Factors Affecting Health Umm Al-Qura University Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics Health Education and Promotion Department Factors Affecting Health By: Dr. Ahmed Abdullah

Contents of the Lecture Health Health Determinants Factors Affect The Health

Health “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Factor Affecting the Health FIFTH LEVEL Factor Affecting the Health In order to improve population health status and reduce health inequalities, it is important to identify and understand the main factors that protect and promote good health. These factors are known as the determinants of health.

Health determinants The causes of poor health are complex. Age, sex and hereditary (genetic) factors are central but not modifiable. Demographic changes also affect population health. Individual lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking and alcohol, physical activity and sexual behaviour are also important. A clean and safe environment, adequate income, meaningful roles in society, good housing, population-based services and utilities, affordable nutritious food, education and social support within communities all contribute towards good health.

Health Determinant Health is determined by a convergence of five levels: human biology, hereditary factors, age, sex, person’s individual characteristics. Individual life style. Social and community influence. Living and working condition. General socioeconomic and cultural and environmental conditions.

FIRST LEVEL Human Biology It includes those aspects of health (both mental and physical) which are determined by the organic structure and physiological functioning of the human body.

FIRST LEVEL Hereditary Factors Inheritance plays a part in determining lifespan, healthiness and the likelihood of developing certain illnesses. The inheritance factors are can be: Race Sex Inherited Diseases

Individual Life Style Behavioral Influences: Tobacco use FIRST LEVEL Individual Life Style Behavioral Influences: Tobacco use Unhealthy diet Inadequate activity Alcohol and drug use Behaviors leading to intentional/unintentional injury. Personal behavior: coping skills and how we deal with life’s stresses and challenges are among the factors that affect the health.

Social and Community Factors SECOND LEVEL Social and Community Factors The social and community factors that have been shown in a variety of settings to have the greatest influence on health are: Education Social cohesion social connectedness.

SECOND LEVEL Education Education has profound health effects. More education makes an individual more aware of healthy and unhealthy choices and makes it easier to make healthy choices. A low level of education is associated with poor health status. Low education levels are linked with poor health, more stress and lower self-confidence.

SECOND LEVEL Social Cohesion People with strong family, cultural and community bonds have better health than people who are socially isolated. 

SECOND LEVEL Social Connectedness Social connectedness is related to the health of individuals and communities. Single parent families, people with mental illness, people with disabilities, people living alone and older people are particularly vulnerable to social isolation.

SECOND LEVEL Community Characteristics of communities can influence health in many ways either direct or indirect. For example, neighborhoods can be physically hazardous because of air and chemical pollution, traffic, lack of sidewalks and safe places to exercise, and the dangers of crime. 

Living and Working Condition THIRD LEVEL Living and Working Condition Housing Work Employment and Occupation

THIRD LEVEL Housing Overcrowding, damp and cold have direct effects on physical and mental health. High housing costs leave less money for other budget items essential to good health including nutritious food, education, and access to health services.

THIRD LEVEL Housing Poor-quality housing poses a risk of exposure to many conditions that can contribute to poor health, such as indoor allergens that can lead to (and increase) asthma, injuries, and exposure to lead and other toxic substances.

THIRD LEVEL Work Work can influence health in many ways, including through links both with health care insurance and with physically hazardous exposures in the workplace. 

Employment and occupation FOURTH LEVEL Employment and occupation The main factor determining adequate income is participation in continuous employment. As such, employment is an important determinant of health. In addition to providing income, employment enhances social status and improves self-esteem, provides social contact and a way of participating in community life, and enhances opportunities for regular activity, which all help to enhance individual health and well-being.

Employment and working conditions FOURTH LEVEL Employment and working conditions people in employment are healthier, particularly those who have more control over their working conditions

General socioeconomic and cultural and environmental conditions FIFTH LEVEL General socioeconomic and cultural and environmental conditions Income Poverty Ethnicity Culture Environment

FIFTH LEVEL Income Income is the single most important determinant of health. There is a persistent correlation between low income and poor health. the low income leads to the highest rates of illness and death. Adequate income is a prerequisite for many other determinants of health, for example, adequate housing, a nutritious diet and educational opportunities.

Income and social status FIFTH LEVEL Income and social status Higher income and social status are linked to better health. The greater the gap between the richest and poorest people, the greater the differences in health.

FIFTH LEVEL Poverty Poverty has long been recognized as an important determinant of ill health. People who are poor have worse self-reported health, higher rates of disability, and higher rates of death, disease and injury.

FIFTH LEVEL Race and Ethnicity Racial and ethnic background has profound effects on an individual’s health. There are advantages and disadvantages of race and ethnicity that can affect the health. 

Cultural Factors Definitions of Culture: FIFTH LEVEL Cultural Factors Definitions of Culture: A system of thoughts & behaviors shared by a group of people. Refers to an integrated pattern of belief and behavior.

FIFTH LEVEL Culture and Ethnicity Cultural factors can have both a positive and a negative influence on health. Health inequalities within ethnic groups are as important as health inequalities between different ethnic groups.

Environmental Factors FIFTH LEVEL Environmental Factors The Physical Environment : The quality of air. water safety. Food safety. Drugs and other chemicals products. Waste disposal. control of excessive noise. Lighting. The radiation.

Population-based services and facilities Utilities such as water and sewerage reticulation contributed towards large improvements in population health. Maintenance of these services, is essential to protecting population health and should be a high priority.