What influences the health of individuals? degree of control over health + health as social construct Flashcards
Many health problems prevalent in Australia are linked to:
the decisions people make about their health and the lifestyle that they lead. However, a person’s health is not solely determined by individual choices.
A range of social, environmental and individual factors, are:
interrelated and exert a large influence over health choices. People with economic, social and educational resources are in a better position to promote their health
Modifiable health determinants
are those determinants that can be changed or controlled so they have a different influence on our health
Control over our health increases when we believe we can:
- Acquire information
- Make choices
- Manage situations that might be threatening
- Use skills we possess
Socioeconomic advantage provides us:
with physical and social resources such as education, money and health services that can make our life better.
Self-efficacy
is our belief in our ability to bring about change. The stronger our self-efficacy the greater our levels of perseverance, persistence and feeling of control
Health knowledge and skills
the accuracy and quantity of information, the more information you have the better decision you can make
Interest or desire
to improve their health assist in overcoming barriers
Changing influences of determinants through different life stages
The influence of health determinants changes as an individual lives through different life stages (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age)