3. DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH

In 2003, the World Health Organisation suggested that the social determinants of health include;


1. Income and social status - Higher income and social status are linked to better health. The greater the gap between the richest and poorest people, the greater the differences in health.

2. Education – Education plays an influential part in the lives of the impoverished. According to Mirowsky and Ross (2003), education determines other factors of livelihood like occupation and income that determines income, which determines health outcomes. Education is a major social determinant of health. Educational attainment is related to improved health outcomes, due to its effect on income, employment, and living conditions. Children born to more educated parents are less likely to die in infancy and more likely to have higher birth weights.

3. Physical environment – The environment is often cited as an important factor influencing the health status of individuals. Factors such as clean water and air, healthy workplaces, adequate housing and safe communities and roads all contribute to good health. 

4. Social support networks – Greater support from families, friends and communities is linked to better health. Culture - customs and traditions, and the beliefs of the family and community all affect health.

5. Genetics - inheritance plays a part in determining lifespan, healthiness and the likelihood 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.

6. Health services - Access and use of services that prevent and treat disease influences health

7. Gender - Men and women suffer from different types of diseases at different ages.

8. Race: This has to do with complexion (skill colour) or hair type. The white pay more attention to health than the the black. The black believe in traditional medicine than the white who attached preeminence to modern medicine