Determinants of Health: Videos & Practice Problems

Individual behavior significantly influences health, with four modifiable determinants: lack of physical activity, poor diet, excessive alcohol use, and tobacco smoking, contributing to chronic diseases. Non-modifiable determinants include biology and genetics, such as age, sex, race, and health history. Social factors, including economic stability and education, also play a crucial role in health outcomes. Access to quality health services and effective policy-making further enhance health and longevity, demonstrating the interconnectedness of these determinants in shaping overall well-being.

Individual Behavior Concept 1

Individual behavior plays a crucial role in determining health outcomes, influencing both the ability to achieve and maintain good health. While certain behaviors can promote well-being, others may detract from it, leading to a decline in overall health. Importantly, individual behavior is a modifiable determinant, meaning it is within a person's control to change.

Chronic diseases, which are long-term health conditions requiring ongoing medical care, significantly impact health and well-being. According to the CDC, seven out of ten deaths in the U.S. are attributed to chronic diseases, underscoring their serious implications. Four primary modifiable determinants contribute to these chronic conditions: lack of physical activity, poor diet and nutrition, excessive alcohol use, and tobacco smoking.

Engaging in regular physical activity is vital; a sedentary lifestyle contributes to approximately 200,000 deaths annually in the U.S. However, incorporating just 150 minutes of physical activity per week can reduce the risk of death by 33%. This highlights the importance of movement in promoting health.

Diet and nutrition also play a significant role in health. Diets high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables are linked to increased mortality rates from various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Therefore, improving dietary habits is essential for reducing health risks.

Excessive alcohol consumption is another critical factor, responsible for around 88,000 deaths each year in the U.S. It can lead to severe health issues, including heart and liver diseases, cancers, and accidents. Reducing alcohol intake can significantly improve health outcomes.

Tobacco smoking remains one of the most detrimental behaviors, causing approximately 480,000 deaths annually among smokers, with an additional 41,000 deaths attributed to secondhand smoke exposure. The negative health impacts of smoking are profound, affecting both smokers and those around them.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors is essential for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and enhancing overall health in later years. By recognizing the power to modify these behaviors, individuals can take proactive steps toward improving their health and well-being.

Individual Behavior Example 1

Understanding the determinants of health is crucial for improving individual well-being. Modifiable determinants of health are factors that individuals can change to enhance their health outcomes. For instance, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to digestive issues, and increasing physical activity can significantly improve these conditions. Similarly, poor dietary choices, such as consuming junk food regularly, contribute to being overweight. By adopting a healthier diet rich in fruits and vegetables and incorporating physical activity, individuals can work towards better weight management.

Additionally, behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also modifiable determinants. A college student who decides to quit smoking and drinking is taking a proactive step towards improving their health. These lifestyle changes can lead to significant health benefits over time.

In contrast, some health determinants are not modifiable. For example, if a father contracts the flu from his son, who picked it up at daycare, this situation illustrates a non-modifiable determinant. The father cannot control his son's exposure to infectious diseases in communal settings, making it difficult to prevent such illnesses. Therefore, while many health determinants can be modified through personal choices and behaviors, infectious diseases often fall outside individual control.

Biology and Genetics Concept 2

In the realm of health, biology and genetics play a crucial role as non-modifiable determinants, which are innate characteristics that individuals cannot change. These traits can significantly influence an individual's susceptibility to various diseases and disorders. Key innate characteristics affecting health include age, sex at birth, race or ethnicity, and personal health history.

Age is a significant factor, as the risk for numerous illnesses increases with advancing years. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This heightened risk is largely due to the natural aging process, which leads to the gradual breakdown of bodily functions.

Sex at birth also contributes to health risks. Statistically, men are more prone to cardiovascular diseases, while women face higher risks of autoimmune diseases and urinary tract infections (UTIs). These biological differences underscore the importance of considering sex as a factor in health assessments.

Race and ethnicity further influence health outcomes. For instance, Native Americans exhibit higher rates of diabetes, while African Americans are at an increased risk for hypertension. These disparities highlight the intersection of genetics and environmental factors in determining health risks.

Additionally, an individual's health history can either elevate or mitigate disease risks. For example, having had chickenpox reduces the likelihood of contracting it again but increases the risk of developing shingles later in life. Similarly, infections like COVID-19 may predispose individuals to various autoimmune diseases, influenced by their genetic makeup.

Overall, understanding these non-modifiable determinants is essential for recognizing the inherent risks associated with our biology and genetics. While we cannot alter these factors, awareness can guide preventive measures and health management strategies.

Determinants of Health Example 2

Determinants of health can be categorized into modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Non-modifiable determinants are those that cannot be changed, such as genetics, biological sex, and age. For instance, Jennifer's family history of diabetes highlights a genetic predisposition, making it a non-modifiable determinant. Similarly, William's biological sex places him at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease compared to females, which is also a non-modifiable factor.

Logan's risk of developing shingles at age 60, following a history of chickenpox, illustrates how age and health history can influence health outcomes, reinforcing the concept of non-modifiable determinants. In contrast, Charlotte's situation demonstrates a modifiable determinant. Her poor attention span is linked to her excessive phone usage and lack of sleep, both of which she can change. By reducing phone time and improving her sleep habits, Charlotte can enhance her attention span, showcasing the impact of lifestyle choices on health.

In summary, while genetic factors, biological sex, and age are non-modifiable determinants of health, behaviors such as phone usage and sleep patterns are modifiable, allowing individuals to take proactive steps towards better health outcomes.

Social Factors Concept 3

Social determinants of health are critical non-medical factors that significantly influence the health of individuals and populations. These determinants encompass the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. Research indicates that these social factors can often outweigh individual behaviors and biological influences in their impact on health outcomes. The societal context shapes our behaviors and can even affect genetic predispositions.

Key social determinants include economic stability, education, the built environment, and community relationships. Economic stability plays a vital role; individuals with a steady income are more likely to afford healthy food, healthcare, and other essential services, leading to improved overall health. Higher income often correlates with living in safer, less polluted neighborhoods, which further enhances well-being.

Education is another crucial determinant. Access to quality education equips individuals with the skills necessary for better job opportunities, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to society. While not universally applicable, the general trend shows that increased educational attainment is associated with better health outcomes.

The built environment, which includes human-made structures like buildings, roads, and recreational areas, also affects health. Access to parks and pedestrian paths encourages physical activity, which is essential for cardiovascular health. Sun exposure from outdoor activities helps the body absorb vitamin D, promoting calcium absorption and overall health. Conversely, negative aspects of the built environment, such as food deserts—areas where grocery stores are over a mile away—limit access to fresh produce, leading to higher consumption of processed foods and increased health risks.

Community relationships are equally important. Positive interactions within a community can enhance health and well-being, while negative factors such as unsafe neighborhoods, discrimination, and bullying can detract from it. Building and maintaining supportive relationships within one’s community can foster a healthier environment for all members.

In summary, social factors are pivotal in determining health outcomes, often surpassing the influence of individual behaviors and biological factors. Recognizing and addressing these determinants is essential for improving public health and individual well-being.

Determinants of Health Example 3

In the context of health determinants, it is essential to understand the distinction between modifiable and social determinants of health. A modifiable determinant refers to factors that individuals can change or influence, while social determinants are conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect their health outcomes.

For example, consider Oliver, who lives in an unsafe neighborhood but has the financial means to relocate. This situation illustrates both a modifiable determinant—his ability to change his living environment—and a social determinant, as the neighborhood's safety impacts his social interactions and overall well-being. Therefore, Oliver's scenario exemplifies a factor that is both modifiable and a social determinant of health.

In contrast, Jamie's experience of growing up in poverty limits her access to education, a social determinant, but is not modifiable by her at a young age. Similarly, Emily's exposure to cigarette smoke from her grandmother is a health risk she cannot change, making it non-modifiable. Lastly, Lyra's family history of asthma is a genetic factor, which is also not modifiable, despite living in a polluted area that represents a social determinant.

Thus, the correct example of both a modifiable and social determinant of health is Oliver's situation, as it encompasses the ability to influence one's environment while also reflecting the social context of health.

Health Services Concept 4

Access to quality health services plays a crucial role in enhancing overall health and extending life expectancy. Over the past two centuries, advancements in health services have significantly contributed to the doubling of life expectancy. Essential health services include regular doctor visits, checkups, vaccinations, and preventative screenings, such as mammograms, which allow for early detection of potential health issues like cancer. These services, which were not available two centuries ago, leverage modern technology to identify conditions before they escalate into serious health threats.

However, individuals who are uninsured or underinsured face increased risks due to limited access to timely healthcare. Delayed or inadequate healthcare can lead to worse health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. The earlier individuals can access quality health services, the better their chances of maintaining good health and prolonging their lives. This highlights the critical link between health services and individual health outcomes, underscoring the need for comprehensive healthcare access for all.

Policymaking Concept 5

Government policies significantly influence public health and can lead to improved quality of life and increased longevity. One notable example is the implementation of fines for not wearing seat belts while driving. Historically, many individuals traveled in vehicles without seat belts, which resulted in higher fatality rates during accidents. The introduction of mandatory seat belt laws has dramatically reduced deaths and injuries from car accidents, highlighting the effectiveness of such policies in enhancing safety.

Another critical intervention is the ban on smoking in public places. In the past, smoking was permitted in various environments, including airplanes, exposing both smokers and non-smokers to harmful secondhand smoke. This exposure is linked to an increased risk of several cancers. By prohibiting smoking in public areas, policies aim to reduce the incidence of smoking-related diseases, thereby protecting public health.

Access to affordable and equitable healthcare is also a vital aspect of health policy. Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely medical care can lead to better health outcomes. Early access to healthcare services is associated with improved treatment effectiveness and overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of health policies in fostering a healthier population.

In summary, effective policy making is essential for promoting public health, reducing preventable injuries and diseases, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, ultimately shaping the health landscape of communities.

Determinants of Health Example 4

In the context of public health policies, various legislative measures can significantly influence the health outcomes of populations. For instance, universal health care, which is implemented in all high-income countries except the United States, serves as a crucial policy that enhances access to medical services, thereby improving overall health quality. This type of policy is designed to ensure that all individuals receive necessary health care, which is fundamental for public health improvement.

Another example is carbon pricing policies enacted by many countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These policies aim to combat climate change, which has direct and indirect effects on public health. Climate change can lead to extreme weather events and health risks, making such environmental policies vital for safeguarding community health.

Additionally, regulations like the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.01% for drivers under the age of 21 in California are public health initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related accidents and promoting safer driving practices. By limiting alcohol consumption among young drivers, these policies help prevent potential health risks associated with excessive drinking.

Conversely, certain legislative measures, such as Article One, Section Nine, Clause Five of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits laying taxes and duties on exports from any state, primarily pertain to commerce and the financial sector. This clause does not directly influence public health, distinguishing it from the other examples provided. Therefore, it is clear that this constitutional provision is not a policy that affects public health.

A 70-year old woman went to a clinic with the complaints of severe headache, trouble speaking and seeing, and numbness on the right side of her body. Her medical history showed that she had never smoked tobacco and was diagnosed with diabetes in her early 30s. She did sufficient physical activity despite her osteoarthritis, but she did not consume enough fresh fruits and vegetables. Based on this information, how many negative modifiable and nonmodifiable determinants of health are present?

• A. Modifiable 0, Nonmodifiable 4
• B. Modifiable 0, Nonmodifiable 3
• C. Modifiable 2, Nonmodifiable 3
• D. Modifiable 1, Nonmodifiable 3
• E. Modifiable 1, Nonmodifiable 4

Answer: (D)

Identify the determinant of health in each of the following statements as modifiable determinant (MD), nonmodifiable determinant (ND), social determinant (SD), healthcare (HC), or policymaking (PM).
a) _____ President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACT) into law on 23rd March 2010.
b) _____ Most malaria cases worldwide are seen in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and SE Asia.
c) _____ Back pain is more common among individuals who are obese and have a sedentary lifestyle.
d) _____ A person visits their family doctor every year for a comprehensive health screening.
e) _____ Alzheimer’s is most commonly seen in individuals who are 65 or older.

• A. a) HCb) SDc) MDd) PMe) ND
• B. a) HCb) NDc) SDd) PMe) MD
• C. a) PMb) SDc) MDd) HCe) ND
• D. a) PMb) NDc) SDd) HCe) MD

Answer: (C)

Match the determinant(s) of health that could be most closely associated with the given diseases/conditions. A condition may match with more than one determinant.
a) Obesity _________
b) Respiratory irritation _________
c) Diabetes _________
d) Disability due to car accident _________
e) Hypertension _________


1. Policies
2. Personal behaviors
3. Social factors
4. Nonmodifiable determinants
5. Access to healthcare

• A. a) 2 + 4b) Nonec) 3d) Nonee) 2
• B. a) 2 + 4b) Nonec) 3d) 1 + 4e) 4
• C. a) 2b) 3c) 2 + 4d) 1 + 4e) 2
• D. a) 2b) 3c) 2 + 4d) Nonee) 4

Answer: (D)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the four modifiable determinants of health, and how do they impact chronic diseases?

The four modifiable determinants of health are lack of physical activity, poor diet and nutrition, excessive alcohol use, and tobacco smoking. These factors significantly contribute to chronic diseases, which are long-term health conditions requiring ongoing medical care. For instance, lack of physical activity is linked to approximately 200,000 deaths annually in the U.S., while just 150 minutes of exercise weekly can reduce the risk of death by 33%. Poor diet, often characterized by low fruit and vegetable intake, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Excessive alcohol use causes around 88,000 deaths annually and is associated with liver disease, cancers, and accidents. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths, responsible for 480,000 deaths annually, with an additional 41,000 from secondhand smoke. Addressing these behaviors can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce chronic disease risks.

What are non-modifiable determinants of health, and why are they important?

Non-modifiable determinants of health are factors that individuals cannot change, such as biology and genetics. These include age, sex at birth, race/ethnicity, and health history. They are important because they influence an individual’s predisposition to certain diseases. For example, older adults are at higher risk for conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Men are more prone to cardiovascular diseases, while women have higher risks of autoimmune diseases. Race and ethnicity also play a role; for instance, Native Americans have higher rates of diabetes, and African Americans are more likely to experience hypertension. Understanding these factors helps in identifying at-risk populations and tailoring preventive measures and treatments to improve health outcomes.

How do social determinants of health influence individual well-being?

Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that shape the conditions in which people live, work, and age. These include economic stability, education, built environment, and community. Economic stability allows individuals to afford healthy food, healthcare, and safe housing, positively impacting health. Education equips people with skills for better job opportunities and healthier lifestyles. The built environment, such as access to parks and recreational areas, promotes physical activity and well-being. Conversely, food deserts and unsafe neighborhoods can lead to poor health outcomes. Community relationships also matter; positive interactions foster mental and emotional health, while discrimination and bullying can harm well-being. These factors often outweigh individual behaviors and biological traits in determining overall health.

Why is access to quality health services crucial for improving health outcomes?

Access to quality health services is essential for improving health outcomes and prolonging life. Regular doctor visits, vaccinations, and preventive screenings, such as mammograms, help detect and address health issues early, preventing them from becoming severe. Over the past two centuries, advancements in health services have significantly increased life expectancy. However, uninsured or underinsured individuals face delayed or no healthcare, increasing their risk of poor health outcomes. Early and equitable access to high-quality healthcare ensures timely treatment, reduces disease progression, and enhances overall well-being. This highlights the importance of making healthcare accessible and affordable for all.

How does policymaking impact public health and individual well-being?

Policymaking plays a critical role in shaping public health and individual well-being. Government policies, such as seat belt laws, have significantly reduced fatalities from car accidents. Bans on smoking in public places have decreased exposure to secondhand smoke, lowering cancer risks. Policies ensuring affordable and equitable healthcare improve access to essential services, enabling early detection and treatment of diseases. These interventions not only save lives but also enhance the quality of life. Effective policymaking addresses systemic health challenges, creating environments that support healthier behaviors and reduce health disparities across populations.