Dimensions of Health

A persons level of health is the interaction between different dimensions

and a balance of all 4 is essential for general wellbeing and satisfaction.
1. Physical Health is the wellness of the body and the absence of
chronic pain or discomfort.
Refers to the state of the physical body, including:
o The efficient functioning of the body organs
o Our level of fitness
o Nutritional status
o Degree of energy
o Body weight
o Resistance to disease
Heredity and genetic aspects can determine our physical potential,
however it is also largely determined by lifestyle and behaviour.
2. Social Health is our ability to interact with other people in an
interdependent and cooperative way as well as the social and
communication skills and abilities we display.
Good social health means we:
o Feel a sense of connection and belonging to various people,
and to the wider community
o Form and maintain positive relationships that provide us with
a network of support
o Appropriately manage situations where relationships may
break down
3. Mental or Emotional Health is the state of wellbeing where we
can realise our abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work
productively and make a contribution to the community.
People who have a good mental health generally possess a positive
outlook and a sense of purpose and control over their lives. Which
enables them to do the above.
Factors that contribute to our mental health and the resilience to
cope when faced with sad or difficult times include:
o Our self-concept (the way we see ourselves), self-confidence
and self-esteem
o Our sense of connection or belonging to different significant
groups
o Ability to appropriately express emotions
o Ability to think creatively and be flexible when making
decisions
o Capacity to function productively within society without bad
behaviour

4. Spiritual Health relates to a sense of purpose and meaning in

our life, and to feeling connected with others and society.
Is influenced by:
o Ideals
o Values
o Morals
o Aspirations
o Awareness and understanding of self.

Our individual level of health is the result of a complex interaction

between these four aspects and are constantly changing.

Health Behaviours of Young People

The positive health status of young people

Findings of the report Young Australians their health and wellbeing

2011 shows that health has continued to improve leaving majority
of young people fairly healthy.

Evidence shows a decline in mortality rates, due to a reduction in

deaths caused by injury, suicide and transport accidents

Improvements in younger people with chronic diseases

Decline in risk behaviour such as smoking, illicit drug use and

increase us of contraception

Significant differences of health is seen in young indigenous

Australians, ones living in remote areas and ones experiencing
lower socio economic disadvantages

This combined with poor levels of health, contribute to longer term

health outcomes of disempowerment affecting their health and
wellbeing.

Without implementation of intervention strategies addressing these

differences, the likelihood of this equities will continue to grow.

Chronic means persisting over a long time, such as a long-term disease

or illness

Comparing the health of Indigenous and Non-indigenous young

people
There are significant differences that are evident between indigenous and
non-indigenous young people.

Mortality rates are very different, with findings of the death rate of
young ATSI peoples in 2003-07 to be about 2.5 x higher than that of
young non-indigenous Australians.

Life expectancy much lower for ATSIs than the general population.

Indigenous people born in the period 2005-07, will live around 10-12
years less than the rest of the population.
67 years indigenous male -> 79 years non-indigenous
73 years indigenous female -> 83 years non-indigenous

ATSI are more likely to experience chronic illnesses and health

problems.

They suffer higher rates of diabetes and mental behavioural

disorders

They are more likely to experience preventable health conditions

that are uncommon with the general population eg. Skin infections,
rheumatic heart disease

More likely to suffer ear disease, hearing loss and impairment

Young indigenous people are more likely to experience risk factors

associated with poorer health, as well as lower educational
achievements

Health issues start at a young age and often continue to run

throughout their whole life.

Teenage birth rates are higher in major cities.

Young people

Health of young people varied due to various socioeconomic groups,

young people from lower socio economic groups more likely to
experience poor levels of health.

o Death and injury rates were higher in disadvantaged areas

o More likely to be overweight and obese, twice as likely to smoke.

o Significant increase in the incidence of TYPE 1 diabetes
o Mental health disorders be greatest contributor to burden of disease
for young Australians. E.g. anxiety, depression and substance use.
o 1 in 10 young people reported feeling high or high levels of distress.
o High rates of injury from motor vehicle accidents and intentional
self-harm is very concerning preventable issue within young people.
o Injuries and poisoning is leading cause of ill health hospitalisation
and death among young people. Injuries being responsible for 2/3s
of premature deaths by young people especially males.
o Injuries leaving young people with serious disabilities and long term
conditions that will affect their future health.
o Increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections particularly
chlamydia.
Protective behaviours and risk behaviours
Protective behaviours are those health behaviours that are likely to
enhance a persons level of health
Risk behaviour are those health behaviours that have been found to
contribute to the development of health problems or poorer levels of
health
o Adolescence is the time where young people go from being children
to independent adults.
o Start to make more decisions on their own health behaviours
determining their immediate and longer term health
o Can be seen as protective behaviours, because they enhance good
health or risk behaviours because they have been found to
contribute to the development of poorer levels of health e.g.
smoking.
Behaviours that impact young persons current and future health

Physical activity
Eating habits

Substance use e.g. tobacco, alcohol, other drugs

Sexual activity
Help seeking behaviour
Social connectedness
Risk taking

Behaviours relating to physical activity

Physical activity is necessary to help achieve and maintain

good levels of health

Adolescents should:
o Partake in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical
activity every day
o Limit the time they spend on the computer
o Engage in activities that strengthen muscles and bones at least
three days a week

People who participate in less physical activity have a greater

chance of suffering diseases eg. Heart disease, stroke and
depression

Over 60% of secondary students exceeded recommended

guideline of two hours a small screen recreation on week
nights. 80% on weekends

Research shows that patterns of sedentary (inactive)

behaviours in childhood are likely to continue in their adult life
increasing risk to their cardiovascular fitness levels.

Behaviours relating to Healthy eating

Development of healthy eating patterns ensures adequate

intake of all essential nutrients, protecting against a wide
range of preventable chronic diseases. E.g. heart disease,
type 2 diabetes, some cancers and obesity.

Australian dietary guidelines recommend (14-18 yrs.)

consume

o 5 servings of veg
o 2 servings of fruit

Reduce intake of foods containing high levels of salts,

saturated fats, added sugars. This includes processed snack
foods, take away meals, soft drinks.

Food choices are often influenced by food behaviours e.g.

skipping meals, eating dinner in front of TV, consuming take
away foods.

Behaviours relating to body weight

o
o
o
o

Problems associated with body weight contribute to wide

range of immediate and future health problems.

Short term: being obese or over weight affects a persons

social and emotional wellbeing.

Ongoing problems with excess weight further increases the

likelihood of health conditions during adulthood e.g.
gallstones, diabetes, disordered sleeping, osteoarthritis.

Healthy body weight is measured by a persons BODY MASS

INDEX (BMI)

18% high school boys were over weight

6% were obese
16% high school girls were overweight
4% were obese

A lack of regular physical activity, poor dietary habits and use

of passive transport options contributes to overweight or
obese young people. Which puts greater risk on their
adulthood.

Boys are more likely to see themselves as thin or the right

weight when they are found to over weight

Whereas girls are more likely to perceive themselves are

overweight when their BMI was calculated as healthy or
underweight.

Perceptions of body weight is often associated with poor body

image and a sense of dissatisfaction with their appearance.

Disordered eating habits such as skipping meals, limiting food

intake or excessive exercise can result from these negative
perceptions

Behaviours relating to drug use

Adolescence is a time when some experiment with substances

such as tobacco, alcohol and other illicit drugs.

Misuse of these are likely to cause immediate and long term

health problems for either themselves or the community

While rates of smoking has declined tobacco smoking is still

seen as the single most preventable cause of chronic ill health
and death in Australia.

It is a major risk factor for multiple cancers as well as

cardiovascular disease and respiratory diseases

Smoking is a risk behaviour for young people and increases

the risk of developing these diseases later in life.

lower levels of fitness

The national drug strategy household survey in 2010 found

that just under 7% of 14-19 yr. olds had smoked daily

Smoking in young people has declined in recent years,

suggesting that the incidence of tobacco related diseases is
likely to decline in the future

Drinking

Alcohol is a major cause of ill health and death, particularly for

young people

Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time

can cause alcohol poisoning that can severely impair brain
function which can even lead to death.

Binge drinking also creates increased confidence, a lowering

of ambitions and the impairment of decision making and
motor skills all of which combine to increase risk behaviours.

Greatest risk of alcohol related injuries and deaths, which

most commonly result from road crashes, violence, sexual
assaults, falls, drowning and suicides.

Emotional and social harms are likely to impact a young

persons health and wellbeing such as guilt, embarrassment,
relationship conflict, and legal problems.

In longer term, excessive drinking contributes to liver diseases

such as cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some
forms of cancer.

Illicit drugs drugs that are illegal to use, possess, produce or sell.
Behaviours relating to establishing social networks and support

Having a strong sense of connectedness to family, peers,

school and the community has been shown to positively affect
the health and wellbeing of people

Connectedness sense of belonging or attachment as an

individual feels towards people and places they frequently
connect with.

People who do not fit in or some ethic groups can experience

feelings of loneliness
People who are unable to develop or maintain meaningful
positive relationships can feel isolated and experience higher
rates of depression
Participating in church groups, regularity attending school and
choosing to be involved in voluntary work, can enhance young
peoples sense of belonging and help create social networks.
95% of young people had a t least one family member in
whom they can confide

Behaviours relating to safety

Road traffic accidents still continue to be the most common

cause of injury related death in 15-24 year olds
21% of all drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes
were young people aged 17-25.
Young drivers often put their health and others at risk by
speeding
Dangers are compounded by their lack of experience at
identifying potential traffic hazards, and knowing how to react
appropriately
Drinking alcohol and driving is another health behaviour
among young people
Driving while fatigued also impairs a drivers skill, many young
people dont get enough sleep
Other behaviours such as talking on mobiles, listening to
music or interacting with passengers can also distract young
drivers
Young people often feel invincible and dont wear seatbelts

Behaviours relating to accessing help

Education is important for accurate knowledge and increased

awareness of health issues
Enables young people to have a sense of empowerment over
their lives, which serve to protect their health and wellbeing
Having health services available that are appropriate to the
needs to young people being able to access these services is
crucial
Health education is associated with maintenance of health
protective behaviours
Studies have shown young peoples knowledge of issues that
are relevant to their health can be inconsistent or poor. Eg.
STIs
Reluctance by young people to seek help when experiencing
problems with mental health. Mental illnesses are identified
with embarrassment and shame
Significant barriers to young peoples ability to seek help

The effect of multiple protective or risk behaviours

Unwanted sex was mostly commonly associated with

excessive drinking, highlighting the correlation between
multiple risk factors and increases the risk of health harm
Young people in the juvenile justice system commonly
engaged in health risk behaviours such as drug and alcohol
us, smoking and unsafe sex practises. This lead to higher
rates of blood borne viruses, STIs, mental illnesses and
incidents of self-harm
Strong family cohesion has been linked with numerous other
positive health behaviours, having significant immediate long
term benefits. This includes eating meals together (family
connectedness). Findings such as this suggests that the
more health protective behaviours present in a young
persons life, the greater the benefits to their overall health.

WHAT INFLUENCES THE HEALTH OF INDIVIDUALS?

The determinates of health are the individual,
socioeconomic, sociocultural and environmental factors that
can have a positive and negative influence on the health of
individuals or populations

Individual
Factors:
- attitude
- genetics
- knowledge
- skills

Sociocultural
Factors:
- family
- peers
- religion
- media

Key Health
Determina
tes

Environmental
Factors:
- location
- access to health
services
- technology

Socioeconomic
factors:
- employment
- education
- income

Individual Factors are those that are unique to each person that can
determine their level of health

Knowledge and skills

o Knowledge and understandings about protective and risk
behaviours that support good health eg. Poorly educated
people more likely to suffer chronic illnesses
o Our health knowledge comes from many sources parents,
siblings, peers, teachers, internet and the media
o Health literacy allows us to understand info to maintin good
health and make good decisions eg. Not to smoke
o Participating in sport also resolves conflict and maintaining
healthy relationships enables good physical and mental health

Attitudes
o Level of knowledge: likely to influence attitudes they develop
and also their behaviour. Eg. Someone who knows cancer is in
their family wont smoke
o Attitudes influenced by family, media, peers, education,
culture and community
o Self-efficiency: our belief in our ability to be able to carry out a
particular task eg. Making lifestyle changes feeling
independent.

Genetics
o Refers to characteristics, features or heredity diseases that
are genetically linked and are passed on within family. Eg.
Muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, down syndrome
o If there is a family history, these genetics play an importance
role in a persons susceptibility. To certain diseases/health
processes. Eg. Fair skin people = greater chance of skin
cancer
o Genetic info passed on by parents can positively influence our
health. Eg. How well suited to a particular sport
o However, not all genetic disorders follow a clear cut pattern.
Eg lifestyle and environment.

Socio Cultural Factors refers to families, peer groups, media,

culture and religion. They have the biggest influence on our health
Family
o Responsible for housing, food choices, clothing. As well as
emotional support such as love
o Major role in promoting good health. Eg. What you eat and
appropriate behaviour
o If you lack social support from families can lead to higher
rates of illness/death
Peers
o Peers can have positive or negative influence on young people
through values, attitudes and behaviours

o E.g. when peer groups share common interests and similar values it
can be easier to make heathy choices
o Making healthy choice can be difficult if peer group is not
suppositive or has different views on health E.g. Being pressured
into drinking or smoking at party even if you dont want too.
Media
o The media can influence a persons beliefs, opinions or habits.
o Electronic and written media can portray both positive and negative
advertisements which can either raise awareness or encourage bad
health behaviours. E.g. smoking advertisements, perfect skin and
body
Religion
o Religious beliefs can influence peoples health decisions. E.g. sexual
activity, drug use and alcohol
o Can also benefit a persons spiritual health and wellbeing
Culture
o Cultural group holds particular values, beliefs and assumptions
which influence behaviours of members and can significantly
determine their level of health
o Language difficulties and cultural beliefs create barriers which have
negative effect on health disadvantages tend to make it harder to
achieve optimal level of health. E.g. indigenous people experience
poorer health than other Australians.
-

Socioeconomic factors - are largely responsible for health

inequalities that exist today e.g. income, employment

Education
o Provides opportunities to develop skills that can assist to
Assess health information and products
Access appropriate health services when required
o Develops a sense of empowerment to improve health

o High levels of literacy and numeracy enhances employment or post

school opportunities
o Failure or leaving = difficult to obtain employment, alienation and
disconnection
Employment
o Being able to secure a satisfying regular employment has a positive
influence on our health
o Employment provides opportunities to be active, interact with
others and feel a sense of control over our lives. It also ensures
financial support.
o Unemployment is linked to loss of confidence, social contact,
depression and effects peoples emotional and social health
Income
o Higher income means more money to spend on heath products and
services. E.g. sporting equipment, better quality of food and private
health insurance
o This provides freedom to choose from greater range of options
o Poverty will increase the harm to our health by restricting access to
better health services, doctors, food etc.
o Medicare was introduced to provide a certain level of health access
to all Australians it is subsided by the gov.
-

Environmental factors - are things present in our environment

which affect our health positively or negatively.

Geographical location
o People living in rural and remote areas have poorer health outcomes
than people living in major cities
o They long distance travel for everything such a social/ health
reasons
Access to health services
o The geographically isolated have less access to health services and
support

o Remote areas rely on the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR service or

OUTREACH.
Access to technology
E.g. Computer, mobiles, television
o Young people spend large amounts of time on small screens, often
this comes at the expense of physical activity, inactivity leads to
risks of being over weight
o On a positive note, it also provides accurate health info for people
living in rural and remote areas
o Also provides communication (skype, email)
Modifiable health determinants
-

Are those than can be changed or controlled

Relationship between individual, social and economic

circumstances. E.g. being in position of socio economic advantage
provides us with access to education, money and health services
that improve quality of life

Sense of empowerment or control over our health

Factors that allow us to control our health

o Health knowledge (reliable and accurate info on how to cook healthy

meals) and skills quit now
o Belief in ability to make change
o Attitudes (different life experiences may change your attitudes. E.g
being diagnosed to skin cancer influence your attitude to sun
exposure.
Non modifiable health determinates
-

are those that cannot be changed or altered

Genetics: increasing our susceptibility to particular diseases/

illnesses e.g. people with family history of breast cancer. Although
genetics cannot be altered advances in treatment mean that
diseases can be monitored and reduce risks.

Environmental factors such a geographic location, access to

health care, availability of technology are largely non modifiable.

People living in rural or remote area have little control over the
limited health services available, the occupational health hazards
and social isolation that exists
-

Likewise people living in areas of heavy industry or traffic, such as

main roads have little control over air pollution

Individuals may seek to modify aspects of environment by lobbying

government to stricter factory emissions, but people living in this
area feel lack of empowerment to initiate change. The fact that
people living in these areas are from lower SES means they may not
have the skills to take effective political action.

The changing influence of determinants through different life

stages
-

Throughout life certain determinates have greater or lesser

influence on health status and health decisions

Babies/ young children: families and determinates such as

geographical location, socio economic circumstances are likely to
have greatest influence

As we get older socio cultural influences such as media start to

influence our health. (fast food industries, celebrities)

As we get older, own knowledge increase helps us understand

unrealistic views the media portrays. Our life skills also increase
knowledge and influence our decisions

feeling sense of belonging with peers influences emotional health

and decisions, having huge influence on adolescent health such as
experimenting with drugs, alcohol and dangerous driving

changes in attitudes, values and priories may also play a role in the
changing health decisions including hormonal changes and
emotional maturity

genetics have influence on our health sometime throughout our life

geographic location may be more significant determinant of health

as we become older, as we may need to use health services more
frequently and access may be difficult

Health as a social construct

-

individuals dont know complete control over their health has

contributed to the acceptance that health is a social construct

This means a persons health behaviours and health status are

determined by factors relating to social, physical and cultural
environment they live in

The interrelationship of determinants

o Viewing health as social construct acknowledges variety of social,
cultural, economic and environmental factors influence individuals
health
o Groups that are commonly suffer poorer levels of health often
experience a higher number of negative determinants in their lives

Most disadvantaged socioeconomic groups

Poorer levels of education
High rates of unemployment

o Understanding relationships between various health determinants

highlights difficulties individuals can face trying to gain control over
their health
o This demonstrates the role that governments and communities need
to play in addressing broad range of social, cultural and economic
factors that impact peoples health
Changing the notion that health is solely an individuals
responsibility
o Having knowledge and support to change their health behaviours
doesnt mean a person will automatically choose behaviours that
promote better health simply cause they know its good for them
o Biological, social, economic and environment factors can present
major barriers to an individuals health and viewing health as a
social construct helps explain

Why groups behave in particular ways

Why groups do not have the same opportunity to achieve
good health
How behaviour can be associated with social and cultural
meanings

o Health researchers seek to understand factors influencing health

behaviours often categorise them as

Predisposing: increase likelihood of behaviour (parent

overweight, family is lazy rather than active. Bad food
choices)
Enabling: support behaviour occurring might include the
close availability to fast food outlets
Reinforcing: factors that help the behaviour to continue
might be absence of suitable role models to encourage
healthy eating and exercises.