week 6 Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are biological determinants of health?
Biological determinants of health are genetic, physiological, somatic, and molecular characteristics of the body that directly influence health. These include genetics, body functioning, and body structure. They can be considered either causal (e.g., cystic fibrosis) or contributing factors (e.g., age and sex in cardiovascular disease).
What are the key learning goals for this module?
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Understand the role of health systems, programs, and policies in considering biological determinants of health.
Outline a biological approach to health (genetics, body structure, body functioning).
Describe modifiable and non-modifiable biological determinants.
Identify credible sources of information related to biological determinants of health.
Demonstrate understanding through application in AT2.
What are the three main classifications of biological determinants of health?
The three main classifications are:
Genetic – Involves single-gene, chromosomal, multifactorial, and mitochondrial DNA-linked determinants.
Body Structure – Includes height, weight, waist-hip ratio, and bone density.
Body Functioning – Encompasses blood pressure, nutritional status, biochemical function, sensory function, movement, balance, strength, and fitness.
What’s the difference between modifiable and non-modifiable biological determinants?
Non-modifiable biological determinants are those that cannot be changed, like inherited genetic conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis or sickle-cell disease).
Modifiable biological determinants can be altered, such as improving blood pressure, body weight, and fitness levels through lifestyle changes or interventions.
What are examples of non-modifiable biological determinants?
Examples include genetic conditions like sickle-cell anaemia, haemophilia, and cystic fibrosis. Age and sex are also non-modifiable factors that affect health risks and outcomes.
What are risk and protective factors in the context of biological determinants?
Risk factors increase susceptibility to diseases or conditions (e.g., hypertension, physical inactivity).
Protective factors reduce the risk or promote health (e.g., good social support, physical activity, healthy nutrition).
What are multifactorial diseases?
Multifactorial diseases, like Type 2 diabetes or asthma, involve a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. For example, genetic susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes may be influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.
What are the four genetic types of biological determinants?
Single-gene – Inherited from one parent (e.g., cystic fibrosis).
Chromosomal – Issues with chromosomes (e.g., Down syndrome).
Multifactorial – Interaction of genes and environment (e.g., Type 2 diabetes).
Mitochondrial DNA-linked – Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (e.g., certain neurological disorders).
How do biological determinants influence health conditions?
Biological determinants like age, sex, and genetics directly influence the development of health conditions. For example, older adults are more prone to cardiovascular diseases, and people with specific genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2) are at higher risk of certain cancers.
What are common risk factors for cardiovascular disease?
Key risk factors include increasing age, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, and a family history of heart disease. Modifiable factors like diet, exercise, and smoking can be controlled to reduce risk.
How does age affect biological determinants of health?
Age is a significant non-modifiable biological determinant. As people age, they are at increased risk for many health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, and cognitive decline. Age-related degeneration can be mitigated by addressing modifiable risk factors.
How do biological risk factors relate to biological determinants?
Biological risk factors are considered characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing a disease (e.g., high blood pressure as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease). These are often modifiable, unlike the broader biological determinants, which include genetic predispositions that are not changeable.
How do genetics influence disease risk?
Certain inherited genetic conditions (like BRCA mutations) can significantly increase the risk of diseases, such as breast and ovarian cancers. However, environmental factors such as smoking can further influence the risk for these diseases.
How do health systems address biological determinants of health?
Health systems, programs, and policies help address biological determinants by providing interventions, treatments, and preventive measures, such as genetic counseling, early screening for diseases, and promoting healthier lifestyles to mitigate modifiable biological risks.
