Recent investigations upon the sources of health disparities focus on the issue through lenses different from a genetic one. Notably, a link between the so-called zip code and well-being has been discovered. Zip code stands for a place where an individual lives, not purely as a physical location, but primarily as a sociocultural environment. This umbrella term comprises a considerable range of factors that have proved to influence a human being’s physical and mental health.
One of the health determinants is diet, which depends directly on the climate a person lives in and the scope of food products they can afford. The more favorable climatic conditions are, the more diverse nutrition, in theory, is, although practically not all products are commonly available, which means that social groups with a higher income are potentially healthier. However, virtually everyone, notwithstanding their financial status, is exposed to various kinds of noise and pollution that are significant drivers of health as well (Tulane University, 2020). Considering that, city dwellers may have a lower chance for appropriate quality of life.
Another essential contributor is the level of education as it determines health literacy, which, in turn, is critical for health-related decision. A one who does not have an idea about the mechanism of their body concerning symptoms and the possible consequences of untimely treatment or self-treatment will not stay healthy. Along with that, access to health care facilities is no less critical but currently still unstable, if any, in the vast majority of developing and undeveloped countries.
Finally, social and community context is a health domain and interpersonal violence and discrimination (Tulane University, 2020). Regular outrage increases the likelihood of psychical disorders and, in some cases, suicide, which makes it unacceptable in terms of both individual and public health.
Reference
Tulane University. (2020). Health inequality: Examining public health disparities by ZIP code. Tulane University. Web.