1. 6. Determinants affecting children’s health

2. Biological determinants
Factors influencing health and development that depend on biology, such as genetics, hormones, body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and birth weight

3. Genetics
A person’s genetic composition is an important determinant of disease and health
Genes are inherited from our parents and determine our physical characteristics
Many genetic disorders are inherited e.g. cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, haemophilia, spina bifida and Down syndrome

4. Birth weight Birth weight is a significant indicator of infant health
Babies with low birth weight are more likely to develop disabilities and have a greater risk of poor health
Overweight babies may also be at risk of health issues such as diabetes

5. Body weight
An overweight or obese child is more likelt to be overweight or obese as an adult
Being overweight or obese as a child can lead to diabetes, heart disease, stress on weight-bearing joints and poor self-esteem
Poor eating and a sedentary lifestyle has a detrimental effect on children’s health

6. Behavioural determinants
Factors influencing health and development relating to behaviour and lifestyle choices
These include sun protection, eating habits, levels of physical activity, oral hygiene, parental smoking, maternal nutrition and health, alcohol and drug use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, vaccination

7. Physical environment
Factors that have to do with living conditions, access to facilities and environmental factors (such as tobacco smoking and water fluoridation)
Access to recreational facilities is also a factor affecting children's’ health

8. Social environment (family)
The influence of family members and the family environment – particularly the influence of parents on the health of children – is a determinant of children’s health
Factors include: parental education, parental occupation and employment status, parental income, family stress and trauma, parental health and disability, family and work-life balance, parental practices,

9. Social environment (community)
The broader community – beyond the family unit – and the social environment, are determinants of children’s health
Factors include: media, access to social support, neighbourhood safety, access to services (such as healthcare, childcare, preschools and schools)