The Degree of control individuals can exert over

The Degree of control individuals can exert over their health

Intro A range of factors acting in various combinations will influence an individuals’ health outcomes While individuals can exert some control over their health, they may not be able to control many determinants directly Positive health behaviours are needed to support those factors people have influence over to reduce the risk of those determinants they have little to no control over.

Categories Modifiable and non-modifiable health determinants

Non-Modifiable Cannot be changed, modified or controlled E. G Age- likelihood of certain diseases increases with age Gender- linked to risks of certain diseases and life expectancy Family history- chronic diseases greatly linked Race/ethnicity- risk of some diseases increases eg indigenous Australians and diabetes and CVD

Modifiable Have the potential to be changed or altered in some way. (aspects of lifestyle) E. G. Nutritional habits Tobacco and alcohol consumption Physical activity levels

Health potential May be determined by age and genetics Possible to positively adjust lifestyle and or environment to reduce the risk of ill health and maximise health potential A persons circumstances will impact on the degree of control they are able to exert over determinants. E. g. Employed vs unemployed, adults vs children Knowledge of the non-modifiable health determinants that may apply is important in making informed health decisions.

Changing influence of determinants through life stages Determinants will influence in varying degrees Level of influence will change over time This will depend on: - Values ( what is important) - Belief in ability to control events and circumstances that affect them. - Life transitions

Life Stage : Childhood Make health decision & shape values Health predominantly influenced by family Children Knowledge, skills, Culture, attitides SES, education & Environment Decisions parents make influenced by many factors

Life Stage : Adolescence Start to develop own values and beliefs through experiences and interactions eg media, peers teachers Health predominantly influenced by peers Own health related knowledge and skills develop. May have opportunity to change their environment Environment Adolescent (12 -25) Part time jobs will start to influence socioeconomic factors

Life Stage : Adulthood Socioeconomic factors e. g. Employment and income have greater influence Health predominantly influenced individual attitudes Adults (26 -64) Life experiences will affect knowledge and Skills that affect health behaviours Geographic location may have a greater influence for elderly

Life Stage : Later adulthood Health status influenced by past risk or protective behaviours in earlier stages and social support available Control over determinants declines Reduced income and increase levels of disability and dependence Influence of determinants accumulating for years evident Older People Geographic location may have a greater influence for elderly

Activity Questions Understand apply 1 Assess whether genetic predisposition to certain diseases for some races is the only determinant influencing an individual’s health or whether other determinants of health, such as socioeconomic and environmental factors, play a role in the development of disease. 2 Give suggestions as to what individuals can do to modify the determinants they have little control over. 3 Explain how the level of influence of the determinants of health on an individual changes over time.