Leading Causes of Death and Health Determinants

Leading Causes of Death

• Morbidity and mortality are diagnoses, and the progression of disease/injury is often generalized.
• The "actual causes of death" (2000 model) are identified as the causes of the leading causes of death, rather than the immediate diagnoses.
• Key factors include tobacco, poor diet, and physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, microbial agents, toxic agents, motor vehicles, firearms, sexual behavior, and illicit drug use.
• "Actual causes" are categorized as agents or environmental factors.
• Factors like toxic agents, microbial agents, and motor vehicles; motor vehicles, firearms, etc., are grouped and considered environmental/host/vector factors
• Determinants of health are categorized to show the complex interplay of behavioral, genetic, social, medical, and environmental factors.

Determinants of Health

• Behavioral choices account for 40% of health determinants.
• Genetic factors contribute 30%.
• Social factors represent 15%.
• Medical care contributes 10%.
• Environmental exposures account for 5%.

Health Outcome Factors - Behavior

• Behavior significantly impacts health outcomes.
• Diet, exercise, sleep patterns, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are crucial for improving health.
• These behavioral aspects are influenced by individual factors, including stress levels.

Ecological Model of Health Behavior

• The model emphasizes interconnected factors influencing behavior.
• Intrapersonal factors include knowledge, attitudes, self-concept, and development.
• Interpersonal processes involve primary groups (family, social networks).
• Institutional factors encompass social institutions, organizational characteristics, and rules.
• Community factors involve community relationships and organizing factors.
• Public policy at the societal level encompasses laws and regulations.

Factors Influencing Behavior (Interpersonal and Societal)

• Interpersonal: Friends, family, income, job preferences, motivation/energy, dietary restrictions, allergies, and mental health.
• Institutional: Stressors (school, workplace, gym), workplace policies supporting exercise, vending machines, community, neighborhood concerns, supermarkets, parks/gyms, transportation.
• Societal: Media (TV), norms, culture, laws, taxes, and policies.
• These factors influence how individuals make decisions regarding health behaviors.
• Both the environment and the host (individual) influence behavior.