HWSC4005 Biological, Psychological, and Social Determinants of Health

HWSC4005 / Biological, Psychological, and Social Determinants of Health Across the Life Course Assignment Sample

Introduction

Case Study and Disease Risk

Barry is 47 years old and from Northeast England, he does not have a job, and he is likely to get type 2 diabetes soon. His poor diet, high alcohol intake, and family history increase this risk. He consumes more sugar and dairy products which makes him obese and insulin resistant. Aging also increases his probability of developing diabetes while limited physical activity even increases this risk further. His socioeconomic status may also affect his decision-making in those matters, including his options when it comes to healthcare (Basu & Yudkin, 2021).

Importance of the Biopsychosocial Model

The biopsychosocial model involves disease factors that have to do with biology, psychology, and social issues. It aids in making the distinction as to how own lifestyle, mental health, and surroundings pose a threat to Barry’s diabetic health. As for the weaknesses, the biomedical model concerns itself solely with the physical aspects of illness and disease without taking into consideration social and psychological factors. This means that similar to the medical model, the biopsychosocial model includes prevention and also intervention mechanisms with more going than mere medication.

Biological Factors

Genetic Predisposition to Lifestyle Disease

A genetic predisposition implies that one is put at a higher risk of contracting a specific disease because of his or her genetic makeup. It does not predict that the disease will happen but makes one vulnerable especially when other negative practices are adopted. Certain genes occur in the form by which the human body metabolizes glucose, deposits fat, or reacts to insulin.

In the case of Barry, it is evident that he has the hereditary factor because his family has a history of diabetes. It is considered that some specific gene variants, which are related to insulin resistance, can cause his risk. These genes are associated with the ability of his body to control blood sugar and usage of insulin (Chatterjee et al., 2020). Nevertheless, diet and activity level significantly define whether the disease will occur or not. Environmental and behavioural factors are also incorporated into genes. Poor diet, drinking, and lack of exercise practice also worsen the matter further. It is also a fact that socioeconomic status influences many people’s lifestyles as well as their access to quality medical attention. Stress is also allied with mental health issues, which in turn can lead to unhealthy diets contributing to diabetes vulnerability. Here the interaction between genetic and lifestyle factors that influence total risk is considered.

Biological Changes Caused by Type 2 Diabetes

Barry provides high sugar consumption together with excessive amounts of dairy products which lead to excess weight and insulin resistance. High levels of glucose in the blood result in the liberation of more insulin by the pancreas. Later on, the pancreas cannot produce enough of it hence; this causes a drop in the level of insulin. When there is a lack of insulin in the body, glucose cannot be taken into cells and they keep on accumulating in the bloodstream. The duration of high blood sugar levels leads to inflammation and oxidative stress. This results in damaging the blood vessels and thus contributes to the infection of cardiovascular diseases. Some of the complications of poor circulation include the development of neuropathy which is characterized by the degeneration of nerves and thus the lack of feeling in most parts of the body, especially the extremities (CDC, 2024). The liver also feels the heat from excessive sugar and fat Thus, the liver gains weight as a result of taking excessive sugar and fats. It then keeps the excess glucose in the form of fats which leads to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This can lead to inflammation of the liver or fibrosis, which will be additional challenges to Barry’s health. Diabetes mellitus in its advanced stage compromises the immune system and as a result, people with the disease are prone to more infections. High sugar levels in the blood promote bacteria and fungi by providing a conducive environment for infections to develop especially for the skin and poor healing of cuts and sores. High blood sugar also impacts the kidneys over time. High levels of glucose harm the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys hence causing a condition known as diabetic nephropathy. It reveals a low eGFR level that can decrease even further in patients with ESRD and, as a result, lead to chronic kidney disease. One of the diseases caused by prolonged how diabetes is Diabetic Retinopathy which affects the eyes. High blood sugar narrows the blood vessels within the retina leading to leakage of the fluid and swelling. If they are left unattended, these may cause vision problems and even impairment (Gonzalez & Fisher, 2021).

Psychosocial Impact

Psychological Challenges Associated with Type 2 Diabetes

While type 2 diabetes primarily imposes effects on the cardiovascular system, its complications are also known to have a bad impact on psychological health as well. It is a known fact that diabetics are likely to be stressed, anxious, and depressed. Diabetes distress is a familiar concept that is felt by a lot of sufferers. This is normally evident when people are overwhelmed with their chronic condition and cannot do much about it. It is bad to feel guilty when blood sugar levels readjust despite having put all in an attempt to see to it that it does not happen. While some have a loss of self-esteem, they are afraid that their health will worsen. This can lead to frequent absences from work due to sickness, not going for check-ups, lack of personal hygiene, etc. Social isolation is another challenge. For this reason, some of them do not want to talk about it to anyone because they feel ashamed of admitting it. It is also hard to attend social events since one has to adhere to his/her diet. Perceiving oneself as deviating from peers is positively related to loneliness and negative affect. In this case ought to consider that depression is prevalent among people with diabetes (Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, 2022). This is because the high levels of sugar in the blood have adverse effects on the mind and lead to mood swings as well as fatigue. In turn, stress is closely linked to insulin resistance, which leads to the progressive decline of both mental and physical health. The issue of lack of motivation makes it difficult to perform healthier practices that allow for a further deterioration of the conditions. It also includes cognitive factors such as thinking ability may also be interfered with. This health condition may affect one’s ability to make decisions and even memory in the long run.

Psychosocial Impact in Barry’s Case

Barry suffers from multiple psychosocial issues that endanger his health. He can live in a deprived area and that is why he cannot afford proper healthcare and nutritious foods. Lack of employment can limit him from visiting a doctor or affording quality and healthy foods. That is why unemployment becomes a source of stress for him and can lead to the use of unhealthy practices. It may even be due to stress or loneliness; consequently, he turns to alcohol to comfort his soul. While alcohol may give temporary relief to anxiety, it will also make the blood sugar levels unstable. Alcohol also compromises rationality and thus an individual cannot be in a position to make healthy decisions regarding their lifestyle. Long-term use of alcohol also leads to worsening mental conditions such as depression as well as low self-esteem. In my observations, I have realized that Barry has the characteristics of an emotional eating habit (Kahn et al., 2020). Eating a whole pack of chocolate biscuits may imply that the person consumes junk foods and food as a comforter. Some negative effects of taking large quantities of sugar include mood enhancement, energy lapses, and cravings. Many patients are not able to change their diet, so the threat of obesity and lower insulin sensitivity increases in the case of emotional eating. His running now and then means that he is somewhat concerned about his health but more likely he lacks the motivation or the adequate information. Here again if not well advised he may not appreciate the need to take part in physical exercises. Lifestyle barriers include a lack of access to safe places and a social environment that may also make them avoid engaging in physical activity. Such norms suggest that carbohydrate intake and a family history of diabetes are inevitable. That is why if Barry thinks he is going to contract the disease, the chances are that he will not even bother to change his habits (WHO, 2023).

Demographic Factors

Socioeconomic Status and Disease Risk

Socioeconomic status (SES) is known to influence disease risks and outcomes and can affect disease progression. Low SES is closely associated with poor health and the prevalence of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. People living in these areas suffer from poor diets, inadequate proper health care, and lack of facilities for recreation to mitigate this, there is a need to reduce inequalities in access to these essential needs. Losing health since unemployment brings about stress to the families that can drag their health. It is a fact that stress leads to hormone imbalance and they ensure that the body is unable to produce adequate insulin. Another area of the problems associated with financial insecurity is that it can lead to the development of different unhealthy behaviours, for example, alcoholism or regular overeating. Later on, these factors worsen the disease states and the chances of developing complications. Healthcare access is another challenge. The cases include delays in diagnosing patients, and most of them do not go for routine check-ups which would have otherwise enabled early detection. It is very dangerous if it is not well managed, and it affects many parts of the body such as the heart, nerves, kidneys, and eyes, among others (Springer & Silverstein, 2023). Low SES results in the failure of treatment compliance because of the cost of medication or lack of treatment assistance.

Demographic Factors in Barry’s Case

Barry’s age, gender, ethnicity, and location also increase his risk of getting diabetes. At 47 years, he falls in the period that the metabolism of the body changes where gaining weight and much insulin resistance is likely to occur. Newcomers to Type 2 diabetes in the middle age population may develop it initiated with metabolic reduction and effects of cumulative habits over the years. This way, one realizes that being a man also comes with more dangers: this is because, as has been seen from the character of Barry, he is faced with many extra challenges. Upon reaching middle age, men are prone to depositing fats on the belly hence, hence raising insulin level of resistance. They also do not get to attend many medical appointments; hence they receive treatment for illnesses when they are severe. Another demographical feature that can be mentioned is his white British ethnicity. Although ethnic groups in the Asian and Black population are more at risk of getting diabetes, the factors that were considered in the white population influenced their levels of vulnerability. To this, his family history adds weight to it even more (Zheng et al., 2020).

Strategies to Improve Health Status

Health Belief Model and Behaviour Change Strategies

The Health Belief Model (HBM), is the model of behaviour change which is based on an understanding of perceived threat and its perceived benefits. It is made of six constructs which include perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. From Barry’s perspective, another effective goal related to threat perception, concerning which he is considered to be considerably weak, should be focused on enhancing perceived susceptibility. Explaining to him his family background together with his current diet can make him know his susceptibility to diabetes. One of the ways of handling perceived severity is by enlightening patients on the possible hazards of the condition such as heart disease and nerve damage. Hypothesized positive consequences must be centred on the values concerning alterations in the diet and the simplicity of exercising. The common population-level barriers include the cost of improving health and health care, the availability of healthy foods, etc. Reducing such barriers makes it easier to promote improvement. That way practical solutions like affordable meal plans encourage change of behaviour. Informing the patient and the community on healthy behaviours and exposing them to the right type of programs will go a long way in changing health habits. Small, achievable goals, like slowly cutting down on sugar intake, can help to bring back the power to Barry and allow him to change for the better (Zheng et al., 2020).

Comparison of Health Intervention Methods

Several treatments for type 2 diabetes include treatment by change, diet, exercise, medication, and community reinforcement programs. Lifestyle modifications mainly involve alteration of diets as well as exercise regimes. These are inexpensive but self-administered and help to slow down the disease progression and are effective if practiced for a long time and when the person has the motivation to do it. Metformin, for a case, is known to assist in the medication of blood sugar levels in the body. Diabetes can be treated by drugs and to some extent, the root causes of the same are not cured. This further leads to non-adherence since some medicines also cause side effects. Health education and additional support groups have to be organized in line with community support for behaviour change. These programs enhance the concept and desire but heavily rely on availability and finances (NIDDK, 2024).

Tailored Recommendation for Barry

Recommendation	Implementation	Expected Health Improvement
Dietary Modification	Reduce processed sugar intake by replacing chocolate biscuits with healthier snacks like fruits or nuts. Reduce dairy consumption and introduce balanced meals.	Lowers blood sugar levels, reduces weight gain, and decreases diabetes risk.
Alcohol Reduction	Gradually decrease weekly alcohol intake with support from counselling or alcohol reduction programs.	Improves liver function, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and enhances overall well-being.
Physical Activity	Increase running frequency to at least 3 times per week and introduce strength training.	Enhances insulin sensitivity, promotes weight loss, and boosts cardiovascular health.
Healthcare Access	Regular health check-ups for early detection and diabetes prevention guidance (NIDDK, 2024).	Early intervention reduces complications and supports better long-term management.
Psychosocial Support	Join community programs or counselling for stress management and emotional well-being.	Improves mental health, increases motivation, and reinforces positive behaviour changes.

Conclusion

Main points discussed

This assignment focused on determining the possibility of Barry S developing type 2 diabetes be it associated with biochemical factors, psychological factors, or demographic factors. He is also a carrier of the genes, unhealthy in diet, and his regular intake of alcohol puts him at risk. This is compounded by other aspects such as lack of employment and residence in a poorer neighbourhood, which restricts their chance of leading a healthy life and getting access to medical care. The effects of internal stress and poor ways of coping are often other considerations to disease development.

Reflect on the usefulness of the proposed intervention

The proposed intervention strategy comprising of the change in diet, exercising, cessation of alcohol use, and enhanced health care access may be fitting. These types of interventions relate to both acute causes of diabetes and chronic instructions for its management. They improve motivation and adherence when offered psychosocial support. The indicated interventions are relevant in enhancing Barry’s health since they will help prevent further development of diseases and complications.

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References

American Diabetes Association. (2021). Medical Management of Type 2 Diabetes, 8th Edition. American Diabetes Association.

Basu, S., & Yudkin, J. S. (2021). "Environmental risk factors of type 2 diabetes—an exposome approach." Diabetologia, 64(8), 1502-1511.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). "Health and Economic Benefits of Diabetes Interventions." Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/diabetes-interventions.html

Chatterjee, S., Khunti, K., & Davies, M. J. (2020). "Type 2 diabetes." The Lancet, 389(10085), 2239-2251.

Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. (2022). "Long-term effects of lifestyle intervention or metformin on diabetes development and microvascular complications: the DPP Outcomes Study." The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 10(9), 632-643.

Gonzalez, J. S., & Fisher, L. (2021). "Psychosocial factors in medication adherence and diabetes self-management: implications for research and practice." American Psychologist, 76(4), 618-629.

Kahn, S. E., Cooper, M. E., & Del Prato, S. (2020). "Pathophysiology and treatment of type 2 diabetes: perspectives on the past, present, and future." The Lancet, 383(9922), 1068-1083.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). "Preventing Type 2 Diabetes." Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-type-2-diabetes

Sena, C. A., Owili, P. O., & Muga, M. A. (2020). Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Knowledge of Risk Factors and Symptoms. Lambert Academic Publishing.

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Springer, D., & Silverstein, J. (2023). "Risk Factors for Progression to Type 2 Diabetes in a Pediatric Population with Prediabetes." Journal of the Endocrine Society, 7(11), bvad118.

World Health Organization. (2023). Global Report on Diabetes. World Health Organization.

Zheng, Y., Ley, S. H., & Hu, F. B. (2020). "Global aetiology and epidemiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications." Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 16(2), 88-98.