Determinants of Health

* Biological determinants of health refer to the structure of the cells, tissues and systems of the body and how adequately they function. * These determinants are varied and although most people have some control over certain biological determinants, there is often a genetic component that cannot be controlled.

Genetics is another biological factor - genes that are passed down from our parents can protect us against diseases or make us more susceptible to certain diseases. Genes also determine whether we are male or female and therefore determine future sex-specific conditions. Genetic make up determines an individual’s body size and shape, the timing of the release of hormones, and inherited or genetic disorders.

• Body weight; for example, being underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or obese
• Blood pressure levels
• Blood cholesterol levels
• Glucose regulation
• Genetics, including sex
• Birth weight.

* The social determinants of health refer to the determinants within the social environment that impact on health status. These determinants often influence an individual's behaviours. * The social situation and support that people get from the community can influence the health-related choices that people make in their lives.

• Socio-economic status (SES)
• Social exclusion
• Work and unemployment
• Stress
• Food security
• Quality of housing
• Access to transport
• Early life experiences
• Access to health care and health services.

* Family provides a source of income through parental employment/unemployment and this determines a family’s socioeconomic status. * Family also plays a role in the level of education family members obtain as well as making decisions about where the family lives (including location and quality of housing). * Family structure and stability can impact on health and so can social settings such as workplaces.

The quality of the relationships between people in the community and the services provided can affect health e.g. presence of violence and homelessness, presence of supportive community facilities. The media can promote healthy/unhealthy messages. The community also provides access to recreation facilities, hospitals and other health services, entertainment, public transport and schools.

* Socio-economic status is the social standing of an individual in comparison to others in that society.* It is based on education, income and occupation.

• This refers to the state in which all persons obtain nutritionally adequate, culturally appropriate, safe food regularly through local non-emergency sources.

The behavioural determinants of health refer to the choices people make in their lives that impact on their health status.

• Tobacco smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Drug misuse
• Physical activity levels
• Dietary choices
• Sexual behaviour
• Vaccination status
• Risk-taking behaviour.