Variations in health status between population groups (SAC 2)

Question 1

Biological factors contributing to variations in health outcomes

Answer 1

Factors relating to the body that impact health and wellbeing, such as genetics, body weight blood pressure, cholesterol levels and birth weight

Question 2

Body Weight as a Biological factor

Answer 2

*Overweight and obesity are biological factors that can impact health and wellbeing and influence other biological factors.

*Eg: obesity increases the chance of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and impaired glucose regulation which are also biological factors.

Question 3

body weight impact on health status

Answer 3

• Excess body weight places a strain on the heart, increasing blood pressure and contributing to hypertension. Hypertension increases the incidence of heart attack and stroke, which leads to higher mortality rates

Overweight and obesity place greater strain on the joints of the bones, increasing the prevalence of osteoporosis

Question 4

Body weight Impact on health and wellbeing

Answer 4

• People experiencing overweight or obesity may face social exclusion and discrimination, leading to low self-esteem negatively impacting mental health and wellbeing.
• More likely to avoid certain social activities, such as going to the beach, which can limit social interactions and negatively impact the quality of relationships

Question 5

Age as a Biological factor

Answer 5

After reaching their peak in the mid-20s to mid-30s, body systems begin to decline at a rate of around 1-2% per year.

As people get older, the body begins to display the impact of the accumulation of years of cellular damage which increases the risk of a range of conditions for groups that are older compared to younger groups

Question 6

Age Impact on health status:

Answer 6

Ageing increases the incidence and prevalence of a range of conditions, including hearing loss, cataracts and other sight disorders, back and neck pain, osteoarthritis and dementia

Question 7

Age Impact on health and wellbeing:

Answer 7

*Decreased levels of fitness and aerobic capacity, decreasing the ability to complete activities, such as endurance events (physical)

*A decrease in the quality of relationships for people who experience chronic disease or mobility issues and might find it difficult to stay socially connected (social)

Question 8

Blood Pressure as a Biological factor

Answer 8

High blood pressure (hypertension) increases the pressure on the kidneys (increased risk of kidney disease) and increases the pressure on the artery walls making the heart work harder (increased risk of cardiovascular disease therefore stroke).

Question 9

Risk factors for hypertension:

Answer 9

• Overweight and obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Stress
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Genetic predisposition
• Poor diet (in particular, excess sodium)

Question 10

blood pressure Impact on health status

Answer 10

Hypertension means the heart is working harder, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, contributing to increased mortality rates and lower life expectancy

Question 11

increased blood pressure Impact on health and wellbeing:

Answer 11

• Unmanaged hypertension can cause headaches, dizziness, lack of energy and breathing difficulties, impacting physical health and wellbeing
• Symptoms associated with hypertension can also reduce an athlete’s ability to continue with daily activities, which can impact social health and wellbeing
• Reduced social interactions

Question 12

Glucose Regulation as a Biological factor

Answer 12

Glucose is the preferred fuel for the body for energy production, usually obtained from breaking down carbohydrates

• When blood glucose levels rise, insulin (hormone) is released from the pancreas to allow glucose to travel from the blood into the cells to use for energy
• Several factors can impact the process, contributing to the cells becoming resistant to the action of insulin preventing the glucose being absorbed by the cells. This is known as impaired glucose regulation (or being insulin resistant) and is a precursor for type 2 diabetes

Question 13

Impaired glucose regulation can occur as a result of:

Answer 13

• Stress
• Pregnancy
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Overweight and obesity (particularly if excess weight is stored around the abdomen)

Question 14

Glucose Regulation Impact on health status:

Answer 14

Individuals associated with impaired glucose regulation experience higher incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes

Question 15

Glucose Regulation Impact on health and wellbeing:

Answer 15

Restricted blood flow to the brain can interfere which thought processes, including processing information and problem-solving abilities, impacting mental health and wellbeing.

Question 16

Birth Weight as a Biological factor

Answer 16

Low birth weight (less than 2.5 kilograms) can be caused by a range of factors, including:
* Premature birth
* Age of the mother
* The mother’s nutritional status
* Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and drug use by the mother during pregnancy
* Illness of the mother during pregnancy

Question 17

low birth weight Impact on health status:

Answer 17

• Babies born with a low birth weight are more likely to have an underdeveloped immune system, increasing the incidence of infectious diseases such as influenza. They are more likely to suffer from premature death, contributing to higher infant and under-5 mortality rates and lower life expectancy

Question 18

Impact on health and wellbeing:

Answer 18

Low birth weight has also been shown to contribute to developmental delays in relation to cognitive skills and motor development. This may decrease the person’s ability to think clearly and use logic, impacting mental health and wellbeing

Question 19

Sociocultural factors contributing to variations in health outcomes

Answer 19

Factors relating to the social and cultural conditions into which people are born,, grow. Live, work and age

Question 20

Socioeconomic Status as a Sociocultural factor

Answer 20

Refers to a person’s position in society relative to other people based on three factors: income, occupation and education

Question 21

Income

Answer 21

Income can influence people’s ability to access resources such as:
* Adequate housing
* Food
* Healthcare (including private health insurance)
* Recreation
* Transport
* Education

Question 22

how can the factors of income acts as a resources and assist people:

Answer 22

• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Preventing disease
• Staying socially connected
• Accessing healthcare when required
  Which can reduce morbidity and mortality rates.

Question 23

INCOME (socioeconomic Statas Impact on health and wellbeing:

Answer 23

*Income increases the ability of people to engage in social activities such as going out for dinner or going to the movies, which can promote social health and wellbeing.

*Adequate income decreases financial stress, promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Question 24

Occupation as a Sociocultural factor

Answer 24

People in manual occupations, such as builders and farmers, have higher mortality rates than those in managerial/professional occupations. Manual workers often come from low socioeconomic background and experience more occupational hazards than those in managerial/professional occupations.

Question 25

OCCUPATION (socioeconomic Statas) Impact on health and wellbeing:

Answer 25

* Shift work can interfere with sleep patterns and can contribute to a lower level of energy, decreasing physical health and wellbeing. This can contribute to people avoiding normal activities, which can impact all dimensions * Occupations in which people work with others, such as in offices, schools and hospitals, can provide social interactions that contribute to social health and wellbeing.

Question 26

EDUCATION (socioeconomic states)

Answer 26

-linked to lower rates of risk-taking behaviour such as smoking or vaping, -unhealthy eating and being physically inactive. - This can increase levels of fitness and promote healthy body weight (physical health and wellbeing) which in turn can increase self-esteem and promote mental health and wellbeing

Question 27

Social networks (socioeconomic states)

Answer 27

relate to the bonds between an individual and their family and peer group, and the ability to participate in the society in which they live.

Question 28

Social exclusion (socioeconomic states)

Answer 28

refers to the segregation that people experience if they are not adequately participating in the society in which they live.

Question 29

Social exclusion can lead to

Answer 29

* Increased risk-taking behaviours, such as smoking and vaping, alcohol and drug misuse * Discrimination, including racism * Disability * Inability to access services such as healthcare, education, employment and social security * Family breakdown * Homelessness * Low income

Question 30

Social exclusion Impact on health status:

Answer 30

contributes to risk-taking behaviours such as smoking and vaping and alcohol use, increasing the prevalence of some cancers, cardiovascular disease and respiratory diseases. Those who are socially excluded are less likely to access health services, which means conditions can go undiagnosed, further increasing morbidity and mortality rates.

Question 31

social exclusion Impact on health and wellbeing:

Answer 31

Strong social networks promote emotional and mental health and wellbeing by providing avenues for people to seek support when issues arise, which contributes to lower levels of emotional distress and reduced levels of stress and anxiety.

Question 32

Social Isolation and Loneliness (socioeconomic states)

Answer 32

Social isolation refers to not being in regular contact with others Loneliness is a subjective concept that relates to the negative feelings that people often experience when they have less social contact than they would like

Question 33

Social isolation and loneliness Impact on health status:

Answer 33

Social isolation has been linked to mental illness, suicide, People experiencing social isolation and loneliness report higher rates of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression

Question 34

social isolation Impact on health and wellbeing:

Answer 34

Regular social contact gives people the opportunity to communicate and socialise, which can promote physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing.

Question 35

Cultural Background (socioeconomic states)

Answer 35

Relates to customs, ideas, values and traditions of a particular society that are passed through generations. * Cultural backgrounds that impact health outcomes: * Gender stereotypes * Food intake * Attitudes and beliefs

Question 36

Food Security

Answer 36

* The quality, availability and affordability of the food supply all affect what people eat. * A shortage of such products (called food insecurity) can lead to deficiency diseases and other health complications

Question 37

Food security Impact on health status:

Answer 37

Lack of financial resources can lead to an inability to afford nutritious foods and a reliance on cheaper processed foods. This can increase the risk of developing obesity and cardiovascular disease, contributing to higher levels of morbidity and mortality.

Question 38

Impact on health and wellbeing food security

Answer 38

* Immune system function may be impaired if the diet lacks essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin D and zinc, increasing the risk of disease and therefore impacting physical health and wellbeing. * If an individual is unsure where their next meal will come from, they can experience increased levels of stress, impacting mental health and wellbeing

Question 39

Access to Healthcare

Answer 39

Healthcare refers to services that promote and preserve health and wellbeing. These services diagnose, treat and/or manage disease and injury.

Question 40

access to healthcare Impact on health status:

Answer 40

due to cost and other sociocultural barriers, let conditions go undiagnosed and untreated, which can impact mortality rates and lower life expectancy.

Question 41

access to healthcare Impact on health and wellbeing

Answer 41

more likely to experience high levels of ill health which can lead to: - reduced ability to attend social events leading to a decline in the quality of relationships, impacting social health and wellbeing. - Increased levels of stress if conditions deteriorate and interfere with daily life, impacting mental health and wellbeing.

Question 42

Commercial Factors

Answer 42

* Relate to the impact the private sector has on consumption patterns of individuals and groups. * The private sector includes all non-government entities that generally work to generate a profit.

Question 43

commercial factors Impact on health status:

Answer 43

* exposure of air pollution can contribute to higher morbidity rates due to respiratory conditions such as asthma. * Increased consumption of products such as alcohol and energy-dense foods can increase the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, some cancers and cardiovascular disease, which can all contribute to increased mortality rates.

Question 44

Environmental factors contributing to variations in health outcomes

Answer 44

Factors relating to the physical features that surround us. - housing -urban design and inferstarcture -work envioemnt -climate change

Question 45

housing Impact on health status:

Answer 45

Ventilation and hygiene – inadequate housing has been linked to increased rates of morbidity from infectious and chronic diseases. A house that is damp and has poor ventilation can promote the growth of mould, which can increase the risk of developing respiratory and asthma-related symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and irritation of the upper respiratory tract, * Overcrowding – overcrowded conditions also place added strain on bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities, which can lead to unsanitary conditions and increases the incidence of infectious diseases

Question 46

housing impact on health and well-being

Answer 46

* Sleeping conditions – sleeping conditions should promote restful sleep, which in turn promotes adequate levels of energy in the waking hours, enhancing physical health and wellbeing. Noise and overcrowding can impact sleeping conditions and contribute to mental health issues, impacting mental health and wellbeing. * Security – having a house that is not seen as secure from the elements and intruders can promote fear among the residents and lead to high levels of stress and anxiety, impacting mental health and wellbeing. * Social needs – adequate housing can provide a place for people to socialise with friends and family, which can ensure social needs are being met, promoting social health and wellbeing.

Question 47

Work Environment Impact on health status:

Answer 47

- UV exposure – those working outdoors are more exposed to UV radiation. This can increase the risk of skin cancer among these workers. - Dangerous working conditions may increases the risk for injury thus increases prevalence and incidence as well as morbidity

Question 48

work environment impact on health and wellbeing

Answer 48

* A environment that contains hazards may increase levels of stress and anxiety among employees if they are concerned about sustaining an injury, impacting mental health and wellbeing. * In addition to the impacts on the functioning of the body and itsz systems, injuries sustained in the workplace can influence all dimensions of health and wellbeing, particularly if the injury is significant and/or permanent.

Question 49

Urban Design and Infrastructure

Answer 49

* Relates to the features and structures of the suburbs, towns, regions and cities in which people live.

Question 50

Urban Design and Infrastructure Impact on health status:

Answer 50

* Being close to supermarkets, shops and hospitals, and having the means to reach these resources, can decrease morbidity and mortality rates, because people can access the resources required to obtain adequate food and healthcare. * Adequately maintained roads and traffic systems such as traffic lights, signage and road lighting can improve safety and decrease the risk of morbidity and Mortality from road trauma.

Question 51

urban design Impact on health and wellbeing:

Answer 51

* If health services or hospitalisation are required, family members often have to take time off work to transport those who are ill to these services. This adds additional costs and increases the level of stress and anxiety experienced, impacting mental health and wellbeing.

Question 52

Climate and Climate Change

Answer 52

* Climate relates to the long-term weather patterns of a particular area and includes rainfall, temperature, snow, wind or any other weather condition.

Question 53

climate change Impact on health status

Answer 53

* Events such as droughts and floods can impact access to resources such as water, food and healthcare increasing morbidity and mortality rates in affected areas. * Smoke generated by bushfires can spread hundreds of kilometres from the site of the fire, contributing to higher rates of respiratory diseases.

Question 54

climate change Impact on health and wellbeing:

Answer 54

* Extreme weather events such as droughts and floods cause considerable stress and anxiety in affected areas and can prevent people from working towards their purpose in life, especially when usual activities must cease to allow people to address the associated impacts, impacting mental health and wellbeing.