Healthy Lifestyle - 12 Social Determinants of Health

Health

a state of complete physical, social and mental well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Income and Social Status

Health status improves at each step up the income and social hierarchy. High income determines living conditions such as safe housing and ability to buy sufficient good food. The healthiest populations are those in societies which are prosperous and have an equitable distribution of wealth.

Employment

Unemployment, underemployment and

stressful work are associated with poorer health. People

who have more control over their work circumstances and

fewer stress related demands of the job are healthier and

often live longer than those in more stressful or riskier

work and activities

Education

Health status improves with level of education. Education increases opportunities for income and

job security, and equips people with a sense of control

over life circumstances-key factors that influence health.

Low education levels are linked with poor health, more

stress and lower self-confidence.

Social Environments

The array of values and norms of a

society, in varying ways, influence the health and well-being of individuals and populations. In addition, social

stability, recognition of diversity, safety, good working relationships, and cohesive communities provide a supportive society that reduces or avoids many potential risks to

good health. Studies have shown that low availability of

emotional support and low social participation has a negative impact on health and well-being.

Physical Environments

Physical factors in the natural

environment (e.g., air, water quality) are key influences

on health. Factors in the human-built environment such

as housing, workplace safety and road design are also

important influences.

Healthy Child Development

The effect of prenatal and

early childhood experiences on subsequent health, well-being, coping skills and competence is very powerful.

Children born in low-income families are more likely than

those born to high-income families to have low birth

weights, to eat less nutritious food, and to have more

difficulty in school.

Personal Health Practices and Coping Skills

Balanced eating, keeping active, smoking, drinking, and how we deal

with life’s stresses and challenges, all affect health

Health Services

Access and use of services that prevent

and treat disease influencing health

Social Support Networks

Support from families, friends

and communities is associated with better health. The importance of effective responses to stress and having the support of family and friends provides a caring and supportive relationship that seems to act as a buffer against health problems.

Biology and Genetic Endowment

Inheritance plays a part in determining lifespan, healthiness and the likelihood of developing certain illnesses.

Gender

Men and women suffer from different types of diseases at different ages.

Culture

Culture can be defined as all the ways of life including arts, beliefs and institutions of a population that are passed down from generation to generation. Culture includes codes of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, norms of behavior such as law and morality, and systems of belief as well as the art. Customs and traditions, and the beliefs of the family and community, all affect health.

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