Intersectionality: Social Marginalisation and Self-Reported Health Status in Young People

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to measure young people’s health status and explore associations between health status and belonging to one or more socio-culturally marginalised group. Methods: part of the Access 3 project, this cross-sectional survey of young people aged 12–24 years living in New South Wales, Australia, oversampled young people from one or more of the following groups: Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander; living in rural and remote areas; homeless; refugee; and/or, sexuality and/or gender diverse. This paper reports on findings pertaining to health status, presence of chronic health conditions, psychological distress, and wellbeing measures. Results: 1416 participants completed the survey; 897 (63.3%) belonged to at least one marginalised group; 574 (40.5%) to one, 281 (19.8%) to two and 42 (3.0%) to three or four groups. Belonging to more marginalised groups was significantly associated with having more chronic health conditions (p = 0.001), a greater likelihood of high psychological distress (p = 0.001) and of illness or injury related absence from school or work (p < 0.05). Conclusions: increasing marginalisation is associated with decreasing health status. Using an intersectional lens can to be a useful way to understand disadvantage for young people belonging to multiple marginalised groups.

Scoping Review: Suicide Specific Intervention Programmes for People Experiencing Homelessness

“…The complex health issues associated with marginalized groups including people experiencing homelessness are known, with increased risk of ill health and underuse of healthcare services. Robards et al [ 49 ] identifies access as a social determinant of health, and people experience barriers due to socioeconomic, social or cultural reasons (p.2).…”

“…Furthermore, Robards et al [ 49 ] notes intersectionality is an approach to understand multiple health inequalities and is an important framework for understanding the social determinants of health. This view is articulated recently by Marteau et al [ 52 ] seeking a focus on social determinants of health to address health inequities, more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Building evidence into youth health policy: a case study of the Access 3 knowledge translation forum

“…Australia’s health system includes a diverse range of healthcare providers and complex funding arrangements [ 17 , 18 ]. The federal government funds Australia’s universal health insurance (Medicare), the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Primary Health Networks (PHNs).…”

“…The federal government funds Australia’s universal health insurance (Medicare), the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Primary Health Networks (PHNs). PHNs are geographically based administrative organizations that support providers of primary care and liaise with hospitals and other providers to improve health system efficiency across their regions [ 17 , 18 ]. Australian states are responsible for policy development in public and population health, and public hospital and community health funding and management [ 17 , 18 ].…”

Women, Patriarchy and Health Inequalities: The Urgent Need to Reorient Our Systems

“…Racism worldwide compounds experiences and outcomes for women, with low-income countries carrying the burden of health inequalities [ 6 ]. Robards and colleagues [ 7 ] surveyed young people aged 12–24 years living in New South Wales, Australia, oversampling for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; living in rural and remote areas; homeless; refugee; and/or sexuality and/or gender diversity. The authors found that the greater the extent of marginalization, the greater the negative impacts of health.…”