Physical Environment
Physical environment consists of the surrounding, physical factors that impact on individuals' health statuses. Thiese include aspects of natural occuring environment such as climate, and structures built by people such as roads. Example:
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Individuals often have little to no control over aspects of their physical environment. Groups and populations, particularly through Government interventions, can have a greater ability to alter and modify aspects of the physical environment.
The physical environment is influenced by biological, behavioural and social determinants. The following are some examples as to how the physical environment interrelates with the other determinants.
BIOLOGICAL
BEHAVIOURAL
SOCIAL
The physical environment is influenced by biological, behavioural and social determinants. The following are some examples as to how the physical environment interrelates with the other determinants.
BIOLOGICAL
- Poor air quality can have a negative impact on an individuals health and well-being and increase the likelihood of developing illness/disease
- Geographical location can impact an individuals ability to seek medical advice on a range of health issues. Individuals who live in rural locations have to travel further to see the GP or go to the hospital and transport can be an issue.
BEHAVIOURAL
- Individuals who have limited access to recreational facilities are less likely to participate in regular physical activity.
- Air quality in the environment can also impact the amount of physical activity an individual chooses to participate in on a daily basis. Poorer air quality could result in less physical activity participation.
SOCIAL
- Individuals who are from lower SES groups are more likely to have poorer housing facilities.
- Transportation can also be an issue for individuals in lower SES groups who can not afford or do not have access to a car, in addition to limited public transport options.
- This inhibits their ability to visit friends, thus impacting negatively on their social interactions.
Ryan Serpanchy & Joachim Min Fa