Biological, sociological and environmental factors

Biological factors

Relates to the structure of the cells, tissues and system of the body and how adequately they function.

Examples of biological factors

Body weight, age, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, glucose regulation, birth weight, genetics

Sociocultural factors

Relates to the social and cultural conditions into which people are born, grow, live, work and age

Examples of sociocultural factors

Socioeconomic status (SES), employment status, social networks and social exclusion, social isolation, cultural background, food security, early life experiences, access to healthcare, commercial factors

Environmental factors

Refers to the physical surroundings in which people live, work and play.

Examples of environmental factors

Urban design and infrastructure, climate and climate change, work environment, housing

What is body weight?

A biological factor that can refer to being underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese. it is measured using BMI and waist measurements.

BMI under 18.5

Underweight

BMI 18.5-24.9

Healthy weight

BMI 25-29.9

Overweight

BMI 30 and over

Obese

What conditions can being overweight and obese lead to?

Cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory problems, type 2 diabetes, social exclusion

Health status impacts of body weight (cardiovascular disease)

Overweight/obesity places extra pressure on the heart to pump blood around the body increasing the risk of hypertension and thus increasing morbidity rates for cardiovascular disease

Health status impacts of body weight (type 2 diabetes)

Damages insulin receptors in cells making them become insulin resistant. Glucose gets trapped in the bloodstream, raising blood glucose levels and increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, ultimately increasing morbidity rates

Health and wellbeing impacts of body weight (mental)

May face social exclusion and discrimination, leading to low self esteem

Health and wellbeing impacts of body weight (social)

More likely to avoid certain social activities which can affect social interactions

Health status impact of age

Increases incidence and prevalence of hearing loss, back and neck pain, diabetes, depression and dementia.

Health and wellbeing impacts of age (physical)

Decreased levels of fitness and aerobic capacity, decreasing the ability to complete some activities

Health and wellbeing impacts of age

Decrease in quality of relationships for people who experience chronic disease or mobility issues and might find it difficult to stay socially connected

What is blood pressure?

A biological factor. Blood circulates around the body through blood vessels and adds pressure to the blood vessel walls

What is hypertension?

When blood is not able to flow as easily through the blood vessels

Health status impacts of blood pressure (hypertension)

The kidneys are responsible for regulating blood pressure and filtering the blood. Hypertension is a cause of kidney failure, which increases morbidity and mortality rates.

Health status impacts of blood pressure (cardiovascular disease)

High blood pressure (hypertension) increases the pressure on the artery walls causing the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (including stroke and heart disease) and mortality rates

Health and wellbeing impacts of blood pressure (physical)

Unmanaged hypertension can cause headaches, dizziness, lack of energy and breathing difficulties

Health and wellbeing impacts of blood pressure (social)

Reduces ability to continue with daily activities which can reduce social interactions

Blood chloresterol

Biological factor. Cholesterol is a type of fat required for optimal functioning of the body

Health status impacts of blood cholesterol (cardiovascular disease)

too much LDL cholesterol leads to the narrowing of blood vessels (atherosclerosis), which increases the incidence of cardiovascular disease

Health status impacts of blood cholesterol (hypertension)

The heart also has to work harder to force blood through the narrowed blood vessels, increasing the incidence of hypertension

health and wellbeing impacts of blood cholesterol (physical)

By restricting blood flow, high cholesterol can lead to pain in the heart area

health and wellbeing impacts of blood cholesterol (mental)

Restricted blood flow to the brain can interfere with thought processes, including processing information and problem-solving abilities

Glucose regulation

Biological factor. Glucose is the preferred fuel for energy in the cells and insulin is needed to allow glucose to be used for energy.

Health status impact for glucose regulation

Impaired glucose regulation results in higher blood glucose levels which increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Thus increasing Burden of disease.

Health and wellbeing impacts for glucose regulation (physical)

Impaired glucose regulation can mean that glucose is lost in urine instead of being used by cells for energy. This can result in low energy levels affecting the ability to perform daily activities.

Health and wellbeing impacts for glucose regulation (emotional)

If people need to take steps to manage their glucose regulation. They might feel sad or frustrated about not being able to eat certain foods and drinks.

Birth weight

A biological factor. Refers to the weight of a new born directly after pregnancy (under 2.5kgs)

Impacts on health status of birthweight

Low birthweight usually means an underdeveloped immune system increasing the risk of infections such as pneumonia. Therefore increase rates of incidence of pneumonia.

Impacts on health and wellbeing on birth weight (emotional)

An individual born with low birth weight may have a decreased ability to process emotions, which can contribute to behavioural problems

Impacts on health and wellbeing on birth weight (mental)

Low birth weight can cause developmental delays, especially in motor and cognitive skills. This might make it harder for a person to think clearly and use logic.

Genetics

Genetic material contained in body cells that are able to control any aspects of life

Impact on health status of genetics

Males have a higher level of testosterone than females, which makes them more likely to take risks like speeding or driving recklessly. This increases mortality.

Socioeconomic status (SES)

Based on 3 factors, education, occupation type and income

Impacts on health status of SES

High SES often leads to higher education, which boosts health literacy. People are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors like not smoking and using sunscreen, which reduces the risk of cancers like lung and skin cancer, reducing mortality.

Impacts on HWB of SES (emotional)

People with more prestigious jobs may feel that they have more control over their working life and gain a sense of satisfaction

Impacts on HWB from SES (social)

Occupations in which people work with others can provide social interactions

Employment

Relates to whether a person has a job or not

Impacts of health status from unemployment

Unemployment reduces income earning capacity. This means people are less able to afford housing/shelter to live in. This increases chances of being homeless and risk of contracting illness and disease reducing life expectancy due to premature death.

Impacts on HWB from employment (spiritual)

People often find a sense of identity, purpose and belonging in their lives from the work they do. Unemployment can lead to people feeling lost and not having a sense of direction

Impacts on HWB from employment (mental)

Being unemployed can also place significant financial stress on people. This influences mental health and wellbeing by increasing levels of stress, anxiety and depression.

Social networks and social exclusion

Sociocultural factor. Social connections relates to the bonds between an individual and their relations, friends and acquaintances and the ability to participate in the society in which they live. Social exclusion refers to the segregation that people experience if they are not adequately participating in the society it which they live.

Impacts of health status from social exclusion

Social exclusion can mean people don’t know how to access healthcare services. This reduces the chance of conditions being diagnosed and treated, increasing morbidity and mortality

Impacts of HWB from social exclusion (physical)

Social exclusion can lead to prolonged stress, which can contribute to physical symptoms such as headaches, feeling tired and lacking motivation.

Impacts on HWB from social networks (mental)

Strong social networks provide avenues for people to seek support when problems arise, which reduces stress levels and anxiety

Social isolation and loneliness

Social isolation refers to not being in regular contact with others. Loneliness relates to the negative feelings that people often experience when they have less social contact than they would like.

Impacts on health status from social isolation

Social isolation can increase feelings of loneliness and despair, increasing the risk of mental health conditions (eg depression) and thus morbidity.

Impact on HWB from social isolation (mental)

People who are isolated from others can feel they have no one to turn to, this can increase levels of stress and lead to depression