determinants of health and health/illness behaviour Flashcards
determinants of health
the range of behavioural, biological, socio-economic and environmental factors that influence the health status of individuals/populations
health
the state of complete physical/mental/social wellbeing
What are the non-modifiable determinants of health?
1) age
2) ethnicity
3) biological sex
4) pre-existing medical conditions not related to lifestyle/social/environmental factors
5) genes + family history
6) epigenetic changes
epigenetic changes
changes to DNA/histone structure that do not affect the sequence of DNA but may affect gene expression + therefore cellular function
What are epigenetic changes caused by?
environmental + pharmaceutical interventions
What are the social determinants of health?
1) economic stability
2) neighbourhood + physical environment
3) education
4) food
5) community, safety, + social context
6) health care system
What are the lifestyle determinants of health?
1) diet
2) physical activity + exercise
3) sleep
4) smoking
5) alcohol
6) drugs
7) sexual activity
8) sun exposure
9) other risk-taking behaviours
10) occupation
11) adherence to treatment
12) participation in everyday activities + social activities
smoking as a determinant of health
those who are poorest are more likely to smoke (smoking is sometimes used as a strategy to cope)
asthma as a determinant of health
lung function/allergy/asthma appear to have strong links to early life stress + social disadvantage
work as a determinant of health
1) harmful working conditions + work stress can lead to health-damaging behaviours + illness
2) unemployment/inadequate employment exacerbates depression/depressive symptoms, worsens health status + can lead to the development of chronic physical conditions, whilst increasing the impact of existing disabilities
employment + housing as a determinant of health
strong association between depression + poor-quality built environment
mental health as a determinant of health
mental health is affected by social factors at personal/family/community/national levels
stress as a determinant of health
the chronic stress of social disadvantage/socioeconomic inequality/the discrimination act influences health
diet as a determinant of health
diet is influenced by a very wide range of factors including socioeconomic status + environmental factors
health inequalities
avoidable, unfair + systematic differences in health between different groups of people
What factors are addressed by health inequalities?
1) socio-economic factors
2) geography
3) specific characteristics such as sex/ethnicity/disability
4) socially excluded groups
How can health professionals help to tackle health inequalities?
1) treat all patients with compassion and respect, do not be judgemental about their lifestyles
2) patient education
3) giving patients help + support to achieve healthy lifestyles + signposting them to appropriate services to help with this (rather than just telling them to improve their diet, exercise, stop smoking, stop drinking and avoid illicit substances)
4) signpost patients to appropriate welfare benefits and social/family support services available
5) take sure that those most in need get the care they need.
Treat patients equally, but this doesn’t mean always treating them the same.
Providing/signposting patients to family planning and sexual health services.
Providing/signposting patients to vaccination programmes.
Get involved in local and national initiatives to promote social justice and improve healthcare and welfare provision.
How can health professionals help to tackle health inequalities?
1) treat all patients with compassion and respect, do not be judgemental about their lifestyles
2) patient education
3) giving patients help + support to achieve healthy lifestyles + signposting them to appropriate services to help with this (rather than just telling them to improve their diet, exercise, stop smoking, stop drinking and avoid illicit substances)
4) signpost patients to appropriate welfare benefits and social/family support services available
5) take sure that those most in need get the care they need
6) treat patients equally, but this doesn’t mean always treating them the same
7) providing/signposting patients to family planning and sexual health services
8) providing/signposting patients to vaccination programmes
9) get involved in local and national initiatives to promote social justice and improve healthcare and welfare provision
health behaviour
the activity undertaken by individuals for the purpose of maintaining/enhancing their health/preventing health problems/achieving a positive body image
illness behaviours
any actions/reactions of an individual who feels unwell for the purpose of defining their state of health + obtaining physical/emotional relief from perceived/actual illness
positive (adaptive) helpful illness behaviours
1) seeking appropriate level and sources of help with problems
2) not abusing substances, alcohol or smoking
3) finding reputable information about how to self-manage symptoms alongside medical treatment where appropriate
4) maintaining relationships with health care staff
5) maintaining a good work-life balance
6) positive attitude
7) healthy hobbies
8) adherence to and engagement with treatment including taking medication as prescribed
9) keeping medical appointments
10) healthy diet
11) exercise
12) relaxation or meditation exercises
13) talking about their feelings
14) maintaining social networks
15) continuing daily activities
maladaptive (unhealthy) illness
maladaptive (unhealthy) illness
maladaptive (unhealthy) illness behaviours
1) non-adherence to treatment
2) alcohol or substance misuse
3) excessive caffeine use
4) smoking
5) other addictions: (spending, risky sexual behaviours, binge eating, starvation etc.)
6) self-harm
7) unhealthy diet
8) avoidance of everyday activities
9) avoiding people
10) not exercising
11) poor work-life balance
12) behavioural problems
