What Role Does Socioeconomic Status Play in Disease Prevalence?
Socioeconomic status (SES), often measured by income, education, and occupation, is a critical factor in the prevalence of various diseases. Lower SES is associated with higher rates of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, as well as non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. The disparity is often due to limited access to preventive healthcare, unhealthy living environments, and behaviors such as smoking and poor diet, which are more prevalent in lower-income populations.
