Biological,Sociocultural &Enviro Factors

Variations in Health Status Between Population Groups

• Key Knowledge:

  • Understand biological, sociocultural, and environmental factors that contribute to variations in health status among populations.

• Key Skills:

  • Describe examples of how these factors influence health outcomes.

  • Analyze health information to explain the contribution of these factors to variations among population groups.

Influential Factors on Health - Categories

• Categories of Influential Factors:

  • Biological Factors

  • Sociocultural Factors

  • Environmental Factors

Biological Factors

• Definition: Related to the structure and function of cells, tissues, and systems of the body.

• Examples:

  • Genetics

  • Body weight

  • Blood pressure

  • Blood cholesterol levels

Body Weight

• Measurement: BMI and waist measurements.

• Health Definitions:

  • Underweight, healthy weight, overweight, obese.

• Consequences of Overweight/Obesity:

  • Increased risk of:

    • Cardiovascular disease

    • Certain cancers (e.g., colorectal)

    • Respiratory issues (e.g., asthma)

    • Type 2 diabetes

    • Arthritis

    • Mental health issues (self-esteem, depression)

    • Social exclusion.

Impact of Overweight/Obesity

• Health Status Impacts:

  • Pressure on heart increases risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease morbidity.

  • Higher cancer prevalence due to inflammation linked with obesity.

  • Insulin resistance due to excess fat leading to type 2 diabetes.

  • Increased pressure on joints, leading to osteoarthritis.

• Health and Wellbeing Impacts:

  • Risk of social exclusion and discrimination, affecting self-esteem and social interactions.

  • Sleep apnoea affects energy levels and daily functioning,

  • Pain and discomfort limit physical health.

Aging as a Biological Factor

• Aging Process:

  • Body systems decline post-peak in mid-20s to mid-30s.

  • Accumulation of cellular damage increases health risks for older adults.

• Health Status Impacts:

  • Increased incidence of:

    • Hearing loss

    • Vision disorders (e.g., cataracts)

    • Chronic pain conditions (back pain, arthritis)

    • Chronic diseases (COPD, diabetes, depression, dementia).

• Health and Wellbeing Impacts:

  • Reduced fitness and activity levels impact daily activities.

  • Decline in bone density raises fracture risks and impacts social connections.

  • Cognitive decline affects problem-solving abilities and emotions.

Blood Pressure

• Definition: Pressure of circulating blood on blood vessel walls.

• Measurement: Systolic/diastolic pressure (normal is 120/80).

• Conditions Associated:

  • Hypertension (silent killer) linked to no symptoms; risk factors include stress, smoking, poor diet.

• Health Status Impacts:

  • Causes kidney failure and increases morbidity/mortality due to cardiovascular disease.

• Health and Wellbeing Impacts:

  • Symptoms (headaches, dizziness) limit daily activities and social interactions.

  • Increased stress if diagnosed, concerning potential heart issues.

Cholesterol as a Biological Factor

• Nature of Cholesterol:

  • Essential fat for body function but excess can block arteries.

  • LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol).

• Health Status Impacts:

  • High LDL leads to atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

  • Links to hypertension and brain blood flow reduction, risking vascular dementia.

• Health and Wellbeing Impacts:

  • Angina due to restricted blood flow.

  • Cognitive impacts, possibly leading to impaired function and pain from gallstones.

Glucose Regulation

• Global Overview:

  • Needed for energy; insulin allows glucose usage.

  • Excess glucose leads to Type 2 Diabetes through insulin resistance.

• Health Status Impacts:

  • High glucose linked to raised diabetes risk and complications (e.g., kidney disease).

• Health and Wellbeing Impacts:

  • Physical activity limitations due to glucose management challenges.

  • Emotional stress from dietary restrictions and health care management.

Birth Weight

• Low Birth Weight: Less than 2.5 kg; linked to various health conditions.

• Risk Factors:

  • Maternal age, nutrition, health behaviors (e.g., smoking), prenatal infections.

• Health Status Impacts:

  • Increased infection risks and chronic diseases later in life.

• Health and Wellbeing Impacts:

  • Correlation with emotional issues and cognitive development challenges.

Genetics and Health

• Genetic Influences:

  • Determines traits linked to health, such as sex, body type, and disease predisposition.

• Health Status Impact:

  • Certain conditions more prevalent in males/females.

  • Genetic predispositions contribute to specific diseases in families.

• Health and Wellbeing Impacts:

  • Personality traits influenced by genetics can affect social interactions and stress levels.

Sociocultural Factors

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

• Components: Education, occupation, income.

  • Higher education leads to better health literacy.

• Impacts on Health Status:

  • Higher SES correlates with healthier behaviors and decreased mortality.

• Health and Wellbeing Impacts:

  • Decisions on food, healthcare access, and lifestyle.

Employment

• Comparison of Employment Status:

  • Unemployed vs. employed individuals face different health risks, including mental health conditions.

Social Networks & Social Exclusion

• Definition: Connections to individuals versus feeling excluded.

• Impacts:

  • Isolation leads to poorer health outcomes and increased stress.

Cultural Background

• Influences on Health:

  • Gender norms, dietary habits, access to healthcare + diversity in medical beliefs.

Food Security

• Definition: Access to sufficient and nutritious food.

• Impacts:

  • Food insecurity can lead to nutritional deficiencies and associated health conditions.

Early Life Experiences

• Influences: Behaviors during pregnancy directly affect infant health outcomes.

Access to Healthcare

• Barriers: Includes health literacy, social barriers, or costs that impede treatment.

Environmental Factors

• Definition: Surroundings in which individuals live/operate.

  • Housing, employment, and access to resources directly affect health.

Housing Environment

• Impacts:

  • Overcrowding can lead to mental health challenges, while safety and design influence injury risk.

Work Environment

• Hazards: Exposure to harmful elements can lead to chronic health issues.

Urban Design & Infrastructure

• Access to Services: Geographical location influences accessibility to healthcare and nutritional food.

Climate and Climate Change

• Impact: Natural disasters and climate impacts lead to stress and hinder access to essential resources.