Chapter 9 – Chronic Illness
In this chapter we build on the physiological concepts presented in chapter 4 by focusing on the chronic disease, which are a growing global health challenge Conditions such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus pose a burden to the individual and to health care systems. We explore the role of modifiable risk factors such as smoking, sedentary behaviour, unhealthy diets and chronic stress, which are more prevalent in certain populations. Social determinants of health, such as education level, income, housing, access to healthcare, along with factors relating to gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability and the enduring impacts of colonisation all contribute to inequity in chronic disease outcomes will also be considered.
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Chapter 9 – Key Readings
These readings have been chosen by the author to support and enhance the chapter material.
Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 78, 17–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2023.04.011
Estupiñán Fdez de Mesa, M., Marcu, A., Ream, E., & Whitaker, K. L. (2025). Understanding and tackling cancer inequities: What opportunities does intersectionality offer researchers, policymakers, and providers? A scoping review. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 43(1), 105–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2024.2361642
Hill-Briggs, F., & Fitzpatric , S. L. (2023). Overview of Social Determinants of Health in the Development of Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 46(9), 1590–1598. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci23-0001
Tuffrey-Wijne, I., & Davies, J. (2007). This is my story: I’ve got cancer. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 35, 7-11. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3156.2006.00421.x
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Chapter 9 – Video Resources
There is no video resources for this chapter.
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Chapter 9 – Reflective Questions
These questions are designed to prompt deeper thinking about the ideas and themes presented in this chapter.
- Consider how social determinants such as ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, or disability may influence the prevalence and health outcomes in one chronic disease of your choosing.
- How might ethnicity, gender, disability, or LGBTQI+ status affect an individual’s access to cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment
- How might BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio differ in accurately assessing health risks for diverse populations?
- How do obesogenic environments and hedonic eating influence individual and population-level obesity?
- Why might T2DM prevalence and outcomes differ across ethnic groups, Indigenous populations, LGBTQI+ communities, and in people with disabilities?
