Name: Akaokwu chinwendu Stephanie.

Department: Law.

Course: Psychology.

Matric number: Mu/23/0010.

Assignment: Health determinants of behavior.

Health determinants of behavior refer to the various factors that influence an individual's
health-related behaviors and decisions. Significant areas of our health are influenced by our behaviour
and the behaviours that we display are, in turn, influenced by a number of factors or determinants.
Many factors combine together to affect the health of individuals and communities. Whether
people are healthy or not, is determined by their circumstances and environment. To a large extent,
factors such as where we live, the state of our environment, genetics, our income and education
level, and our relationships with friends and family all have considerable impacts on health, whereas
the more commonly considered factors such as access and use of health care services often have
less of an impact.
In order to support behavioral choices that will lead to better health in the future, we need
to have a good idea of what those behaviours are, but also what determines or precedes the behaviour
itself. For example,”a woman that believes that regular walking will be good for health is more
likely to undertake regular exercise than a woman that does not have this outcome expectation”.

These determinants can be categorized into several broad areas:

1.Biological determinants: This interact with environmental, social, and behavioral factors to
shape an individual's health outcomes.
Understanding these determinants is essential for developing effective health interventions and
promoting overall well-being.
a.Genetics: Genetic predispositions can influence behaviors such as susceptibility to addiction
or mental health conditions.
Here I will like to explain what I just stated in the above sentence.
•Addiction: Genetic factors can influence susceptibility to addictive behaviors, such as alcohol
dependence, smoking, and drug use.
For example, variations in genes affecting dopamine receptors can make some individuals more
prone to seeking substances that provide a dopamine release.
•Age and sex: Developmental Stages: Different life stages (infancy, childhood, adolescence,
adulthood, and old age) and biological sex have specific health risks and needs. For instance,
adolescents may be more prone to risk-taking behaviors, while older adults may face chronic health
conditions.

2. Psychological Determinants:This refers to the internal factors that influence how individuals
think, feel, and act.
•Mental Health: Conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress can significantly impact behaviors
on how an individual think, feel, and act. such as eating, exercise, and substance use.

•Stress and Coping Mechanisms: How individuals manage stress can affect health behaviors,
such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. They engage themselves in such acts
to reduce stress and overthinking.

3.Social Factors: This plays a significant role as determinants of health-related behavior, influencing
how individuals make decisions about their health and engage in health-promoting or risk behaviors.
•Social Support: The presence of supportive family, friends, and community can encourage
healthy behaviors and provide assistance during sickness and also emotional, practical, and
informational support during times of need.
•Cultural Norms and Values: Cultural beliefs and practices shape attitudes toward health, illness,
and healthcare. These norms can influence dietary habits, physical activity levels, attitudes toward
smoking and alcohol consumption, and willingness to seek medical care.

4. Environmental Factors: This significantly influence health behaviors and overall health
outcomes by shaping the physical and social contexts in which people live, work, and play.
•Physical Environment: Access to quality clean air, water and soil, safe neighborhoods, and
recreational facilities can promote and affect health behaviors and outcomes. Clean environments
encourage outdoor activities and reduce the risk of respiratory and other health issues. Conversely,
polluted environments can deter physical activity and lead to various health problems.
•Work Environment: Job conditions, including stress levels, exposure to hazards, and availability
of health resources at the workplace, impact health behaviors.
•Housing Conditions: Safe, affordable, and stable housing is crucial for good health. Poor
housing conditions, such as overcrowding, exposure to toxins (like lead or asbestos), and lack of
heating or cooling, can lead to stress, illness, and unhealthy behaviors.

5. Environmental Determinants: Physical and environmental factors such as living conditions,

neighborhood safety, and access to recreational facilities can influence health behaviors.
•Income Level: Higher income is generally associated with better access to resources like healthy
food, healthcare services, and opportunities for physical activity. It can also influence access to
education and information about health behaviors.
•Education: Education is closely linked to health behaviors. Higher levels of education are
associated with better health knowledge, healthier lifestyle choices, and greater awareness of
preventive measures. Individuals with higher education levels are more likely to engage in behaviors
such as regular exercise, balanced diet, and preventive healthcare screenings.

6. Policy Determinants: Public policies and regulations, such as tobacco control laws, alcohol
pricing, and nutritional guidelines, can shape health behaviors by creating environments that promote
or restrict certain behaviors.
•Access to Healthcare Services: Policies related to healthcare access, affordability, and quality
impact individuals' ability to seek preventive care, screenings, and timely treatment. Measures such
as expanding health insurance coverage, funding community health centers, and incentivizing
healthcare providers to deliver preventive services can improve health behaviors and outcomes.
•Tobacco Control Policies: Policies such as tobacco taxes, smoke-free laws, and marketing
restrictions have a significant impact on smoking behaviors. Higher tobacco prices and smoke-free
environments can reduce smoking rates and exposure to secondhand smoke, leading to improved
respiratory health and decreased incidence of smoking-related diseases.

Issues that affects our behavior.

1. Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and
schizophrenia can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and thinking patterns.
2. Chronic Pain: Persistent pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia can cause irritability,
depression, and a decrease in social interactions.
3. Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders can lead to fatigue, irritability,
and difficulty concentrating.
4. Substance Abuse: Dependence on alcohol, drugs, or other substances can alter behavior,
making individuals more prone to risky behaviors and emotional instability.
5. Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions such as thyroid disorders, menopause, or hormonal changes
during puberty can affect mood, energy levels, and behavior.

Ways to improve on the behavior…

1. Healthy Eating:
* Balanced Diet: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy
fats into your diet.
* Limit Processed Foods: Reduce the intake of processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy
fats.
2. Regular Physical Activity:
* Exercise Routine: Aim for at least 150
* minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, along with
muscle-strengthening exercises.
* Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as walking, cycling,
or taking the stairs.
3. Mental Health Care:
* Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
exercises.
* Seek Support: Talk to a mental health professional if you're experiencing stress, anxiety, or
depression.

4.Healthy Environment:
* Clean Air and Water: Ensure access to clean air and water, and minimize exposure to pollutants
and toxins.
* Safe Housing: Maintain a safe and healthy living environment, free from hazards like mold,
pests, and unsafe conditions.