These factors can be positive in their effects (for example, being vaccinated against disease), or negative (for example, consuming alcohol at risky levels).īiomedical risk factors such as high blood pressure can have a direct impact on illness and chronic disease. For example, in general, people from poorer social or economic circumstances are at greater risk of poor health than people who are more advantaged.Ī person's health is also influenced by biomedical factors and health behaviours that are part of their individual lifestyle and genetic make-up. Social determinants can strengthen or undermine the health of individuals and communities. These social determinants include factors such as income, education, employment and social support. Many of the key drivers of health reside in our everyday living and working conditions-the circumstances in which we grow, live, work and age. This chapter examines three key determinants of health: social determinants, biomedical risk factors and behavioural risk factors.
Determinants of health are factors that influence how likely we are to stay healthy or to become ill or injured.
