Sac 2 - Exploring differences in health status Flashcards
Biological factors definition
Factors relating to the body that impact on health or wellbeing, such as body weight.
Biological factors
- genetics
- body weight
- blood pressure
- blood cholesterol
- glucose regulation
- birthweight
Obesity definition
The carrying of excess body weight in the form of fat. A BMI of greater than 30 is considered obese.
Body weight definition
High body weight is a leading contributor to a number of health conditions and other biological factors.
What does body weight lead to?
- high blood cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- impaired glucose regulation
- cardiovascular disease
- type 2 diabetes
- arthritis
- some cancers (colorectal)
- mental health conditions (depression)
BMI calculation
Weight (kg) divided by Height (m2)
High blood pressure / Hypertension
- normal blood pressure is measured at 120 over 80
- hypertension means the blood is not able to flow as easily through the blood vessels when compared to someone with normal blood pressure
- can cause restricted blood flow, increased pressure of heart and kidneys, kidney failure, cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke)
Atherosclerosis definition
The buildup of plaque, caused by excess cholesterol, resulting in hardening and loss of elasticity of blood vessels
Blood cholesterol definition
Cholesterol is an essential type of fat required by the body for a variety of processes. The body creates cholesterol in the liver; however most people consume additional cholesterol from animal products.
What does high blood cholesterol lead to?
- atherosclerosis
- cardiovascular disease
What does impaired glucose regulation lead to?
Type 2 diabetes
What does low birth weight lead to?
- premature death
- speech and learning difficulties
- undeveloped immune systems (more likely to suffer infection)
- in adulthood: high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease
What does genetic predisposition to disease lead to?
- cancer
- obesity
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- depression
Sociocultural factors definition
The social and cultural conditions into which people are born, work, grow, live and age
Sociocultural factors
- cultural factors
- early life experiences
- unemployment
- access to healthcare
- food security
- socioeconomic status
- social exclusion/ social isolation
Access to healthcare
- cultural barriers, such as language barriers, religious beliefs and understanding of western medicine
- financial barriers, unable to access private health insurance and dental care
What does lack of access to healthcare lead to?
- premature death
- treatable conditions go undiagnosed
- higher mortality from treatable conditions
Food security
- refers to the state in which all people can obtain nutritionally adequate, culturally appropriate, safe food regularly
- from a sociocultural perspective, due to low income and a lack of knowledge
- low incomes may mean people are reliant on cheaper, processed foods which tend to be high in salt, fat and sugar and contribute to diet-related diseases
What does food insecurity lead to?
- cardiovascular disease
- type 2 diabetes
- nutrient deficiencies (anemia)
3 factors leading to socioeconomic status
- income (increased access to nutritional food, healthcare, education)
- occupation (exposure to manual labour)
- education (higher paying jobs)
Social exclusion definition
The segregation that people experience if they are not adequately participating in the society in which they live.
Social isolation definition
Individuals who are not in regular contact with others.
What does social exclusion/isolation lead to?
- mental health conditions
- stress
- substance abuse
- suicide/self harm
What does unemployment lead to?
- suicide/self harm
- mental health conditions (depression)
- cardiovascular disease
- increased stress/anxiety
What does maternal smoking, drug use and poor nutrition lead to?
- low birth weight
- higher risk of diabetes later in life
- higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life
- greater likelihood of death in childhood (U5MR)
- poorer immune system, more risk of infection
Level of education
- fewer illnesses
- better mental health
- higher income
Overcrowding and homelessness
- housing is considered to be a basic human right
- overcrowding, increases stress and impacts on the health of children causing respiratory problems and skin infections
Environmental factors definition
The physical surroundings in which we live, work and play.
Enviromental factors
- climate and climate change
- water and air quality
- housing
- work environment
- urban design and infrastructure
What does poor air quality lead to?
- asthma
- lung cancer
- respiratory conditions
What does poor water quality lead to?
- increased water borne diseases
- decreased immune function
- poor nutrition
What does work environement lead to?
- skin cancer
- injuries/ accidents
- respiratory diseases and some cancers ( chemicals/ hazardous substances)
Climate and climate change
- skin cancer
- mental health challenges/ employment and income (bushfires)
Housing
- drowning
- lack of hygiene (overcrowding)
- adequate ventilation
Urban design / Infrastructure
- geographical access to resources
- safe roads and signing preventing road injury and death
- adequate water
Variations in biological factors between males and females - blood pressure
- men more likely, but women after 65 yrs
- increasing risk of cvd
Variations in biological factors between males and females -nimpaired glucose regulation
- men more likely
- increasing risk of type 2 diabetes
Variations in biological factors between males and females - body weight
- men more likely
- increasing risk of cvd and type 2 diabetes
Variations in biological factors between males and females - genetics
- men more likely
- increases risk of chronic diseases, cvd and risk taking behaviours leading to injury due to high levels of testosterone
Variations in sociocultural factors between males and females - socioeconomic status
- higher for males due to income
Variations in sociocultural factors between males and females - access to healthcare
- females more likely due to male stereotypes
- men increased rate of chronic conditions as they do not seek early intervention
Variations in sociocultural factors between males and females - unemployment
- males feel more pressure
- increasing levels of mental health issues
- males have higher levels of morbidity
Variations in sociocultural factors between males and females - contact sports
- men more likely
- increasing risk of injury
Variations in environmental factors between males and females - work environement
- males more likely to work in industries such as trade and farming
- increasing risk of injury and skin cancer
Variations in biological factors between low and high ses - high blood pressure
- low ses more likely
- increasing risk of cvd
Variations in biological factors between low and high ses - impaired glucose regulation
- low ses higher rates
- increasing risk type 2 diabetes
Variations in biological factors between low and high ses - body weight
- low ses higher rates
- increasing risk of cvd and type 2 diabetes
Variations in biological factors between low and high ses - low birthweight
- low ses higher rates
- chronic conditions later in life
Variations in sociocultural factors between low and high ses - socioeconomic status
- low ses have lower income and education and higher unemployment rates
- increasing risk taking behaviour, food insecurity and inadequate housing
Variations in sociocultural factors between low and high ses - access to healthcare
- low ses less likely to access
- increasing risk of morbidity and mortality
Variations in sociocultural factors between low and high ses - social exclusion
- low ses more likely
- increasing levels of mental health conditions
Variations in sociocultural factors between low and high ses - food security
- low ses cannot afford nutritional foods
- increasing risks of overweight/obesity
Variations in environmental factors between low and high ses - air quality
- higher rates of smoking
- increases risk of respiratory conditions/asthma
Variations in environmental factors between low and high ses - housing
- low ses more likely to live in inadequate
- higher risk of living in unhygienic conditions, injury and mental health conditions
Variations in environmental factors between low and high ses - geographical location
- low ses live in outer suburbs with very few fresh food outlets
- high risk of food insecurity, risk of overweight/obesity
Variations in biological factors between urban and rural - blood pressure
- higher outside major cities
- increases risk of hypertension and cvd
Variations in biological factors between urban and rural - blood cholesterol
- higher outside major cities
- increases risk of hypertension and cvd
Variations in biological factors between urban and rural - impaired glucose regulation
- higher outside major cities
- increases risk of type 2 diabetes
Variations in biological factors between urban and rural - body weight
- higher outside major cities
- increases risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers
Variations in biological factors between urban and rural - birth weight
- higher outside major cities
- increases risk of chronic conditions later in life
Variations in sociocultural factors between urban and rural - socio-economic status
- outside major cities, lower income, education and employment
- risk taking behaviours, smoking, poor diet, and increased morbidity
Variations in sociocultural factors between urban and rural - social isolation
- higher outside major cities
- increased risk of stress/loneliness/mental illness
Variations in sociocultural factors between urban and rural - food security
- fresh nutritious food more expensive in rural areas
- increased food insecurity, lower income, increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cvd
Variations in sociocultural factors between urban and rural - early life experiences
- maternal smoking and alcohol consumption more common in rural areas
- increased risk of low birthweight babies
Variations in environmental factors between urban and rural - infrastructure
- rural poorer
- lower access to healthcare
- increased morbidity and mortality
- roads are poorer quality, increased risk of road accidents, water quality not the same and dental issues
Variations in environmental factors between urban and rural - geographical location
- rural have limited access to healthcare
- increased rate of mortality from preventable cancers
Variations in environmental factors between urban and rural - work environment
- rural outdoor work exposed to more hazards
- higher rate of injuries
Variations in environmental factors between urban and rural - climate and climate change
- rural feels effects more
- increase mental health issues
Variations in biological factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - blood pressure
- higher for indigenous
- increased cvd
Variations in biological factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - impaired glucose regulation
- higher for indigenous
- increased type 2 diabetes
Variations in biological factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - body weight
- higher for indigenous
- increased obesity, type 2 diabetes and cvd
Variations in biological factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - birthweight
- higher for indigenous
- low birth weight, risk of chronic conditions
Variations in sociocultural factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - cultural factors (accessing healthcare)
- lower for indigenous
- faces cultural barriers, limited indigenous doctors available
Variations in sociocultural factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - socio-economic status
- lower for indigenous
- lower education, income and employment
- more likely to engage in behaviours like smoking, poor diet and physical inactivity
Variations in sociocultural factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - social exclusion
- lower for indigenous
- face discrimmination
Variations in sociocultural factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - early-life experiences
- higher for indigenous
- higher maternal smoking rates, alcohol consumption while pregnant leading to low birth weight and foetal alcohol syndrome
Variations in environmental factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - housing
- indigenous more likely to live in overcrowded/poor homes leading to disease
Variations in environmental factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - access to healthcare
- limited access for indigenous
- increased burden of disease as conditions go untreated
Variations in environmental factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - infrastructure
- indigenous live in rural, poor road quality
- higher risk of road accidents
Variations in environmental factors between indigenous and non-indigenous - safe water sanitation
- indigenous live in remote areas
- inadequate access to safe water sanitation and increased risk of infectious diseases
What does smoking lead to?
- males contribute more
- cancer, heart disease, respiratory conditions, reduced circulation by narrowing blood vessels
- leading cause of preventable death
What does alcohol lead to?
- weight gain, injuries, cvd, cancers, depression
- leads to risk taking behaviours like drink driving
What does high body mass lead to?
- cvd, gallbladder disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancers, depression
Limitations of using bmi
- does not distinguish between fat and muscle
- does not indicate where the body fat is stored
What does under consumption of vegetables lead to?
- cancers
- cvd
- neural tube defects
- type 2 diabetes
- weight management
What does under consumption of fruit lead to?
- type 2 diabetes
- weight management
- cancers
- cvd
What does low intake of dairy lead to?
- dental decay
- osteoporosis
- weight gain
- type 2 diabetes
What does low intake of fibre lead to?
- cancer
- constipation
- weight gain
- type 2 diabetes
- cvd
What does excess consumption of fat lead to?
- some cancers
- atherosclerosis
- obesity
- cvd
- type 2 diabetes
Main functions of fat
- source of energy
- provide protection to vital organs
- provide insulation to assist with temperature regulation
Good fats
- Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated
- can decrease LDL cholesterol and reduce atherosclerosis risk
Bad fats
- Saturated and trans fats
- increase LDL (bad cholesterol) which increases cvd and atherosclerosis
What does excess sodium (salt) lead to?
- stroke
- hypertension
- heart attacks
- osteoporosis
Function of salt
Plays a vital role in maintenance of fluid balance in the body
What does excess sugar consumption lead to?
- type 2 diabetes
- obesity
- tooth decay and cavities
- cvd
Self-assessed health status
An overall measure of a population’s health based on a person’s own perception of their health
Life expectancy
An indication of how long a person can expect to live, it is the number of years of life remaining to a person at a particular age if death rates do not change
HALE
A measure of burden of disease, based on life expectancy at birth, but including an adjustment for time spent in poor health. It is the number of years in full health that a person can expect to live based on current rates of ill-health and mortality.
Mortality
The number of deaths caused by a particular disease, illness or other environmental factor
Infant mortality
The rate of deaths of infants between birth and their first birthday, usually expressed per 1000 live births
Under 5 mortality
The rate of deaths occurring in children under 5 years of age per 1000 live births
Maternal mortality
Refers to the number of deaths of women due to pregnancy or childbirth related complications
Morbidity
Refers to ill-health in an individual and the levels of ill-health in a population or group
Incidence
The number of new cases of a condition during a given period of time (usually 12 months)
Prevalence
The number or proportion of cases of a particular disease or condition present in a population at a given time
Burden of disease
A measure of the impact of diseases and injuries, specifically it measures the gap between current health status and an ideal situation where everyone lives to an old age free of disease and disability. Measured in a unit called the DALY
DALY
A measure of burden of disease, one DALY equals YLL + YLD
YLL
A measure of how many years of expected life are lost due to premature death
YLD
A measure of how many healthy years of life are lost due to illness, injury or disability
Physical health and wellbeing
Relates to the functioning of the body and it’s systems; includes the physical capacity to perform daily activities or tasks
- Healthy body weight
- Strong immune system
Emotional health and wellbeing
The ability to recognise, understand and effectively manage and express emotions as well as the ability to display resilience.
- Recognising a range of emotions
- High level of resilience
Mental health and wellbeing
Relates to the state of a person’s mind or brain and it relates to the ability to think and process information, form opinions, make decisions and use logic.
- High levels of confidence
- positive self esteem
Spiritual health and wellbeing
Relates to ideas, beliefs, values and ethics that arise in the minds and conscience of human beings
- A sense of belonging
- Peace and harmony
Social health and wellbeing
The ability to form meaningful and satisfying relationships with others and the ability to adapt appropriately to various social situations
- Supportive network of friends
- Positive and effective communication