Determinants of Health: Factors Influencing Physical and Mental Wellbeing

DETERMINANTS
OF HEALTH

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
BACKGROUND.............................................................................................................................1
Definition of Determinants of Health.....................................................................................1
Discussion upon Broad Types of Determinants.....................................................................1
Definition of Health Inequality and Health Equity................................................................2
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
Description and Analysis of Determinants of Health.............................................................3
Influence of Determinants over Health..................................................................................4
Driving Positive Influence of Determinants...........................................................................5
Health Inequality and Equity Issues.......................................................................................5
Theory and Debate.................................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Health is an effective area of study and practice that is associated with physical and
mental wellbeing of an individual (Garg, Boynton-Jarrett and Dworkin, 2016). It is an imperative
aspect that is very crucial for individuals to understand and work upon in order to identify
different elements and factors associated with an effective health of people. In addition to this, it
would also allow them to analyse a range of determinants of health which are the factors
surrounding the overall environment of a person and have a prominent impact on their health.
Therefore, in relation to this, the essay below is based on various determinants of health and
covers a detailed background of the same, along with an insight towards health inequalities and
equity. Furthermore, the report undertakes a detailed discussion over three specific determinants
of health along with their relevant facts and influence over different social groups. In addition to
this, The report would be covering element that could positively influence the these
determinants, as well as discussion of theories and debates associated with the same.
BACKGROUND
Definition of Determinants of Health
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), Determinants of Health are a
combination of various factors which affect individuals’ health, as well as that of communities. It
takes into the consideration various circumstances, as well as the overall environment in which a
person lives in which help in determining if a person is healthy or not. In addition to this, if a
larger extent is taken into account, it considers various aspects like the state and standard of
living, income or education levels, social status and relationships and so forth (The determinants
of health, 2020).
Discussion upon Broad Types of Determinants
As per the discussion above, it is quite evident that the scope of the determinants of health
is quite high with respect to inclusion of several elements of within a person’s environment.
Hence, in regards to this, there are various types of determinants that are associated with health.
Some of these are quite appropriately elaborated below:
 Biological Determinants:
One of the most prominent determinants within a person is associated with their biological
elements. For instance, genetics come into play here. For example, if an individual has parents or
1