s-task 4 Flashcards
Biological factors
Factors relating to the body that have an
impact on health and wellbeing.
Relate to the structure of the:
- cells
- tissues
- systems of the body + how adequately they function.
Sociocultural factors
Relate to the social and cultural conditions
into which people are:
1. born
2. grow
3. live
4. work
5. age
Many of these factors are beyond
the control of individuals.
Environmental factors
The physical surroundings in which we live, work and play. The way people interact with the physical environment can increase or decrease the risk of negative health outcomes.
Three examples of bio factors
- Body weight
- Genetics e.g. hormones
- Blood cholesterol
Three examples of socio factors
- Social isolation and social exclusion
- Access to health care (attitudes)
- Cultural background
Three examples of environ factors
- Housing
- Infrastructure
- Climate + climate change
Blood cholesterol
A type of fat. Excessive cholesterol production caused by genetics, poor diet, smoking.
Blood cholesterol impact on Health Status
Too much low density lipoproteins -> narrowing of blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
– > increases incidence of CVD -> heart attack
-> Increases morbidity – > vascular dementia
Blood cholesterol impact on H & W
Restricted blood flow to brain – >
interfere thought processes, including
processing information and problem solving – MH&WB
Body weight
Obesity and overweight contribute significantly to variations in health outcomes between individuals and groups.
BW impact on health status
Excess weight puts strain on the heart -> increasing blood pressure -> contributing to hypertension.
Increases incidence of heart attack
and stroke -> higher Mortality Rate & lower LE
BW impact on H & W (mental and physical)
Obesity and overweight may face
social exclusion and discrimination
– > lower self-esteem – MH&WB
Sleep apnoea – very tired and little
energy – PH&WB
Genetics description
Genetic material – sex, body type, hormone production and personality – influences health status
Genetic predisposition – some individuals may be more
likely to experience some conditions than others EG skin cancer, depression, obesity
Genetic impact on Health status
Hormones: oestrogen (F) –> bone density.
Menopause -> more susceptible fractures and breaks -> reduced levels of oestrogen -> Higher mordbidity rate
Testosterone (M) -> risk taking behaviours &
aggression -> Higher mortality rate
Genetic Impact on H & W
Genetics plays a role in people’s personalities – > more outgoing – SH&WB
Bodily processes influenced by genetics – > faster metabolism – less likely to gain weight – PH&WB
Testosterone (Sex/Gender)– > impulsive behaviour
– > greater risk of injury – PH&WB
Access to healthcare on health outcomes
Contribute to conditions going undiagnosed and untreated, which can result in a range of variations in health status, including higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy.
Climate change
There is a growing concern that changes to the environment
are contributing to climate change -> extreme temperatures
rising sea levels
increased occurrence of natural disasters
spread of vector-borne diseases e.g.
dengue fever fever
climate change affects most vulnerable – remote areas (poor housing lower incomes), elderly, young, sick
Impact on health status (climate change)
*UV radiation – > increased incidence of skin
cancer
- droughts and floods – > damage to
infrastructure and food production –>
contributed to mortality and morbidity
*Bush fires – >mortality rates
*smoke – > respiratory conditions
Climate change H & W
*Extreme weather events – stress
and anxiety – MH&WB
- Loss of infrastructure and homes
– SpH&WB
*Bushfires – increased asthma –
PH&WB
Infant mortality rate
The rate of deaths of infants between birth and their first birthday, usually
expressed per 1000 live birth.
Urban design and infrastructure
geographical location of resources
(health care, schools, employment),
- quality of roads, transport,
communications, water and sanitation
Urban design and infrastructure on health status
Geographical location –> impacts if person access health care.
Remote areas –> limited doctors – >
conditions undiagnosed increases MR & MR
Near fast food outlets – > increased energy intake – > overweigh and obesity
Ud and I on H & W
Geographical location: Living far away from resources – MH&WB –
stress and anxiety
Infrastructure: Public transport – promote H&WB as people can access resources ( food, employment,
entertainment)
Internet connection – social connections – SH&WB
Public spaces – parks, gardens, recreation – PH&WB and SH&WB
