Risk factors
Risk Factors
Risk factors (/rɪsk 'fæktərz/) are elements that increase the likelihood of developing a disease or health disorder. The term is commonly used in the field of Epidemiology and Public Health.
Etymology
The term "risk factor" is derived from the Latin word 'risicum' meaning 'danger' and the Latin word 'factor' meaning 'doer or maker'. It was first used in the medical field in the mid-20th century.
Definition
A risk factor is any attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury. Some examples of the more important risk factors are high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels, diabetes, and smoking.
Types of Risk Factors
Risk factors can be categorized into two main types: modifiable and non-modifiable.
- Modifiable Risk Factors are those that can be changed or controlled by the individual, such as diet, physical activity, and smoking habits.
- Non-modifiable Risk Factors are those that cannot be changed, such as age, gender, and genetic predisposition.
Related Terms
- Protective Factors are characteristics or conditions that reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of a health problem.
- Causal Factors are those that have been proven to cause a health problem.
- Predisposing Factors are those that make a person more susceptible to a health problem.
See Also
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Modifiable Risk Factors
- Non-modifiable Risk Factors
- Protective Factors
- Causal Factors
- Predisposing Factors
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Risk factors
- Wikipedia's article - Risk factors
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