Chapter 2: The Determinants Of Health Flashcards
Example: determinants of health
- biological
- behavioural
- physical environment
- social
Definition: determinants of health
Factors that affect the level of health in a population or individual. Determinants of health help to explain or predict trends in health and why some groups have better or worse health then others.
Definition- biological determinants
Factors relating to the body that impact on health, such as genetics, hormones, body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, birth weight.
Definition: behavioural determinants
Actions or patterns of living of an individual or a group that impact on health, such as smoking, sexual activity, participation in physical activity and eating practices.
Definition: physical environment determinants
The physical surroundings in which we live, work and play. The physical environment includes water and air, workplaces, housing, roads, nature, schools, recreation settings and exposure to hazards.
Definition: social determinants
Aspects of society and the social environment that impact on health, such as poverty, early life experiences, social networks and support
Definition: SES
Socioeconomic status.
The social standing of an individual in comparison to others in that society. It is based on education, income and occupation.
Definition: food security
The state in which all persons obtain nutritionally adequate, culturally appropriate, safe food regularly through local non-emergency sources
Calculation: BMI
Body Mass Index
A statistical measure of body mass calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms) by height (in m(squared))
Definition: hypertension
High blood pressure
Definition: cholesterol
A type of fat required for maintaining cell membranes and producing hormones. One time of cholesterol (LDL) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Definition: trans fats
Types of fat that have similar effects to saturated fats. Found in small amounts naturally in some foods, trans fats are often produced by humans in a process called hydrogenation.
Definition: bad cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Definition: good cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Definition: atherosclerosis
The build up of plaque on blood vessel walls, making it harder for blood to get through
