Determinants of health

Determinants of Health

Biological Factors

  • Inheritable diseases (also known as genetic disorders) can have a significant impact on an individual’s health status.
  • Age affects health as it’s related to a decline in physical functioning over time, often resulting in chronic illness.
  • Gender can influence health due to biological differences, for instance, women have a longer lifespan than men but also suffer more from chronic illnesses.
  • Body composition can affect the likelihood of developing certain health conditions, such as obesity or malnutrition.

Psychological Factors

  • Personality types might play a significant role in health status; for instance, Type-A personalities are more prone to stress-related health issues.
  • Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, can have profound effects on physical health.
  • Coping strategies or lack thereof, can impact overall health. People with better coping skills often have better health outcomes.
  • Perception and understanding of health issues greatly influence personal health decisions and behaviours.

Sociocultural Factors

  • Socioeconomic status can affect access to quality medical care and nutrition, as well as exposure to environmental pollution.
  • Health-related beliefs, values, and attitudes of societies and communities can impact the health behaviour of individuals.
  • The impact of cultural practices on health, both beneficial and detrimental, for example, dietary habits, attitudes towards medical treatment.
  • Social support networks greatly influence health outcomes. Those with robust social support tend to have better health outcomes.

Environmental Factors

  • Access to clean water, nutritious food, and safe housing has a significant impact on an individual’s health status.
  • Exposure to pollutants or hazardous materials in the environment can lead to a variety of health issues.
  • Geography and climate can influence health, as they affect disease prevalence and access to health care.
  • Workplace environment can impact physical and mental health due to hazardous conditions or stress-related factors.

Lifestyle Behaviours

  • Negative health behaviours such as smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and lack of physical activity can lead to a variety of health issues.
  • It’s notable that positive behaviours like maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and regular medical check-ups contribute to good health.
  • Levels of stress and ways of handling it can significantly affect physical health over time.
  • The use of preventative health practices like vaccinations, check-ups, and screenings can help detect and prevent health issues early.

Health Care System

  • Access to quality healthcare and health information plays a crucial role in individuals’ health status.
  • The ability to afford needed medical services or medications can significantly impact an individual’s overall health.
  • The extent to which preventive services are used (e.g., health check-ups, screenings) also is a determinant of health.
  • Differences in the quality of healthcare services received, based on factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographical location, can impact health outcomes.