Biological factors definition
Relates to the structures of cells, tissues and systems of the body and how the adequately function.
What are the biological factors?
Body weight, Age, Blood pressure, Blood cholesterol, Glucose regulation, Birth weight, Genetics, including sex and hormones
Impact of body weight on a health condition
- Overweight and obesity are responsible for a range of differences in health outcomes
A high body weight may place additional strain on the heart as it works to pump blood throughout the body. This may contribute to cardiovascular disease such as a heart attack.
Impact of age on a health condition
Humans reach their physical peak in mid 20’s to mid 30’s and after that, their health declines by about 1-2% each year. As a result, hearing loss can occur when hearing deteriorates.
Impact of blood pressure on a health condition
- When blood circulates, it applies pressure to blood vessel walls.
If someone smokes regularly, their blood volume might increase, which can lead to higher blood pressure due to blood needing to be pumped harder through the arteries. Over time, this can cause cardiovascular disease.
Impact of blood cholesterol on a health condition
- The amount of cholesterol that is present in the arteries.
Someone who consumes a diet full of low-density lipoproteins could have excess cholesterol deposit on the walls of arteries, causing blood flow to reduce around the body and lead to hypertension.
Impact of glucose regulation on a health condition
- it is the sugar in blood, where the body allows glucose to enter cells and be used for energy.
A diet that is high in fat can impair the body’s ability to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which inhibits the release of insulin, leading to type 2 diabetes.
Impact of birth weight on a health condition
- related to health outcomes directly after birth and later in life
A baby with a low birth weight is likely to have a weakened immune system. This can increase their risk of infectious diseases, such as influenza.
Impact of genetics on a health condition
- genetic material contained in body cells controls many aspects of life that influence health status, such as sex, body type, hormone production and aspects of personality
Genetic material controls many aspects of life, such as sex. Women, who have far more breast tissue than men do are approximately 99 times more likely to develop breast cancer than a man
Sociocultural factors definition
relate to the social and cultural traditions into which people are born, grow, live, work, age
What are the sociocultural factors?
SES, employment status, social network and exclusion, social isolation, cultural background, food security, early life experiences, access to health-care, commercial factors
Impact of SES on a health condition
- refers to a person’s position in society relative to other people based on three factors: income, occupation and education.
People with a low SES are less likely to be able to afford nutritious food. This means they are more likely to buy and consume cheaper processed food, high in sugar and fat, that is likely to lead to weight gain and a condition such as obesity.
Impact of employment status on a health condition
- relates to whether a person has a job or not.
Those who are unemployed might feel stressed out and repeated stress can lead to depression.
Impact of social networks/exclusion on a health condition
- relate to the bonds between an individual and their family and peer group, and the ability to participate in the society in which they live
Social exclusion is linked to people being less likely to visit health services, leaving conditions such as migraine to go untreated
Impact of social isolation on a health condition
- refers to not being in regular contact with others
Social isolation and loneliness contribute to emotional distress, which can enhance the risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety
Impact of cultural background
on a health condition
- relates to customs, ideas, values and traditions of a particular society that are passed through generations.
Alcohol is widely accepted in the Australian culture, which can contribute to someone feeling pressured to drink regularly, potentially leading to liver cirrhosis.
Impact of food security on a health condition
- The quality, availability and affordability of the food supply all affect what people eat.
People who lack financial support may rely on cheaper, processed foods, which are high in sugar, salt and fat, contributing to obesity.
Impact of early life experiences on a health condition
- help to shape each individual, their outlook on life and the behaviours they engage in throughout their lives
If an individual had slowed growth during infancy, they might have impaired cardiovascular function and develop cardiovascular disease.
Impact of access to health-care on a health condition
- refers to services that promote and preserve health and wellbeing.
Sociocultural barriers in healthcare can contribute to conditions going undiagnosed, such as diverticulitis.
Impact of commercial factors on a health condition
- Relate to the impact that the private sector has on consumption patterns of individuals and groups.
Industrial sites located close to residential areas may increase noise pollution, increasing the risk of anxiety.
Environmental factors definition
Relates to the physical feature that surround us.
What are the environmental factors?
work environment, climate and climate change, housing, urban design and infrastructure.
Impact of housing on a health condition
- The indoor environment that a person lives and grows up in.
A person who lives in poor housing is more likely to experience overcrowded conditions. This may lead to increased spread of infectious diseases and therefore a higher chance of catching such conditions e.g. Influenza
Impact of work environment on a health condition
- The physical features that make up a workplace.
Outdoor workers who spend long hours outside are more susceptible to harmful UV exposure, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
