Chapter 3: Factors Contributing to Health Status Flashcards
1
Q
Excessive tobacco smoking as a risk factor
A
-
Cardiovascular disease
- Tobacco contains toxic chemicals (e.g. carbon monoxide) that, when inhaled, can reduce blood oxygen levels
- This puts pressure on the heart to provide the body with oxygen, increasing heart rate & blood pressure
-
Cancer
- Tobacco contains carcinogens that damage the lungs
- This increases the risk of abnormal cell growth
-
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Causes irritation, swelling and narrowing of airways
- Leads to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath
-
Asthma
- Passive smoke can damage children’s arteries & blood vessels
- This irritates the airways, making them narrow & swollen
NOTE: Carcinogens are substances capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
2
Q
Tobacco smoking between population groups
A
- Outside major cities – more likely to smoke tobacco which contributes to higher rates of CVD & respiratory disease
- Low SES – more likely to smoke during pregnancy, reducing oxygen supply to the unborn baby
- ATSI – report higher rates of smoking
- Males – higher rates of daily smoking
3
Q
Alcohol
A
- A depressant that slows the messages travelling between the brain and the body
- Impairs judgement, decision-making and reaction time
4
Q
Excessive alcohol consumption as a risk factor
A
-
Obesity
- Alcohol is considered to be energy dense
- Contributes excess kJs to be stored by the body as fat
-
Cancer
- Alcohol is known as a carcinogen that damages cells, increasing the risk of abnormal cell growth
-
Injuries and road accidents
- Impairs motor skills, slows reaction time and increases risk-taking behaviours
-
Mental health issues
- Decreases serotonin levels (poor mood regulation)
5
Q
Alcohol consumption between population groups
A
- Low SES & outside major cities – ↑ rates of alcohol use
- ATSI – ↑ rates of risky alcohol consumption (e.g. binge drinking or drinking during pregnancy)
- Males – more likely to experience alcohol use disorders, suicide and self-inflicted injuries
6
Q
High body mass index (BMI)
A
-
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²)
- Height to weight ratio that can be used to classify people as under weight, healthy weight, over weight or obese
- High BMI is a score of over 25 using this calculation
- Weight is above average relative to your height
- A leading cause of non-fatal (YLD) burden of disease
- Strongly associated with overweight and obesity
NOTE: Overweight and obesity refers to the accumulation of excessive body fat which occurs when a person consumes more kilojoules than are used by the body for energy.
7
Q
High BMI as a risk factor
A
-
Diabetes mellitus
- Excess fat tissue can make cells resistant to insulin
- Can overwork the pancreas and impair glucose regulation
-
Cancer
- Fat/adispose tissue produces excess oestrogen which increase the risk of breast or ovarian cancer
-
Musculoskeletal conditions
- Excess fat puts pressure on the body’s joints and muscles
-
Self-harm and suicide
- Associated with poor body image
8
Q
BMI between population groups
A
- Low SES & rural areas – higher rates of overweight and obesity
- ATSI – more commonly have high BMI
9
Q
Fats
4 types
A
-
Monounsaturated fats (healthier)
- In plant-based oils e.g. olive, canola and peanut oils
- In avocados and nuts e.g. cashews and almonds
- Helps to lower LDL w/o lowering levels of HDL
-
Polyunsaturated fats (healthier)
- In vegetable oils
-
Saturated fats (unhealthy)
- In animal products e.g. bacon, full-fat milk/butter/cream
- ↑ LDL levels in the blood, ↑ the risk of CVD
-
Trans fats (unhealthy)
- Processed monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils
- Behave like saturated fats (present similar health issues)
- ↑ LDL and ↓ HDL
NOTE: Any type of fat consumed in excess has the potential to act as a risk factor.
10
Q
High fat intake
A
-
Overweight and obesity
- Contributes excess kJs to be stored by the body as fat
-
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Fats accumulate in cells, impairing glucose regulation
-
Cardiovascular disease
- Increases LDL in the blood, narrowing blood vessels
- Places strain on the heart to pump blood, increasing BP
- Colorectal cancer and musculoskeletal conditions
11
Q
Fat intake between population groups
A
- Outside major cities – more susceptible to high fat intake due to limited availability of low-fat versions of dairy and meat products (more abundant in major cities)
- Low SES – higher disease burden due to high cholesterol (limited access to nutritious food)
12
Q
High intake of salt as a risk factor
A
-
Osteoporosis
- Increases calcium loss through urine
- Prevents the maintenance of bone density
- Increases the incidence of fractures
-
Cardiovascular disease
- Draws excess fluid from cells, increasing blood volume
- Puts pressure on the heart to pump blood around body
13
Q
Salt intake between population groups
A
- Males – consume slightly more salt than females
- ATSI – commonly add salt after cooking
14
Q
High intake of sugar as a risk factor
A
-
Overweight and obesity
- Promotes use of carbs as the only energy source
- Can create energy imbalance and increase fat storage
-
Diabetes mellitus
- Increases body fat
- Can result in insulin resistance (precursor to diabetes)
-
Cardiovascular disease
- Increases body fat and blood triglyceride levels
-
Dental caries
- Bacteria from plaque digests sugar which releases acids that gradually dissolve the enamel, creating tooth decay
15
Q
Sugar intake between population groups
A
- Males – higher intake of sugar, particularly sugary drinks
- Low SES – higher sugar consumption as nutrient-rich and low sugar foods tend to be more expensive
- Outside major cities – larger reliance on processed foods, contributing to a higher consumption of sugar
