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.