Dimensions and Determinants of Health

Dimensions of Health

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a continuum, including positive wellbeing.

  • Health is "a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

  • Health has multiple inter-related dimensions that contribute to overall health.

Personal Dimensions of Health (Internal)

  • Physical Health

  • Social Health

  • Mental/Emotional Health

  • Spiritual Health

Determinants of Health (External)

  • Physical Environment

  • Socio-cultural Environment

  • Political Environment

Interrelation of Dimensions and Determinants

  • Good health is the result of interplay among personal dimensions (physical, social, emotional, mental, spiritual) and external determinants (socio-cultural, political, physical environment).

Physical Health

  • Often considered the most important component of health.

  • Refers to the state of the physical body, including fitness level, energy, muscle tone, resistance to disease, efficient functioning of body organs, and maintaining appropriate body weight to height ratio.

  • Influenced by genetics and lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, and choices about drugs.

Social Health

  • Refers to the quality of relationships with friends, family members, and work colleagues.

  • Humans are social beings, relying on others in various ways.

  • Social groups have "rules" about appropriate behavior that influence decisions.

  • Good social health involves socializing effectively, maintaining personal values, making new friends, and appreciating friendship.

Emotional Health

  • Good emotional health involves feeling positive and valuing achievements.

  • Self-confidence and self-esteem are important aspects.

  • Acknowledging that it's acceptable to make mistakes.

  • Poor emotional health can lead to depression.

  • High rates of youth suicide are linked to poor emotional health.

Mental Health

  • Good mental health is a state of psychological and emotional well-being that enables individuals to work, love, relate to others effectively, and resolve conflicts.

  • Mental health problems range from distress and anxiety to depression and loss of touch with reality, interfering with daily coping abilities.

Spiritual Health

  • Good spiritual health means experiencing a sense of purpose and meaning in life, feeling connected with others or a religion.

  • Achieved through meditation, prayer, affirmations, or spiritual practices that connect to a higher power or belief system.

  • Yoga and meditation can help develop spiritual wellness.

  • Compassion, love, forgiveness, altruism, joy, and fulfillment contribute to spiritual health.

  • An individual's religious faith, values, beliefs, principles, and morals define their spirituality.

Determinants of Health: Physical Environment

  • Good health depends on the safety and quality of the physical environment.

  • Australia generally has good quality air, water, and food supplies.

  • Concerns include air and noise pollution, overcrowding of cities, removal of toxic waste, increased use of pesticides, depletion of the ozone layer, and climate change which can seriously affect health.

  • Workplace quality and inadequate housing also impact health.

  • In some Aboriginal communities, diseases like cholera, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and smallpox persist due to lack of clean water and adequate living conditions.

Socio-Cultural Environment

  • Includes factors like family composition, gender, level of income, and occupations of family members.

  • Family is the first social group, influencing values, attitudes, and behaviors related to health.

  • Income levels affect health; wealthier families often experience better health due to factors like better housing, education, and access to health services.

  • A loving and supportive environment encourages good social, emotional, and spiritual health.

  • Cultural health implies competence in cross-cultural communication.

  • Health behaviors and attitudes vary due to social and cultural beliefs.

Political Environment

  • Governments (Federal, State, and Local) make policies and laws related to public health.

  • Decisions are made about where money will be spent and where services will be located.

  • Laws relate to health behavior like compulsory bike helmets and seat belts, prohibition of importing disposable vapes (Jan 1 2024).

  • Decisions are based on population health needs rather than individual needs.

  • Practical examples include laws on road safety, smoking, illicit drugs, food regulations, alcohol, advertising, media, and healthcare structures like Medicare, Health Care Card, PBS, and hospitals.

Socio-Economic Environment

  • Socio-economic factors that influence health include:

    • Employment

    • Income

    • Education

    • Housing

  • Including access to resources such as money, employment, health services, and housing.

  • These factors are interrelated; a change in one can impact others.

Environmental Determinants

  • Geographical Location: Impacts include weather, pollution, access to fresh water; whether one lives in a city, rural, or remote area.

  • Access to Health Services: Includes proximity to services, mobility, health literacy; whether one lives in a city, rural, or remote area.

  • Access to Technology: Availability of appropriate health services; how telehealth has improved access; whether everyone can access technology.