Biological Determinants of Health
There is a range of biological determinants, and although people have some control over some of these, there is often a genetic influence that cannot be controlled. In some cases, examples of biological determinants are also examples of physical health.
Biological determinants of health are influenced by behavioural, social and physical determinants/environments. The following are some examples as to how the biological determinants interrelate with the other determinants.
BEHAVIOURAL
SOCIAL
PHYSICAL
Biological determinants of health are influenced by behavioural, social and physical determinants/environments. The following are some examples as to how the biological determinants interrelate with the other determinants.
BEHAVIOURAL
- Lifestyle choices such as dietary behaviour, physical activity and sun protection are all factors that can influence the biological determinant of health. For example:
- Diets that are high in saturated fats, sugar and salt can increase blood cholesterol levels as well as increasing the risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Individuals who are physically inactive and mainly sedentary are more likely to be overweight and obese compared to someone who exercises regularly.
- Individuals who don't use sun protection and who are exposed to UV radiation, run the risk of developing melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
SOCIAL
- Individuals who do not have access to health care services are less likely to receive help for health conditions, which can impact negatively on a range of biological determinants (body weight, blood cholesterol, blood pressure, etc).
- Unemployment rates can negatively impact an individuals biological determinant factors. This can include:
- An increase in both blood pressure as a result of stress
- Unhealthy fluctuations in body weight (over-eating, under-eating).
PHYSICAL
- An individuals physical environment can impact their biological determinant factors.
- Air quality is a physical environment factor that can positively or negatively influence an individuals health.
- Poor air quality can lead to certain types of illness or disease in individuals who are over exposed to it in their environment.
Ryan Serpanchy & Joachim Min Fa