Final answer:
Social class disparities in health persist even in countries with universal health care due to various social, economic, and systemic factors. These include income, education, social support, discrimination, and access to quality care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, social class disparities in health exist even in countries that provide free national health care. Despite the provision of universal health care, these disparities are influenced by a variety of factors including social determinants like income, education, and social support, along with discrimination based on race, gender, and age. The reality is that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often experience poorer health outcomes due to a confluence of factors such as poor diet, hazardous living and working conditions, and inadequate mental health services. Moreover, systemic issues like the quality of care available to different racial and ethnic minorities can contribute to health disparities, as well as the social power dynamics present within healthcare interactions.