Table 1 Possible mechanisms by which poverty increases the burden of disease

Lack of information on preventive behaviors

Lack of access to health care

Low-birth weight

Increased exposure to pollutants

Lack of knowledge on how best to respond to an episode of illness

Greater distance from health care providers

Genetic predisposition

Increased exposure to communicable diseases

Lack of out-of-pocket resources

Cummulative biological risk profiles

Lack of clean water sanitation

Health beliefs and unhealthy behaviors

Inadequate nutrition