Health determinants

Health determinants are the factors that influence a person’s overall health. These include individual elements like genetics, behaviors (such as diet, exercise, and smoking), as well as broader influences like access to healthcare, education, employment, income, social support, and the physical environment (like housing and neighborhoods). Together, these factors shape health outcomes, meaning they affect how likely someone is to stay healthy or develop health issues. Understanding health determinants helps identify areas where interventions can improve health for individuals and communities.