Transformative Dynamics of Chronic Illness in social disadvantaged neighbourhoods
Author(s): Kasper Olesen
Thursday 15 | 9:40-10:00
Room: TP41
Session: The sociology of chronic illness
The intersection of chronic illness and socioeconomic disadvantage presents a critical area of study within the sociology of chronic illness. This research delves into the prevalence and dynamics of chronic illnesses within Tingbjerg, a disadvantaged community in Copenhagen, Denmark, spotlighting the interplay between socioeconomic factors and health outcomes over the past decade.
Employing a robust longitudinal design, this study leverages Danish national registers to track the prevalence and incidence of chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, among Tingbjerg residents from 2012 to 2021. Thus, the full national population of adults, in a 10-year period, was used as study population comprising data from 4.7 million individuals. By correlating health data with socioeconomic indicators such as income, education, and employment status, the research aims to unravel the complex mechanisms of health disparities that afflict disadvantaged communities.
Preliminary findings underscore a pronounced socioeconomic and health disadvantage among Tingbjerg residents, characterized by lower income, educational attainment, and higher unemployment and hospitalization rates for chronic conditions compared to national averages. However, preliminary longitudinal analysis suggests a nuanced narrative of gradual socioeconomic improvement and health stabilization, suggesting a potential decoupling of historical disadvantage from current health trajectories.
This study contributes to the sociology of chronic illness by elucidating the mechanisms through which socioeconomic factors influence health outcomes in disadvantaged communities. It challenges some traditional models of health disparities, proposing a dynamic interplay between place, socioeconomic status, and health that evolves over time. The findings hold significant implications for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders, advocating for integrated approaches to foster health equity.
By mapping the health evolution of Tingbjerg’s residents against a backdrop of socioeconomic change, this research offers a comprehensive analysis of the role of disadvantaged neighborhoods in shaping health outcomes. It invites further scholarly exploration into the conditions that facilitate health improvements in such communities,aiming to inform targeted interventions that can mitigate the impact of chronic illness across similarly disadvantaged neighbourhood, locally and globally.