Chronic illness, poverty, and healthcare access

please answer each one separately Student 1 Turi- Managing chronic illness in a low-income household significantly affects family structure, emotions such as stress, and many other variables. Globally, two-thirds of deaths are due to chronic illnesses, which occur concurrently with socioeconomic factors such as poverty (Jayathilaka et al., 2020). Individuals with chronic illnesses often require health services, which can end up critical if not cared for properly with medical treatment due to the cognitive burden associated with financial insecurity and postponing medical intervention (Jayathilaka et al., 2020). Additionally, families living in poverty often face food insecurity, housing instability, and stress-related psychological changes contributing to poorer health outcomes (Lee et al., 2021). Role reversal, stress, and communication are significant factors for families experiencing poverty and chronic illness. Caregiving responsibilities can ultimately lead to financial burdens, including reduced work hours and expanded challenges such as difficulty paying household or medical bills. Moreover, communication may be altered under these circumstances within families presenting anxiety or emotional guarding for protection. Additionally, in a study of cancer survivors, families with higher incomes were found to be approximately half as likely to actively seek health-related information about their illness compared to families with lower incomes (Jung et al., 2015). This one aspect of the broader socioeconomic challenges affecting families highlights how inequalities can impact socio-contextual determinants. As a future APRN practicing nursing in New Jersey, there are many community resources for patients and families experiencing poverty. For example, NJ 211 is a statewide nonprofit organization that provides families with housing, food, health care, emergency, mental health, and other resources (NJ 211, n.d.). As an APRN, I would recommend that patients contact NJ 211 for resources on chronic disease management, medication adherence, and basic survival needs. Especially during the current snowstorm, socio-determinants such as housing stability and access to heat & food become immediate family demands. NJ 211 serves as a critical community resource across multiple areas of New Jersey by connecting vulnerable families to warming centers, food, and other services (NJ 211, n.d.). Nurses play a vital role in supporting communities during emergencies, particularly for families experiencing poverty. Yesterday, discharging a patient living alone with a chronic condition during a snowstorm posed significant challenges. Additionally, as future APRNs, we should advocate for social support alongside physicians and care coordinators to reduce preventable harm while addressing patients’ emotional and physical needs. References Jayathilaka, R., Joachim, S., Mallikarachchi, V., Perera, N., & Ranawaka, D. (2020). Do chronic illnesses and poverty go hand in hand? PLoS ONE, 15(10), 119. Lee, H., Slack, K. S., Berger, L. M., Mather, R. S., & Murray, R. K. (2021). Childhood Poverty, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Adult Health Outcomes. Health & Social Work, 46(3), 159170. NJ 211. (n.d.) Need Help? Start Here. Student 2 Kate How might parents discuss illness with children when healthcare access is limited? When healthcare is limited, a parents perspective is essential in understanding barriers to their childs access to healthcare services (Salimi et al., 2025). Relationships between parents, their children and healthcare providers and a sense of collaboration amongst the group is important in navigating a childs illness and healthcare access (Bogetz et al., 2022). Bogetz et al. explains the importance of providing families with opportunities for community social supports to broaden relationships and supports during a childs illness. Communication, education, and provision of resources is essential in assisting parents in navigating and communicating illness with their child. How does intergenerational poverty influence long-term health outcomes? Intergenerational poverty limits access to healthcare, proper nutrition, education, and community supports. Parental socioeconomic position and parental health during the first two decades of life strongly influence their offsprings adult socioeconomic status and health. (Houweling & Grunberger, 2024). According to Houweling & Grunberger, inequalities throughout ones childhood contribute to lifelong socioeconomic and health consequences related to the individuals poor learning environment, physical exposures and socialization. Addressing intergenerational poverty through education and community resources is essential to breaking the cycle for future generations. Reference Bogetz, J.F., Revette, A., Partin, L., Decourcey, D.D. (2022). Relationships and resources supporting children with serious illness and their parents. Hospital Pediatrics, 12(9). Houweling, T.A.J. & Grunberger, I. (2024). Intergenerational transmission of health inequalities: towards a life course approach to socioeconomic inequalities in health- a review. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 78(10). doi: 10.1136/jech-2022-220162 Salimi, N., Javan-Noughabi, J., Ghavami, V., Matinfar, R., & Kokabisaghi, F. (2025). Parents perspective on childrens access to healthcare services and associated factors: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 25(1). doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-23230-0