Determinants of health

Determinants of Health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels. The determinants of health are usually categorized into five main types: genetic, behavioral, environmental, social, and health services.

Genetic Determinants[edit | edit source]

Genetic determinants of health include the inherited traits from parents, such as skin color, hair type, eye color, and certain diseases. These traits can influence the health of an individual in various ways. For example, certain genetic traits can make an individual more susceptible to specific diseases, such as cancer or diabetes.

Behavioral Determinants[edit | edit source]

Behavioral determinants of health refer to the choices individuals make that can affect their health. These choices can include diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use. For example, a diet high in saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables can lead to obesity and heart disease.

Environmental Determinants[edit | edit source]

Environmental determinants of health are the physical and social conditions in which people live. These can include access to clean water and air, safe housing, and communities with social support networks. For example, living in a polluted area can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma.

Social Determinants[edit | edit source]

Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. These include factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks, as well as access to health care.

Health Services Determinants[edit | edit source]

Health services determinants of health refer to the accessibility, availability, and quality of healthcare services. These can include access to preventative healthcare, timely treatment, and affordable medications.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Determinants of health Resources
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