Determinants of Health

Morbidity

the rate of disease in a population

Mortality

the amount of death in a population

Chronic Disease

conditions that last one year or longer and require ongoing medial attention or limits actives of daily living

Examples of Chronic Disease

heart disease, cancer, diabetes

Determinants

a factor or event that brings change in the health status of an individual or population

Types of Determinants

biological, social, cultural, economic, physical

Risk Factor

an exposure associated with a disease, morbidity, mortality, adverse health outcome

Synonyms of Risk Factor

determinants, risk factor, exposure

Modifiable Determinants

can be changed to alter health outcomes

Examples of Modifiable Determinants

behaviour, lifestyle, some social and environmental

Non-Modifiable Determinants

cannot be changed to alter health outcomes

Examples of Non-Modifiable Determinants

genetics, age, sex, ethnicity

Reasons Age Impacts Disease Rates

immunity

development over the life course

slowly progressing diseases

age-related life style

Sex

differences in disease frequency exist between sexes

Biological

diseases of the reproductive system, hormonal effects, genetic predisposition

Non-Biological

differences in social roles and health related behaviours between men and women (liver disease and lung cancer in men)

Key Determinants of Health

income and social status, social support networks, education, employment/working conditions, social environments, physical environments, personal health practices and coping skills, healthy child development, biology and genetic endowment, health services, gender, culture

Primary Factors That Shape Health of Canadians

living conditions they experience

the conditions are known as social determinants of health (SDH)

Social Determinants of Health

income and social status, social support networks, education, employment and working conditions, social environment, physical environments, health child development and culture

Income and Social Status

health status improves at each step up the income and social hierarchy

high income determine living conditions (e.g. safe housing, ability to buy food)

What are the Healthiest Populations

those in societies which are thriving and have an equitable distribution of wealth

Social Support Networks

support from families, friends and communities is associated with better health

Why are Social Support Networks Important

they help people solve problems and deal with adversity

they help maintain a sense of mastery and control over life circumstances

What Acts as a Buffer Against Health Problems

the caring and respect that occurs in social relationships and the resulting sense of satisfaction and well-being

Education

health status improves with level of education

education is closely tied to socioeconomic status

Working or Employment Conditions Impact on Health

high stress jobs —> increase anxiety, depression, stress

unsafe physical conditions —> increase injuries, respiratory problems

long hours/overwork —> increase fatigue, stress, chronic illness

insecure employment —> poor mental health, unhealthy coping behaviours

Social Environments

values/norms of a society influence the health/well being of individuals and populations

3 Interrelated Dimensions of a Healthy Lifestyle

1. individuals

2. individuals within their social environment (e.g. family, peers, workplace)

3. the relation between individuals and their social environment

Physical Environments

contaminants in our air, water, food and soil can cause a variety of adverse health effects

e.g. cancer, birth defects, respiratory illness

Healthy Child Development

experiences from conception to age 6 have the most important influence on the connecting and sculpting of the brain’s neurons

What does Positive Stimulation in Early Life do

improves learning, behaviour and health into adulthood

A loving secure attachment between parents and babies

helps children develop trust, self-esteem, emotional control and ability to have positive relationships with others later in life

Infants and Children who were Neglected or Abused

at higher risk for injuries, behavioural, social and cognitive problems later in life and death

Benefits with Participating in Culture

1. helps build social capital - the glue that hold communities together

2. create social solidarity and cohesion

3. foster social inclusion, community empowerment, capacity-building, enhancing confidence, civic pride and tolerance

Participation in Culture Help Develop

thinking skills, build self-esteem and improves resilience

enhances education outcomes

What do creativity and cultural engagement improve

mental and physical heath

Health Equality

differences in heath status or health outcomes between individuals or groups

Examples of Health Equality

life expectancy, disease rate access to healthcare

Health Equity

unfair, avoidable, and adjust differences in health between individuals or groups that can be prevented

What Causes Health Equity

social, economic, environmental or systemic disadvantages

Examples of Health Equity

poverty, discrimination, limited access to education