Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
6. Determinants affecting children’s health Biological determinants • Factors influencing health and development that depend on biology, such as genetics, hormones, body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and birth weight Genetics • A person’s genetic composition is an important determinant of disease and health • Genes are inherited from our parents and determine our physical characteristics • Many genetic disorders are inherited e.g. cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, haemophilia, spina bifida and Down syndrome Birth weight • Birth weight is a significant indicator of infant health • Babies with low birth weight are more likely to develop disabilities and have a greater risk of poor health • Overweight babies may also be at risk of health issues such as diabetes Body weight • An overweight or obese child is more likelt to be overweight or obese as an adult • Being overweight or obese as a child can lead to diabetes, heart disease, stress on weightbearing joints and poor self-esteem • Poor eating and a sedentary lifestyle has a detrimental effect on children’s health Behavioural determinants • Factors influencing health and development relating to behaviour and lifestyle choices • These include sun protection, eating habits, levels of physical activity, oral hygiene, parental smoking, maternal nutrition and health, alcohol and drug use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, vaccination Physical environment • Factors that have to do with living conditions, access to facilities and environmental factors (such as tobacco smoking and water fluoridation) • Access to recreational facilities is also a factor affecting children's’ health Social environment (family) • The influence of family members and the family environment – particularly the influence of parents on the health of children – is a determinant of children’s health • Factors include: parental education, parental occupation and employment status, parental income, family stress and trauma, parental health and disability, family and work-life balance, parental practices, Social environment (community) • The broader community – beyond the family unit – and the social environment, are determinants of children’s health • Factors include: media, access to social support, neighbourhood safety, access to services (such as healthcare, childcare, preschools and schools)