Biological Determinants

The physical and mental traits of every human being are to some extent determined by the nature of his genes. The state of health therefore depends partly on the genetic constitution of man .A number of diseases are now known to be of genetic origin e.g. blood pressure, mental retardation ,diabetes ,chromosomal anomalies ,errors of metabolism. 

Behavioural and Socio- Cultural Conditions

The term lifestyle is rather a diffuse concept often used to denote “the way people live”, reflecting a whole range of social values, attitudes and activities. It is composed of cultural and behavioural patterns and lifelong personal habits (e.g. smoking, alcoholism) that have developed through processes of socialization, life styles are learnt through social interaction with parents, friends, peer groups and siblings and through mass media and school. 

It may be noted that not all lifestyle factors are harmful. There are many that can actually promote health e.g. Adequate nutrition, enough sleep, sufficient physical activity etc. In short, the achievement of optimum health demands adoption of healthy lifestyles. Health is both a consequence of an individual’s lifestyle and a factor in determining it. 

Environment

Environment is classified as internal and external. The internal environment comprises of every tissue, organ and organ systems and their harmonised functioning within the system. 

External environment or macro environment consists of those things to which man is exposed after conception. It can be divided into physical, biological and psychological components which can affect the health of man and his susceptibility to illness. 

The environmental factors range from housing, water supply, psychological social stress and family structure through social and economic support system, to the organisation of health and social welfare services in the community. 

Socio-Economic Conditions

The majority of the world’s population health status is determined primarily by their levels of socio economic development .e.g. education, nutrition, employment, housing, the political system of the country. 

1. Education:-Education is one of the important factors influencing health status. Education is closely related with poverty, mal nutrition in health, high infant and child mortality rate. 

2. Occupation:-One if employed in some productive work promotes health because the unemployed usually show a higher incidence of ill health and death. 

3. Political system:-Health is also related to countries political system. Decisions concerning resource allocation, man power policy, choice of technology and the degree to which health services are made available and accessible to different segments’ of society are examples of the manner in which the political system can shape community health services. 

4. Economic Status:-The economic status determines the purchasing power, standard of living, quality of life, family size and the pattern of disease and deviant behaviour in the community. It is also important factor seeking health care. 

Health Services

The purpose of health services is to improve the health status of population. The term health and family welfare services cover a wide spectrum of personal and community services for treatment of disease, prevention of illness and promotion of health. 

Ageing of the Population

Although the elderly in many countries enjoy better health than young ones, a major concern of rapid population ageing is the increased prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities, both being conditions that tend to accompany the aging process and deserves special attention. 

Gender

In 1993, the global commission on women’s health was established. The commission drew up an agenda for an action on women’s health covering nutrition, reproductive health, the health consequence of violence, ageing, lifestyle related conditions and the occupational environment. It has brought about an increased awareness among policy makers of women’s health issues and encourages their inclusion in all development plans as a priority.