PUBHLTH 200 Health Behavior

Health Behavior

Actions taken by individuals that affect their health, which can be either positive or negative.

Ecological Model

A framework that describes five levels of influence (intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, societal/public policy) that determine health behaviors.

Health inequities

Unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries, often due to social, economic, and environmental factors.

Tobacco

A plant whose leaves are smoked or chewed, major contributor to preventable deaths and health issues.

Chronic diseases

Long-lasting conditions that can be controlled but not cured, including heart disease and diabetes.

Prevention

Actions taken to reduce the likelihood of developing a disease or health issue.

Premature death

Death that occurs before the average age of death in a certain population.

Policy environment

The context of laws, regulations, and policies affecting public health and health behaviors.

Health expenditures

Financial resources dedicated to healthcare services, including prevention, treatment, and education.

Social determinants of health

The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that influence health outcomes.

Peer pressure

Influence from members of one's peer group that can lead to engagement in unhealthy behaviors.

Risk perception

An individual's assessment of the potential risks involved in a behavior.

Addiction

A chronic condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.

Physical activity

Any movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure, associated with numerous health benefits.

Alcohol-related deaths

Deaths caused by the consumption of alcohol, including accidents, chronic diseases, and alcohol dependence.

Health behavior change strategies

Approaches designed to influence individuals' healthy or unhealthy choices in behavior.