Question

What are the main factors that impact health and disparities in health conditions?

Answer 1

It is predicted that during the next decade, Healthy People will assess health disparities in the population by tracking rates of illness, death, chronic conditions, behaviors, and other types of outcomes in relation to demographic factors.

There are many factors which combine together to affect the health of individuals and communities. Peoples health or illness, is determined by their circumstances and environment. Factors such as where we live, the state of our environment, genetics, our income and education level, and our relationships with friends and family all are considerable impacts on health, the more commonly considered factors such as access and use of health care services have less of an impact.

The people’s lives determine their health, and so blaming individuals for having poor health or crediting them for good health is an inappropriate. Individuals are likely to directly control many of the determinants of health. This determinants that make people healthy or not include the above factors.

Higher income and social status are linked to better health. The gap between the richest and poorest people, have greater differences in health. Low education levels are linked with poor health, more stress and lower self confidence.

Safe water and clean air, healthy workplaces, safe houses, communities and roads all contribute to good health. Employment and working conditions of people in employment are healthier, particularly those who have more control over their working conditions.

Greater support from families, friends and communities is linked to better health. Inheritance plays a part in determining lifespan, healthiness and lively hood of developing certain illnesses. Personal behaviour and coping skills balanced eating, keeping active, smoking, drinking, and how we deal with life’s stresses and challenges all affect health.

Access to the services and its uses also prevents and treat disease, which influences the health. Men and women suffer from different types of diseases at different ages.