Biological Determinants
Biological determinants refer to those genetic and physiological factors that affect health and individual human development. They relate to the functioning of the body and include factors such as genetics, body weight and birth weight. Biological factors do not act in isolation, and are influenced by other determinants such as environmental factors and health behaviours
Genetics (genetic conditions)
Genetic conditions can have a major effect on the health and development of a child or infant. Some genetic conditions can be inherited from parents and example is cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis results in the secretion of thick mucus that affects the lungs, pancreas, liver and reproductive system. The secretion of this mucus can cause irreversible damage to the lungs, bouts of infection, malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, loss of functionality of the reproductive organs and the disease also cause a shortened life span.
Birth weight
Birth weight can have a major impact on the individual. Babies who are born with low birth weight are at greater risk of poor health, disability and death than other babies. A birth weight below 2,500 grams is considered low and is a known risk factor for neurological and physical disabilities, with the risk of adverse outcomes increasing with decreasing birth weight. It can impact the children being less likely to be able to participate in physical activity and to their fullest potential.
Body weight
Body weight can have an impact on the health and individual human development of children. If children are overweight it can affect cardiovascular disease, mental health issues and concerns and it has a major impact. The body weight of a child is determined by behavioural factors such as eating patterns and level of physical activity, the physical environment Access to recreational facilities and the social environment the eating habits of family. It has been shown that genetics play a role in regulating body weight, for example children of parents with lower resting metabolic rates have a greater chance of gaining weight.
Behavioural determinants
Behavioural determinant refers to any factor which strongly influences and affects behaviour. Whatever, this factor may be, it produces a behavioural effect which may be desirable or undesirable
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can impact on the health and individual human development, within a few days after birth the colostrum changes to mature milk. Breast milk contains all of the nutrients required by the baby for the first 6 months of life. Mature breast milk contains the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein to promote the growth of the baby, WHO (World health organization) recommends exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months. Apart from the nutritional side of things, breast feeding is also hygienic, convenient and inexpensive. By breast feeding it creates a social and emotional attachment between the mother and child.
Vaccination
Many infectious diseases can have a major impact on the health and development of an individual. Vaccines have been developed to help protect children against a range of diseases and illnesses which some may be life threatening. The baby gains its protection from its mother through breast feeding from infectious diseases via antibodies that have been passed from the mother during pregnancy and through breastfeeding.
Eating habits
Eating habits can impact on the health and individual human development, the nutrients needed and the stage at which different foods can be introduced into the child’s diet will vary according to the age group. Eating salt and sugar can make a child acquire a taste for them and make sure you limit some foods in their diet such as butter and margarine. Eating foods that are high in nutritional value can reduce the risk of low birth weight and help form a healthy baby.
Level of physical activity
The level of physical activity impacts the health of the individual, physical activity is required in order to gain a health benefit. Children between ages 5 and 12 are recommended that they participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate and vigorous intensity exercise daily. These activities would include brisk walking, bike riding or any form of active play, the vigorous activities are more for developed individuals and the level of intensity is to increase heart and breathing rates such as football, netball, running and swimming. The guidelines also recommend that children do not spend more than two hours a day on activities using electronics such as phones, TV and computers.
Oral hygiene
Oral hygiene can have a major impact on the health and individual human development, it is the practise of keeping the mouth clean in order to prevent bad breath and maintain healthy gums and teeth. Oral hygiene during early childhood is vital for ensuring the health of teeth and gums and teaches children daily routines required to ensure optimal dental health. Cavities can occur in children as young as six months of age if the appropriate dental care is not followed.
Physical environment
The physical environment refers to the surrounding in which a child lives and the accessibility to resources such as housing, water, health services and recreational facilities. It also refers to the environmental conditions in which a child lives that impact on health and individual human development
Tobacco smoke in the home
Tobacco contains approximately 4000 different chemical substances, with at least 250 of these being found in second-hand smoke. There are two types of smoking and they are called environmental tobacco smoke and it’s when the smoke is exhaled from a smoker and Passive smoking, which is inhaling of environmental tobacco smoke and it, is particularly dangerous for children because their lungs are still developing. For children who live in a home where on or more people smoke, their health and individual human development may be affected such as increased chance of asthma and bronchitis, develop slower lung growth, Tendency to be shorter than average at all ages.
Housing environment
Housing environment plays a significant role in the health and individual human development of children. A house provides shelter and a clean place in which to live and protects children from the outside environment, including any physical dangers. Some families live in a standard home or overcrowded dwellings due to low income and those families members are at a greater risk of poorer health. Some children are less likely to attend school and participate in sport or physical activity because of their environment. Children are also at a higher risk of developing asthma and have a poor fatigue
Fluoridation of water
Fluoride has a major impact on the individuals health and development, it is a natural mineral found in food, water, plants and toothpaste. Tooth decay occurs when acid is produced by bacteria in the mouth, research has shown that adding fluoride in town water decreases the population developing tooth decay and it saves a lot of money for families with low income
Access to recreational facilities
Being able to have access to recreational facilities can benefit an individual, it can improve physical help and become motivated to participate in any physical activity. For children there are defiantly benefits for having access to recreational activities, children who are generally active will:
· Have stronger muscles and bones
· Have greater cardiovascular endurance
· Be less likely to be overweight
· Have a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
· Have a happier disposition and develop positive relationships with others
· Have better sleep patterns
· Have better higher level of self esteem
Social development
The social environmental refers to the social factors children are exposed to that affect their health and individual human development. Social factors within families are an important influence on the health and individual human development of children, and include parental education and parenting practices
Parental education
The parental education can impact on the health and development of an individual; it is a key determinant of their employment, which is in turn directly linked to their level of income. Parental education refers to both the formal level of education that is achieved by parents and the level of knowledge that may be attained through informal means such as by reading newspaper or watching television. Having well-educated parents they will gain knowledge and skills needed to promote the health and individual human development of their children. Formal qualifications provide opportunities for better employment and higher income, which enable individuals to have a healthier lifestyle and greater access to health promoting resources such as nutritious goods and health care
Parenting practices
Parenting practises refer to the way in which the parents or guardians interact with their child and how they model behaviour. It is the type of discipline that is used and the way in which parent/guardian responds to the child in different situations. Parents and guardians have an enormous impact on the social development of children, generally in these areas
· Teaching respect for others
· Developing effective means of communication
· Learning values
· Learning appropriate behaviours
· Leaning how to cooperate effectively with others
Parents/guardians of children tend to adopt a particular parenting style, and this can have an impact on the health and individual human development of the child. The four main types of parenting styles are:
· Authoritarian parenting style
· Authoritative parenting style
· Permissive parenting style
· Uninvolved parenting style
Media
The media such as the television, print media, radio, videos/dvds and the internet are a part of children’s daily lives. Children are exposed to messages and information and the media could have a positively or negatively impact on their health and human development
Access to health care
Access to health care during the prenatal and childhood stages of the lifespan it vital for the health and individual human development of children. Parents or guardians having access to health care services, the parents are able to monitor growth, check the health status of their child and treat illnesses/conditions in their earliest stage. Having access to certain services and clinics are important during the prenatal stage of development, during pregnancy the health of the mother and the development of the unborn child needs to be monitored carefully
Biological determinants refer to those genetic and physiological factors that affect health and individual human development. They relate to the functioning of the body and include factors such as genetics, body weight and birth weight. Biological factors do not act in isolation, and are influenced by other determinants such as environmental factors and health behaviours
Genetics (genetic conditions)
Genetic conditions can have a major effect on the health and development of a child or infant. Some genetic conditions can be inherited from parents and example is cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis results in the secretion of thick mucus that affects the lungs, pancreas, liver and reproductive system. The secretion of this mucus can cause irreversible damage to the lungs, bouts of infection, malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, loss of functionality of the reproductive organs and the disease also cause a shortened life span.
Birth weight
Birth weight can have a major impact on the individual. Babies who are born with low birth weight are at greater risk of poor health, disability and death than other babies. A birth weight below 2,500 grams is considered low and is a known risk factor for neurological and physical disabilities, with the risk of adverse outcomes increasing with decreasing birth weight. It can impact the children being less likely to be able to participate in physical activity and to their fullest potential.
Body weight
Body weight can have an impact on the health and individual human development of children. If children are overweight it can affect cardiovascular disease, mental health issues and concerns and it has a major impact. The body weight of a child is determined by behavioural factors such as eating patterns and level of physical activity, the physical environment Access to recreational facilities and the social environment the eating habits of family. It has been shown that genetics play a role in regulating body weight, for example children of parents with lower resting metabolic rates have a greater chance of gaining weight.
Behavioural determinants
Behavioural determinant refers to any factor which strongly influences and affects behaviour. Whatever, this factor may be, it produces a behavioural effect which may be desirable or undesirable
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can impact on the health and individual human development, within a few days after birth the colostrum changes to mature milk. Breast milk contains all of the nutrients required by the baby for the first 6 months of life. Mature breast milk contains the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein to promote the growth of the baby, WHO (World health organization) recommends exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months. Apart from the nutritional side of things, breast feeding is also hygienic, convenient and inexpensive. By breast feeding it creates a social and emotional attachment between the mother and child.
Vaccination
Many infectious diseases can have a major impact on the health and development of an individual. Vaccines have been developed to help protect children against a range of diseases and illnesses which some may be life threatening. The baby gains its protection from its mother through breast feeding from infectious diseases via antibodies that have been passed from the mother during pregnancy and through breastfeeding.
Eating habits
Eating habits can impact on the health and individual human development, the nutrients needed and the stage at which different foods can be introduced into the child’s diet will vary according to the age group. Eating salt and sugar can make a child acquire a taste for them and make sure you limit some foods in their diet such as butter and margarine. Eating foods that are high in nutritional value can reduce the risk of low birth weight and help form a healthy baby.
Level of physical activity
The level of physical activity impacts the health of the individual, physical activity is required in order to gain a health benefit. Children between ages 5 and 12 are recommended that they participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate and vigorous intensity exercise daily. These activities would include brisk walking, bike riding or any form of active play, the vigorous activities are more for developed individuals and the level of intensity is to increase heart and breathing rates such as football, netball, running and swimming. The guidelines also recommend that children do not spend more than two hours a day on activities using electronics such as phones, TV and computers.
Oral hygiene
Oral hygiene can have a major impact on the health and individual human development, it is the practise of keeping the mouth clean in order to prevent bad breath and maintain healthy gums and teeth. Oral hygiene during early childhood is vital for ensuring the health of teeth and gums and teaches children daily routines required to ensure optimal dental health. Cavities can occur in children as young as six months of age if the appropriate dental care is not followed.
Physical environment
The physical environment refers to the surrounding in which a child lives and the accessibility to resources such as housing, water, health services and recreational facilities. It also refers to the environmental conditions in which a child lives that impact on health and individual human development
Tobacco smoke in the home
Tobacco contains approximately 4000 different chemical substances, with at least 250 of these being found in second-hand smoke. There are two types of smoking and they are called environmental tobacco smoke and it’s when the smoke is exhaled from a smoker and Passive smoking, which is inhaling of environmental tobacco smoke and it, is particularly dangerous for children because their lungs are still developing. For children who live in a home where on or more people smoke, their health and individual human development may be affected such as increased chance of asthma and bronchitis, develop slower lung growth, Tendency to be shorter than average at all ages.
Housing environment
Housing environment plays a significant role in the health and individual human development of children. A house provides shelter and a clean place in which to live and protects children from the outside environment, including any physical dangers. Some families live in a standard home or overcrowded dwellings due to low income and those families members are at a greater risk of poorer health. Some children are less likely to attend school and participate in sport or physical activity because of their environment. Children are also at a higher risk of developing asthma and have a poor fatigue
Fluoridation of water
Fluoride has a major impact on the individuals health and development, it is a natural mineral found in food, water, plants and toothpaste. Tooth decay occurs when acid is produced by bacteria in the mouth, research has shown that adding fluoride in town water decreases the population developing tooth decay and it saves a lot of money for families with low income
Access to recreational facilities
Being able to have access to recreational facilities can benefit an individual, it can improve physical help and become motivated to participate in any physical activity. For children there are defiantly benefits for having access to recreational activities, children who are generally active will:
· Have stronger muscles and bones
· Have greater cardiovascular endurance
· Be less likely to be overweight
· Have a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
· Have a happier disposition and develop positive relationships with others
· Have better sleep patterns
· Have better higher level of self esteem
Social development
The social environmental refers to the social factors children are exposed to that affect their health and individual human development. Social factors within families are an important influence on the health and individual human development of children, and include parental education and parenting practices
Parental education
The parental education can impact on the health and development of an individual; it is a key determinant of their employment, which is in turn directly linked to their level of income. Parental education refers to both the formal level of education that is achieved by parents and the level of knowledge that may be attained through informal means such as by reading newspaper or watching television. Having well-educated parents they will gain knowledge and skills needed to promote the health and individual human development of their children. Formal qualifications provide opportunities for better employment and higher income, which enable individuals to have a healthier lifestyle and greater access to health promoting resources such as nutritious goods and health care
Parenting practices
Parenting practises refer to the way in which the parents or guardians interact with their child and how they model behaviour. It is the type of discipline that is used and the way in which parent/guardian responds to the child in different situations. Parents and guardians have an enormous impact on the social development of children, generally in these areas
· Teaching respect for others
· Developing effective means of communication
· Learning values
· Learning appropriate behaviours
· Leaning how to cooperate effectively with others
Parents/guardians of children tend to adopt a particular parenting style, and this can have an impact on the health and individual human development of the child. The four main types of parenting styles are:
· Authoritarian parenting style
· Authoritative parenting style
· Permissive parenting style
· Uninvolved parenting style
Media
The media such as the television, print media, radio, videos/dvds and the internet are a part of children’s daily lives. Children are exposed to messages and information and the media could have a positively or negatively impact on their health and human development
Access to health care
Access to health care during the prenatal and childhood stages of the lifespan it vital for the health and individual human development of children. Parents or guardians having access to health care services, the parents are able to monitor growth, check the health status of their child and treat illnesses/conditions in their earliest stage. Having access to certain services and clinics are important during the prenatal stage of development, during pregnancy the health of the mother and the development of the unborn child needs to be monitored carefully