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