Chapter 2 - The Determinants of Health

Question 0

Behavioural determinants:

Answer 0

Actions or patterns of living of an individual or a group that impact on health.

Question 1

Atherosclerosis:

Answer 1

The build-up of plaque on blood vessel walls, making it harder for blood to get through.

Question 2

Biological determinants:

Answer 2

Factors relating to the body that impact on health.

Question 3

Body mass index (BMI):

Answer 3

A statistical measure of body mass calculated by dividing weight (Kg) by height (in m^2). A score of 20-25 is considered a healthy weight. Anything over 25 is considered overweight and over 30 is considered obese.

Question 4

Cholesterol:

Answer 4

A type of fat required for maintaining cell membranes and producing hormones. One type of cholesterol (LDL) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Question 5

Determinants of health:

Answer 5

‘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 than others.’ Classified as biological, behavioural, physical environment and social.

Question 6

‘Fight or flight’ response:

Answer 6

The body’s response to potentially threatening situations. Hormones kick into action to prepare the person to stay and fight or run (flight).

Question 7

Food insecurity:

Answer 7

When healthy, affordable food is not obtainable.

Question 8

Food security:

Answer 8

The state in which all persons obtain nutritionally adequate, culturally appropriate, safe food regularly through local non-emergency sources.

Question 9

Hypertention:

Answer 9

High blood pressure.

Question 10

Mutation:

Answer 10

When the DNA in a cell is damaged or changed, permanently altering the genetic information within the cell. This can affect the function of the cell in either a positive or negative way. Mutations often occur during cell reproduction.

Question 11

Physical environment:

Answer 11

The physical surrounding in which we live, work and play.

Question 12

Protective factors:

Answer 12

Aspects of a person’s personality and environment that act to protect their health. Examples include resilience, a supportive family and a satisfying job.

Question 13

Relative poverty:

Answer 13

Refers to people who have low income or lack resources compared to the average in the society in which they live.

Question 14

Social determinants of health:

Answer 14

Aspects of society and the social environment that impact on health.

Question 15

Social exclusion:

Answer 15

The segregation that people experience if they are not adequately participating in the society in which they live.

Question 16

Social isolation:

Answer 16

Refers to individuals who are not in regular contact with others.

Question 17

Socioeconomic status (SES):

Answer 17

The social standing of an individual in comparison to others in that society. It is based on education, income and occupation.

Question 18

Trans fats:

Answer 18

Types of fat that have similar effects to saturated fat. Found in small amounts naturally in some foods, trans fats are often produced by humans in a process called hydrogenation.

Question 19

Systolic blood pressure:

Answer 19

Measures the high end of the pressure cycle, when blood is being pumped out of the heart.

Question 20

Diastolic blood pressure:

Answer 20

Measures the pressure at the bottom end of the pressure cycle, when the heart relaxes and fills with more blood.