Factors contributing to variations in health status (AOS_1)

Question 1

define biological factors

Answer 1

relates to the structure of the cells, tissues and systems of the body and how adequately they function

Question 2

biological factors

Answer 2

• body weight; self-esteem, cardiovascular disease
• blood pressure; hypertension –> heart attack
• genetics; sex (cancers), hormones (oestrogen –> bone density, testosterone –> risk taking behaviours, sperm)
• glucose regulation; cardiovascular, type 2 diabetes
• birth weight; cardiovascular disease, learning difficulties
• blood cholesterol; stroke, heart attack

Question 3

define environmental factors

Answer 3

relates to the physical surroundings in which we live, work and play

Question 4

environmental factors

Answer 4

• work environment; exposure to hazardous substances, dangerous working conditions, UV exposure
• housing; hygiene, safety, overcrowding, sleeping conditions
• urban design and infrastructure; infrastructure e.g. roads (access to resources, safety), geographic location of resources (shops, hospitals)
• climate and climate change; bush-fires, UV, rising temp. and sea levels, extreme weather patterns

Question 5

define sociocultural factors

Answer 5

relate to the social and cultural conditions into which people are born, grow, lives, work and age

Question 6

sociocultural factors

Answer 6

• socioeconomic status; education (health literacy), occupation (low/high level of physical activity), income (access to resources)
• unemployment; illness, stress
• social connections and exclusion; mental health, risk taking behaviours (alcohol, drugs)
• social isolation; poor h&w
• cultural norms; gender stereotypes, dietary, healthcare
• food security; type 2 diabetes, deficiency disease
• early life experiences; maternal health, neglect = emotional problems
• access to healthcare; conditions going untreated/undiagnosed