The key determinants of health

Biology and genetic endowment

The basic biology and organic make-up of the human body are fundamental determinants of health. Inherited predispositions influence the ways individuals are affected by particular diseases or health problems.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#genetic

Culture

Culture and ethnicity come from both personal history and wider situational, social, political, geographic, and economic factors. Multicultural health issues demonstrate how necessary it is to consider the interrelationships of physical, mental, spiritual, social, and economic well-being at the same time.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#culture

Education

Health status improves with level of education. Education increases opportunities for income and job security and gives people a sense of control over their lives - key factors which influence health.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#education

Employment / working conditions

Unemployment, under-employment and stressful work are associated with poorer health. Those with more control over their work and fewer stress-related demands on the job are healthier.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#employment

Gender

Gender refers to the many different roles, personality traits, attitudes, behaviours, values, relative powers and influences which society assigns to the two sexes. Each gender has specific health issues or may be affected in different ways by the same issues.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#gender

Health services

Health services, particularly those which maintain and promote health, prevent disease and restore health, contribute to population health.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#healthservices

Healthy child development

The effect of prenatal and early childhood experiences on subsequent health, well-being, coping skills, and competence is very powerful. For example, a low weight at birth links with health and social problems throughout a person's life.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#healthychild

Income and social status

This is the single most important determinant of health. Health status improves at each step up the income and social hierarchy. Higher income levels affect living conditions such as safe housing and the ability to buy sufficient good food.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#income

Personal health practices and coping skills

Social environments that enable and support healthy choices and lifestyles, as well as people's knowledge, behaviours, and coping skills for dealing with life in healthy ways, are key influences on health.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#personalhealth

Physical environments

Physical factors in the natural environment (e.g., air, water quality) are key influences on health. Factors in the human-built environment such as housing, workplace safety, community and road design are also important influences.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#physenviron

Social environments

The values and rules of a society affect the health and well-being of individuals and populations. Social stability, recognition of diversity, safety, good relationships and cohesive communities provide a supportive society which reduces or removes many risks to good health.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#socenviron

Social support networks

Support from families, friends and communities is associated with better health. The health effect of the support of family and friends who provide a caring and supportive relationship may be as important as risk factors such as smoking, physical activity, obesity, and high blood pressure.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/determinants/
determinants.html#social

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