Modifiable and Non-modifiable determinants of Health
Determinants of health are linked, complex, and ever-evolving factors that primarily influence health and can be positive or negative. The health determinants can be divided into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable. Individual, socioeconomic, ecological, and sociocultural factors are the primary determinants of health (PDHPE, 2017). On the one hand, modifiable determinants are elements that people or communities can actively alter or have an impact over. An illustration of a modifiable determinant is nutrition, directly related to lifestyle decisions, behaviors, and environmental factors. In contrast, non-modifiable determinants, such as genetics, are factors that people cannot readily alter or control since they are inherent or inherited features.
Nutrition
Nutrition is a fundamental modifiable health factor that alludes to how the body gets and assimilates nutrients from the food sources the body devours; the quality and amount of nutrients we eat influence our overall health and well-being (Jarrod, 2023). Proper nutrition is fundamental for preventing and managing different medical problems and illnesses and maintaining healthy body development, growth, and functioning. Balanced nutrition, for instance, can help prevent and manage various health issues, like obesity, diabetes, coronary illness, and hypertension. Nutrient-rich food varieties supply the nutrients, minerals, cancer-prevention antioxidants, and other bioactive components expected to maintain the body’s immune system and cell functioning.
Genetics
Genetics is a non-modifiable health determinant that alludes to hereditary information passed from one’s precursors and guardians and assumes a significant job in deciding a person’s physical elements, susceptibility to illnesses, and overall health outcomes (Jarrod, 2023). Genetic variables may enhance or decrease an individual’s vulnerability to particular diseases and ailments. Certain types of cancer, cardiovascular illnesses, and genetic abnormalities such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia all have vital hereditary components. Additionally, a person’s family medical history provides insights into the potential risk of developing certain diseases. It is an essential tool for healthcare providers to assess genetic predisposition to various health conditions.
Model of Health or Behavior Change Theory
Health promotion programs have recently utilized numerous theories and concepts to help understand and comprehend health behaviors, guide selections, and implement treatments. These theories play significant roles as they equip health promotion planners with the necessary skills to understand beyond perception, assess and create medical behaviors and develop health promotional programs centered on behavioral understanding. While numerous models are utilized across the healthcare field, this paper will delve into the Health Belief Model, categorized under the individual models of health category.
Health Belief Model (HBM)
HBM refers to a theoretical framework that aims to elucidate and forecast health behaviors by emphasizing the beliefs and attitudes held by people (Badamasi & Jackson, 2023). The development of this concept originated from Hochbaum, Rosenstock, and Kegels during the 1950s (HBHE, n.d.). From there, it has gained immense popularity and is widely utilized in general health and promotion drives. This model has been widely used to address an individual’s impression of dangers presented by given health concerns, the merits of staying away from these dangers, and the variables impacting the individual’s choice to act. As such, Badamasi and Jackson (2023) inform that the HBM model is based on the below key elements:
- Perceived Susceptibility: One is at risk of a health problem.
- Perceived Severity: The health problem is severe and has significant consequences.
- Perceived Benefits: Taking a specific action (such as adopting a healthy behavior) will reduce the risk or severity of the health challenge.
- Cues to Action: These external elements prompt individuals to take action and the perceived barriers.
- Self-Efficacy: The people’s confidence in their ability towards success.
In summary, the model posits that an individual’s engagement in a recommended activity is influenced by their perception of a health threat, belief in the efficacy of a given action, and assessment of the advantages outweighing the barriers. The HBM has been utilized to examine several health behaviors, including but not limited to vaccination, smoking cessation, exercise, and preventive screenings (HBHE, n.d.). Nevertheless, proponents of the model contend that it needs to be more concise to simplify intricate behaviors and comprehensively encompass the subtleties of individual decision-making.
Influence of Contextual Factors on Health Promotion
Contextual factors significantly influence healthcare promotion efforts, including applying behavior change theories and models. These factors can impact health promotion interventions’ effectiveness, implementation, and outcomes (Coles et al., 2020). For instance, social norms, cultural practices, socioeconomic status, and psychological factors significantly shape and dictate the health promotion to be utilized. Health promotion endeavors should include cultural sensitivity, language, and accepted practices to guarantee that interventions are acceptable and applicable to the primary target group.
Additionally, socioeconomic factors like income, education, and access to health services can all significantly affect health-related behavior and the capacity to participate in recommended activities. Subsequently, health promotion campaigns should address gaps in access to medical care services, information, and resources to accomplish equitable results (Coles et al., 2020). In a nutshell, contextual factors provide the backdrop against health promotion efforts. Recognizing and attending to these characteristics guarantees that interventions are pertinent, efficient, and attuned to the varied requirements and situations of the target demographic. Health promoters must use a comprehensive approach to consider the intricate interrelationships among diverse contextual factors to achieve effective health promotion.
References
Badamasi, H. S., & Jackson, K. (2023). Health Promotion Theories and Models. Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Health_Promotion_Theories_and_Models
Coles, E., Anderson, J., Maxwell, M., Harris, F. M., Gray, N. M., Milner, G., & MacGillivray, S. (2020). The influence of contextual factors on Healthcare Quality Improvement Initiatives: A realist review. Systematic Reviews, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01344-3
Health Behavior and Health Education (HBHE). (n.d.). Health Behavior and Health Education. Health Behavior and Health Education | Part Two, Chapter Three : Main Constructs. https://www.med.upenn.edu/hbhe4/part2-ch3-main-constructs.shtml
Jarrod Bullard. (2023, February 16). Jarrod Bullard. SDoH: Modifiable & Non-Modifiable Factors | RTI Health Advance. https://healthcare.rti.org/insights/modifiable-and-non-modifiable-sdoh-factors#:~:text=Modifiable%20factors%20include%20commonly%20known,commonly%20produce%20adverse%20health%20outcomes.
PDHPE. (2017, April 3). Modifiable and non-modifiable health determinants. HSC PDHPE. https://pdhpe.net/better-health-for-individuals/what-influences-the-health-of-individuals/the-degree-of-control-individuals-can-exert-over-their-health/modifiable-and-non-modifiable-health-determinants/
write