Pdhpe-_the_Determinants_of_Health

The determinants of health - Determined by more than just biology and lifestyle choices. Major determinants are: • Individual factors • Socio- cultural factors • Socio- economic factors • Environmental factors (Above) determinants do not exist in isolation; they impact our health together, often with one determinant influencing the other, e.g.: so our health status is a result of a complex interaction between the determinants. They also help to explain and predict trends in health, e.g.: they provide reasons why some individuals and groups have better or worse health than others. There are large gaps in the standard of living in Australia, e.g.: some groups in society have much greater chance in achieving full health potential as a result of their life circumstances or their determinants. Individual factors Knowledge, skills and attitudes - The ability to acquire knowledge about health and develop health and develop health-related skills is a powerful determinant in health. - Referred to as “Heath Literacy” and it enables a person to recognise health problems (in themselves and others), make choices about behaviours and access health services when required. - Our knowledge of health comes from a variety of sources: family, peers, teachers, the internet and the media. - Health literacy: enables people to gain access information, understand it and use it to maintain good health. Also allowing people to determine the accuracy and reliability of the information. - People’s health related skills; health knowledge and attitudes towards heath can influence their behaviours and impact their present and future health. - Being informed on health risks can motivate people to choose health enhancing behaviours. Genetics - Hereditary is determined by our chromosomal make-up, the genes that were passed on to us by our parents. - To achieve a certain level of health can be impacted by our hereditary - Certain diseases are also known to be hereditary, including asthma, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and some cancers including breast cancer. - Hereditary is a risk factor for these diseases - Genetics can also determine a person’s susceptibility to certain diseases or health problems, Socio-Cultural factors Family - Families have a strong impact on health and well-being, providing physical needs and emotional needs. - Provide: safe housing, food, medical attention, clothing, love and care. - Can model and promote good health and eating practices - Family structure can impact life e.g.: married people tend to live a happier and longer life to those who are unmarried. Peers - Need for social acceptance - Seek companionship, support, approval and acceptance from others - Influenced heavily on peers in the health department and decision making. - May have a + or – effect on ^ - Being a part of a group that common interests are found are more likely to have a + effect on health and decision making, e.g.: being a part of a peer group that under goes physical activity will encourage you to join in too. - On the negative side they can have a negative result, e.g.: your peers drink or smoke can make it hard when it comes to decision making. Media - Huge role in shaping how we see the world - Influences on: socialisation, values, development, opinions and knowledge. - Television has a huge impact on the view of health - Capable of changing ones attitude toward health and + lifestyle behaviours Religion - Influence the behaviour of individuals and affect their level of health. - Religious beliefs about food, sexual activity and drug use can impact a person’s decision regarding these practices. - Religion has obvious health-enhancing benefits, including social support, a sense of meaning and purpose, a belief system and a clear moral code. - Not exceeding the expectations of one’s religion can cause feelings of guilt and anger resulting in poor health. Culture - Culture refers to accepted ways of behaving within a particular group in society. - Groups or cultures can be formed by gender, age, location and ethnicity. - Each group holds particular values and beliefs that can influence behaviours and determine levels of health. - Language difficulties have a significant impact on health literacy. - Including access to health services, e.g.: a person who is unable to speak the language in which the country they are in enables them to describe their condition. - Being unaware of the importance of health due to lack of education or understanding. Aboriginality - Face multiple social and cultural risk factors such as unemployment, racism, geographic isolation, inadequate housing and water supply, and lower levels of education. - Change from traditional lifestyle to a Western lifestyle is believed to have great impact on health status of young Aborigines. - Changing sexual practices have contributed to high levels of sexually transmitted diseases and a lower childbearing age. - Drug use such as sniffing petrol or glue is a major cause of death in geographically isolated areas. - Alcohol related problems such as drink driving, suicide, violence and abuse are major health concerns in the communities. Socio-economic factors Employment - Unemployment is strongly related to health related status - Lack of work can contribute to poor health in two ways: reduces the ability to buy health related goods and services, number two: psychological and social impacts, such as alienation, poor self-esteem, loss of confidence, feelings of depression and disempowerment and stigma associating with unemployment. - Secure satisfying meaningful and regular employment = + health. Education - Gain greater knowledge of health issues, increase understanding of protective behaviours and risk factors. - Developing skills that can assist access to health information/products, access to health services. - Higher levels of education can mean higher income and better employment prospects. - Less likely to smoke, be inactive and suffer obesity. Income - Association between income, education and occupation. - People with a higher level of education are more likely to receive a higher paying job. - High incomes increase access to goods and services that are beneficial to health, health care, better housing and prevent health measures, joining a fitness centre and buying nutritious foods.