a result of increasing wealth in a society. For many environmental and social factors, including poor housing conditions and working conditions, inadequate sanitation, and disproportionate occupation as sex workers, the poor are more likely to be exposed to infectious diseases. Malnutrition, mental stress, overwork, inadequate knowledge, and minimal health care can hinder recovery and exacerbate the disease. Malnutrition is associated with 54% of childhood deaths from diseases of poverty, and lack of skilled attendants during childbirth is primarily responsible for the high maternal and infant death rates among the poor. Lack of exercise is an issue strongly related to poverty, due to lack of access to suitable recreational areas. The lack of physical activity increases the risk of developing chronic health diseases, cancer as well as decreasing one’s quality of life.Poverty is a risk factor for many different health issues, which can be impacted by their lack of access. Obesity and risks of chronic health diseases can be prevented through increasing physical activity and being able to have access to places to exercise. Physical inactivity isn’t a personal choice, but one linked to socioeconomic status as well. For individuals in poverty, it can be difficult to find a place to exercise. Within low income neighborhoods or towns, there are fewer opportunities to increase physical activity due to the lack of; parks, opportunities within the schools to participate in sports or recreational activities, and recreational facilities within the community.In low income communities only about one in five homes have parks within a half-mile distance, and about the same number have a fitness or recreation center within that distance.Since there are a lack of places to increase physical activity, the rates of obesity and chronic health diseases are on a rise among those in poverty.