Behavioral Determinants :Examples
A proven approach to improving public health is to replace the negative behaviors that cause many health problems with positive behaviors that promote physical and mental well-being. Among the most important behavioral determinants are dietary choices and eating patterns, alcohol and tobacco use, and physical activity level. In addition, many individual behaviors affect a person’s risk of developing a range of life-threatening diseases:
- Sleep and Exercise Patterns. Maintaining a regular schedule of exercise and getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night contribute to a person’s physical and mental. By contrast, a lack of sleep and a sedentary lifestyle are associated with higher rates of health problems.
- Psychological Assets. People who keep a positive outlook are more likely to be conscientious, optimistic, and humble. By contrast, a negative outlook tends to increase levels of stress and may exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression.
- Risk-Related Behavior. Just as certain professions, such as emergency responders, face higher health risks, specific activities affect people’s mental and physical health. Among these risky activities are gun behavior, some sexual behaviors, and motor vehicle behavior.
“Behavioral determinants are important in the development of effective interventions,” says Dr. Caroline Kingori, interim associate dean for research at the Ohio University College of Health Science and Professions. “For example, where sexual behaviors are concerned, people who are HIV-positive may suffer from depression or anxiety due to the stigma and taboo associated with receiving a positive diagnosis. To cope, an HIV-positive individual can engage in maladaptive behaviors, such as inconsistent use of condoms or substance use. Thus, access to mental health services for such individuals is important.”
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Social determinants : Examples
Our health is affected by our homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities, as the ODPHP explains. Preventive health care services; healthy foods; social and economic opportunities; and clean air, water, and food lead to people living longer, healthier lives. One of the five core goals of the ODPHP’s Healthy People 2020 and Healthy People 2030 campaigns, each of which spans the 10-year period leading to the years 2020 and 2030, respectively, is to “create social and physical environments that promote good health for all.”
