Factors that contribute to variations in health status Flashcards
Biological factors
Biological factors relate to the structure of cells, tissues, and systems of the body and how adequately they function. It includes factors that relate to the body that impact on health status, such as genetics, body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and birth weight.
Factors:
- body weight
- blood pressure
- bood cholesterol
- glucose regulation
- birth weight
- genetics
Body weight
The higher the body weight, the greater the risk of health conditions of high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, impaired glucose regulation, CVD, type to diabetes, arthritis, meant to heart conditions, some cancers
Blood pressure
BP that is too high over a period of time is called hypertension. This means the blood is not able to flow as easily through the blood vessels when compared to some one with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure is a threat to health because it makes the heart work too hard. This can result in conditions such as congestive heart failure, can you disease and blindness, an increased risk of stroke.
Blood cholesterol
An increase in plaque can narrow the arteries or affect the flow of blood to the heart. This causes a decrease in the amount of oxygen carrying blood, resulting in coronary heart disease.
Glucose regulation
Glucose is the preferred fuel source used for energy production in the cells
Birthweight
The low birthweight of a baby is 2.5 KG.
o Some health problems that may be faced include:
• Underdeveloped immune system
• High blood pressure
• CDV
Genetics
Genes can influence and individuals risk of getting some diseases, such as breast cancer, heart disease, asthma, diabetes and thyroid conditions
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 influences.
Factors:
- SES (socioeconomic status)
- unemployment
- social connections/exclusions
- social isolation
- food security
- early life experiences
- Access to healthcare
SES (socioeconomic status)
DEFINITION: Made up of income, occupation, and education, socioeconomic status is the social standing of an individual in society in comparison to others.
o Physical and mental health and well-being is strongly associated with SES
Unemployment
Those who are unemployed experience higher rates of premature death such as suicide, lung cancer, CVD and substance abuse. Unemployment puts financial strain on individuals and families as well as poor mental health conditions such as anxiety and stress, loss of identity, poor self-esteem and social isolation
social connections/exclusion
High levels of social support leads to increased physical health through protection from disease and death. Increases self-esteem and mental health
Social isolation
People who are isolated from others lack the emotional, psychological and health related support that can improve health and well-being
Food security
The quality, availability and affordability of the food supply will affect what people eat. Too much energy dense food can put people at risk of diet related diseases such as diabetes and CVD
Early life experiences
Possible impacts on the baby include low-birth-weight, increased risk of infections and high under five mortality rates
Access to healthcare
Factors that impact individuals access to health information healthcare services include cultural barriers, such as language barriers, financial barriers, such as services not covered by Medicare, and other barriers such as lack of availability.
Sociocultural factors
The physical surroundings in which we love, work, and play. Environmental factors include workplaces, housing, roads, and geographical access to resources such as healthcare.
Factors:
- work environment
- housing
- urban design and infrastructure
- climate and climate change
work environment
The type of work and the tasks involved influence a workers risk of physical injury and illness. Factors such as UV exposure which lead to skin cancer, work related accident and injuries, exposure to hazardous substances.
Housing
Possible impact on health status include mental health, poor hygiene, diseases, stress and anxiety, injury, respiratory condition such as asthma and lung cancer, infectious and current disease, poor nutrition, obesity, condition such as CVD, and type 2 diabetes
urban design and infrastructure
Access to transport can impact an individual’s employment, access to health care and shops, recreational facilities. Those who are less active in their transport contribute to CVD, type 2 diabetes and obesity, such as those in rural areas. Those living in remote areas and can’t travel to regional centres, can result in delay in detection and diagnosis of some conditions
Climate and climate change
Impacts of climate change include impact on food production, mosquito bleeding patterns, and increased UV radiation. Impact on food production could increase a range of diet related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, CVD and obesity
