Determinants of Health

Question 1

What are determinants of health?

Answer 1

The factors that lead to differences in health status

Question 2

Health of an individual is based on what 2 factors?

Answer 2

1. Uncontrollable Factors
   - genetics, gender, predisposition to a disease
2. Controllable Factors
   - diet, smoking status, exercise levels

Question 3

What are the 3 categories that classify the determinants of health?

Answer 3

1. biological
2. behavioural
3. social

Question 4

What are biological determinants?

Answer 4

Refer to the cells, tissues and systems of the body, their structure and how adequately they function
e.g. blood pressure, body weight, genetics

Question 5

What are behavioural determinants?

Answer 5

Refer to the choices people make in their lives that impact on health
e.g. physical activity, drug use, dietary choices, sexual behaviours, smoking and alcohol consumption

Question 6

What are social determinants?

Answer 6

Refer to the determinants within the social environment that impact on health status
e.g. access to health care, early life experiences, socio-economic status, work, housing, food security

Question 7

Describe the determinants of health in terms of risk and protective factors?

Answer 7

1. Risk Factor – determinants which are detrimental to health (smoking)
2. Protective Factors – Promote or enhance health (exercising)