Chapter 4 - Variations in Health Status Between Population Groups Flashcards
Influential Factors that Contribute to Health Status and Burden of Disease in Australia
- Biological
- Sociocultural
- Environmental
Biological factors
Factors relating to the body that impact on health and wellbeing, such as genetics, body weight, blood pressure, cholestrol levels and birth weight.
Biological Factors that Impact Health Status
- Body weight
- Blood pressure
- Blood cholestrol
- Glucose regulation
- Birth weight
- Genetics including sex and hormones
Genetic Predisposition
An increased likelihood of developing a particular disease based on a person’s genetic makeup (often indicated by a person’s family history of disease).
Sociocultural Factors
The social and cultural conditions into which people are born, grow, live, work and age. These conditions include socioeconomic status, social connections, family and cultural norms, etc.
Sociocultural Factors that Impact Health Status
- Socioeconomic status
- Unemployment
- Social connections and social exclusion
- Social isolation
- Cultural norms
- Food security
- Early life experiences
- Access to healthcare
Socioeconomic Status
Refers to a person’s position in society in comparison to other people. It is based on three factors: education, income and occupation.
Cultural Norms
Relate to customs, ideas, values and traditions of a particular society that are passed through generations.
Environmental Factors
The physical surroundings in which we live, work and play. Environmental factors include workplaces, housing, roads and geographical access to resources such as healthcare.
Environmental Factors that Impact Health Status
- Housing
- Work environment
- Urban design and infrastructure
- Geographical location of resources such as hospitals, schools and employment
- Infrastructure including roads and transport systems, electricity and communications systems, water and sanitation
- Climate and climate change
Factors contributing to variations in the health status of Indigenous Australians
Biological:
* High body mass index
* High blood pressure
* Low birth weight
Sociocultural:
* Low socioeconomic status
* High rates of unemployment
* High rates of food insecurity
* Lack of access to culturally appropriate healthcare
Environmental:
* Poorer quality and overcrowded housing
* Poorer quality water and sanitation systems
* Poorer infrastructure, including poorer road quality
Factors contributing to the health status of males
Biological:
* Higher rates of high body mass index
* Higher rates of high blood pressure
* Genetics, including sex and hormones
Sociocultural:
* Impacts of unemployment
* Higher socioeconomic status
* Cultural influences and gender stereotypes
Environmental:
* Males often work in more dangerous environments
Health status:
* Higher rates of injury than females
* Life expectancy around 4 years less than females
* Higher rates of BOD (burden of disease)
* Higher rates of deaths due to suicide, road trauma and violence
Factors contributing to variations in health status between high and low socioeconomic groups
Low socioeconomic status
Biological:
* Higher rates of obesity
* Higher rates of high blood pressure
* Higher rates of low birth weight babies
Sociocultural:
* Lower incomes, education levels and lower status occupations
* Lower levels of health literacy (refers to a person’s ability to access, understand and use information to make informed decisions about their health. E.g. capacity to read and comprehend health-related info, navigate healthcare systems and communicate effectively with healthcare providers)
* More likely to be unemployed
* Higher rates of social exclusion
* More likely to experience food insecurity
Environmental:
* Closer to fast-food outlets
* More dangerous work environments
* Poor quality housing
* More exposure to environmental tobacco smoke
Factors contributing to variations in health status for those living within and outside Australia’s major cities
Those living outside of Australia’s major cities
Biological:
* Higher rates of high body mass index
* High blood cholestrol
* Higher rates of low birth weight babies
* Higher rates of high blood pressure
Sociocultural:
* Lower incomes
* Less access to education
* Higher rates of unemployment
* Higher rates of food insecurity
Environmental:
* Poorer road quality
* Reduced proximity to resources such as healthcare, transport, supermarkets and employment
* Greater exposure to harsh climates and the effects of climate change
* More dangerous working environments
