Chapter 2- The determinants of health

Question 1

Define behavioral determinants

Answer 1

Actions or patterns of living of an individual or a group that impact on health, such as smoking, sexual activity, participation in physical activity and eating practices

Question 2

Define Biological determinants

Answer 2

Factors relating to the body that impact on health, such as genetics, hormones, body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, birth weight.

Question 3

What is body mass index (BMI)?

Answer 3

A statistical measure of body mass calculated by dividing weight (in kg) by height (in m^2). A score of 18.6-24.9 is considered a healthy weight. 29.9 is considered overweight and 30 and over is considered obese.

Question 4

Define the determinants of health

Answer 4

‘Factors that affect the level of health in a population or individual. Determinants of health help to explain or predict trends in health and why some groups have better or worse health than others’. Determinants can be classified in many ways such as biological, behavioral and social.