SYLLABUS CONTENT

How do we understand and measure Australia’s health?

• Discuss the range of determinants (broad features of society, environmental factors, socioeconomic characteristics, health behaviours and biomedical factors), that influence the health and wellbeing of Australians

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors refer to the social, cultural, natural and human-made environments in which we live. They are directly linked to climate, air quality, water quality, health behaviours and emotional health. Two key factors include:

Geographic Location – Where someone lives greatly effects health by influencing access to healthcare, fresh food, and recreational facilities, while also determining exposure to environmental risks such as pollution or isolation. Rural and remote areas may face limited services but benefit from lower population density, whereas urban areas offer more resources but can present challenges like pollution and stress. ​ 

Access to services and technology - Does the environment an individual live in have access to all medical needs? Is their fresh food available?​ Does their location give them access to new, specialized technology? Can they receive dialysis, or do they have to travel large distances?

Socioeconomic Factors

Socioeconomic determinants of health refer to the social and economic conditions that influence an individual's or community's health outcomes. These factors shape access to healthcare, healthy lifestyles, and overall well-being. The key factors include:

• Education - Affects health literacy and job opportunities, leading to better decision-making about diet, exercise, and medical care.

• Income - Determines access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe housing.

• Employment - Secure and stable employment provides financial security, access to healthcare, and reduced stress, while unemployment can lead to poor mental health and financial hardship. The type of employment also matters—high-stress, physically demanding, or unsafe jobs can increase injury risk and negatively impact long-term health.

Build your knowledge

Read through the case study on pages 46-48 of your textbook. Then answer the following:

Explain how socioeconomic factors contribute to the obesity rates in Australia. 

Biomedical Factors (Individual)

Biomedical factors are biological traits and bodily conditions that influence an individual's health and risk of disease. These include age, sex, genetics, and underlying health conditions, as well as modifiable factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids, and impaired glucose regulation. There is a strong link between biomedical factors and health choices, as lifestyle behaviours such as diet, exercise, and smoking can significantly impact these conditions. While some biomedical factors are non-modifiable (e.g., genetics, age), others can be managed or improved through lifestyle choices and medical intervention. These factors play a key role in the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, affecting both individual and population health.

Sample

Complete the second paragraph using anther example. Please note the verb progression and examples. 

The determinants of health refer to the social, environmental and individual factors that influence individual and community health outcomes. Rather than working in isolation they often overlap and inter-relate with one another. For example, an individuals education (socioeconomic) can impact their health literacy and ability to effectively seek support services and navigate the health care system. This may lead to negative attitudes towards help seeking (individual health behaviours) and higher rates of potentially avoidable chronic disease or death. For instance, an individual with low education levels may not obtain the necessary skills to access cancer pre screening technologies, resulting in higher risks of mortality.

Similarly……