Unit 3 AOS 1 SAC 2 Flashcards
Biological factors and examples
Biological factors relate to the structure of the cells, tissues and systems of the body and how adequately they function. There is a range of biological factors and, although many are the outcome of various sociocultural and environment factors, there is often a genetic influence that cannot be controlled.
- Body weight
- Blood pressure
- Blood cholesterol
- Glucose regulation
- Birth weight
- Genetics (sex, predisposition to disease, hormones)
Sociocultural factors and examples
Sociocultural factors relate to the social and cultural conditions into which people are born, grow, live, work and age.
- Socioeconomic status (education, occupation and income)
- Unemployment
- Social connections and social exclusion
- Social isolation
- Cultural influences
- Food security
- Early life experiences
- Access to healthcare
Environmental factors and examples
Environmental factors relate to the physical features that surround us. These can be natural features or those built by people.
- Housing
- Work environment
- Geographical location of resources
- Infrastructure
- Climate change
Common differences in health status between the population groups
- Lower life expectancy
- Higher mortality rates
- Higher rates of CVD, cancers, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease (morbidity)
Smoking
Smoking is the practice in which a substance is burned and the resulting smoke is inhaled and absorbed in the bloodstream
Smoking affects on health status and BOD
- Can cause a fault in body cells as they divide, causing tumours and ultimately cancers
- Use during pregnancy increases risk of low birth weight babies
- Use and exposure in early life increases risk of developing asthma
- Increases blood pressure, leading to CVD, stroke, hypertension and heart attack
- Damages airways which contributes to respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma and emphysema
Alcohol
Alcoholism: when a person can’t stop drinking once they have started, or has a constant desire to drink
Binge drinking: drinking with the purpose to get drunk
Alcohol affects on health status and BOD
- Energy dense therefore contributes to weight gain
- Filtered through the liver and so can cause liver disease
- Can contribute to behaviour change and increased risk taking therefore injuries and poisoning
- Is a depressant and can contribute to mental health problems
- Consumption whilst pregnant can increase risk of low birth weight baby, FASD and premature birth
High BMI
Body mass index: The amount of body weight an individual is carrying.
Measured by weight x height cm2
BMI of 25+ is overweight
High BMI affects on health status and BOD
- Increases risk of impaired glucose regulation and type 2 diabetes
- Extra strain on joints increases risk of arthritis
- Can impact self esteem and contribute to mental health issues
Underconsumption of fruits or vegetables
- Decrease in vitamin C which decreases immune system function
- Decrease in folate which assists with DNA synthesis therefore contributing to neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
- Decreased intake of fruits/vegetables means increased intake of processed foods therefore increased risk of obesity, CVD and type 2 diabetes
- Decreased fibre so no feeling of fullness which can lead to overeating/snacking therefore obesity
- Decreased fibre means less cleansing of the digestive system and increased risk of colorectal cancer
- Decreased fibre also means less absorption of water causing constipation in the long term, leading to colorectal cancer
Underconsumption of dairy
- Decreased calcium (which strengthens bones, teeth and cartilage) therefore weakened bones and osteoporosis
- Decreased calcium increases risk of CVD, colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes
- Decreased calcium causes weakened teeth, causing dental caries
High consumption of fat
- Increased energy dense foods causes weight gain
- Trans and saturated fats causes increased LDL cholesterol which causes increase atherosclerosis and CVD
- Increased trans fats decreases HDLs which causes CVD and atherosclerosis
High sodium intake
- Increased blood volume as sodium draws fluid out of the cells. Therefore heart must work harder which increases risk of CVD
- Increased risk of atherosclerosis
- Increased calcium excretion in the urine therefore increased risk of osteoperosis
High intake of sugar
- Increased carbohydrate intake therefore contributing to weight gain, obesity and associated conditions
- Sugar provides food for bacteria which then produces acid. This can corrode teeth, causing dental caries and gum disease
