Final answer:
Persons living in poverty generally experience higher rates of chronic illness due to inadequate healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation. These conditions lead to poorer health outcomes and a lower average life span compared to wealthier populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
One characteristic of persons living in poverty is a tendency to suffer higher rates of chronic illness. In contrast to wealthier populations, people living in poverty tend to face challenges such as inadequate healthcare, limited education, and issues with nutrition and clean water availability. Consequently, these individuals do not have the same access to preventive health services and care necessary for managing chronic conditions, which in turn can lead to increased incidence of such illnesses.
It is well-documented that low-income countries have higher rates of infant mortality and lower average life spans. Due to factors like infectious disease prevalence, scarcity of medical personnel, and inadequate water and sewer systems, health outcomes for the poor are notably worse than for those living in better economic conditions. This directly impacts the life expectancy and general health of populations living in poverty.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is that a characteristic of persons living in poverty is c. Higher rates of chronic illness.