Which of the following is a consequence of poverty as a risk factor for health disparity?

C is the most accurate consequence of poverty as a risk factor for health disparity. Individuals living in poverty often experience higher levels of stress due to economic instability, which can lead them to engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as tobacco use. Research has shown a strong correlation between socioeconomic status and tobacco consumption, with those in lower income brackets typically having higher smoking rates. This behavior is often driven by factors such as lack of access to education about the dangers of tobacco, targeted advertising by tobacco companies in poorer communities, and the use of nicotine as a means to cope with stress and anxiety.

In comparison, higher educational attainment and increased access to healthcare services are generally associated with better health outcomes. Individuals in poverty are less likely to have access to quality education and healthcare, which can exacerbate health disparities. Lower incidence of chronic diseases is also contrary to the data, as individuals in poverty often experience higher rates of such conditions due to limited access to resources, poor nutrition, and lack of preventative care. Thus, elevated tobacco use stands out as a clear consequence of poverty impacting health outcomes.