The Determinants of Health

Factors that raise or lower a level of health in a population or individual. Determinants of health help to explain or predict trends in health and why some groups have better or worse health than others. Determinants of health can be classified in many ways such as physical environment, biological, behavioural, and social.

Those of which individuals have some influence, and which can be grouped into health related behaviours - Diet, Exercise, Smoking, Alcohol use and biomedical factors - Raised blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels. Modifiable health risk factors are important measures for preventative health interventions.

The physical surroundings in which we live, work and play. The physical environment includes water and air, workplaces, housing, roads, nature, schools, recreation settings and exposure to hazards.

May cause increase of infectious diseases, for example, Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis virus, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, Barmah Forest virus. (Physical Environment)

Low - level lead exposure to children, respiratory problems related to urban pollution. (Physical Environment)

May cause increase of infectious diseases such as legionnaires, some suppression of the immune system. (Physical Environment)

Skin cancer, cataracts. Premature Ageing. (Physical Environment)

Factors relating to the body that impact on health such as genetics, hormones, body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis. (Biological Determinants)

Abnormal or excessive fat accumulation to the extent that a person's health and well being may be adversely affected. Related to Coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, gallstones, degenerative joint disease. (Biological Determinants)

When blood is being pumped through the arteries at a harder and faster rate than one that is considered to be normal and healthy. Can lead to Coronary heart disease, stroke. (Biological Determinants)

A waxy, fat like substance used by the body to build cell walls. Can lead to Coronary heart disease, stroke.

Encompasses all diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels (including heart, stroke, and vascular diseases) caused mainly by blood supply to the heart, brain and legs. (Biological Determinants)

Actions or patterns of living of an individual or a group that impact on their health. Examples of behavioural determinants include factors such as smoking, sexual activity, participating in physical activity and eating practices.

Can lead to Coronary heart disease, cancers (lung, mouth and cervical) stroke, chronic lung disease. (Behavioural Determinants)

Can lead to Coronary heart disease, liver and pancreatic disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancers of digestive system, accidents, mental illness, violence. (Behavioural Determinants)

A poor diet and nutrition can lead to Coronary heart disease, stroke, breast and digestive system cancers, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, osteoporosis, under nutrition, dental conditions. (Behavioural Determinants)

Can lead to HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, renal failure, mental illness, suicide, violence, accidents. (Behavioural Determinants)

Can lead to Measles, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis. (Behavioural Determinants)

Can lead to HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, cervical cancer, infertility, pelvic infection, sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis) (Behavioural Determinants)

Can lead to Coronary heart disease, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, osteoporosis, bone fractures, falls, mental illness (depression, anxiety)

Refers to aspects of society and the social environment that impact on health, such as poverty, early life experiences, social networks, and social support. Most important social determinant of a person's health is the environment shaped by their family. Majority of social influence in this area relates to the features of family structure and function. Close proximity of family members experiences, may directly or indirectly influence the health related behaviours that are undertaken by each member.

Lead to poor health choices due to lack of knowledge, may lead to high - risk low pay employment increasing the risk of injury. (Social Determinant)

May increase mental disorders (depression), more likely to exhibit behaviours such as smoking and heavy use of alcohol leading to related negative health outcomes. (Social Determinant)

May lead to lack of access to health resources such as dental care, may increase mental disorders such as depression. (Social Determinant)

May lead to social exclusion or lack of social support leading to increases in mental disorders, health related practices and beliefs can lead to positive or negative health outcomes. (Social Determinant)