A risk factor is any situation, habit, social or environmental condition, physiological or psychological condition, developmental or intellectual condition, or spiritual or other variable that increases the vulnerability of an individual or group to an illness or accident. The presence of risk factors does not mean that a disease will develop, but risk factors increase the chances that the individual will experience a particular dysfunction.
Different Types of Risk Factors
- Genetic and Physiological Factors
Heredity, or genetic predisposition to specific illness, is a major physical risk factor. For example, a person with a family history of diabetes mellitus is at risk for developing the disease later in life.
- Age
Age increases or decreases susceptibility to certain illnesses (e.g. the risk of heart diseases increases with age for both sexes). The risk for birth defects and complications of pregnancy increase in women bearing children after age 35.
- Environment
The physical environment in which a person works or lives can increase the likelihood that certain illnesses will occur. For example, some kinds of cancer and other diseases are more likely to develop when industrial workers are exposed to certain chemicals or when people live near toxic waste disposal sites.
- Lifestyle
Many activities, habits and practices involve risk factors. Lifestyle practices and behaviors can also have positive or negative effects on health. Other habits that a person at risk for illness include tobacco use, alcohol or drug abuse and activities involving a threat of injury, such as skydiving or mountain climbing. Stress can also be a lifestyle risk if it is severe or prolonged, or if the person is unable to cope with life events adequately. Stress can also threaten mental health (emotional stress), as well as physical well-being (physiologic stress). The goal of risk factor identification is to merely assist clients in visualizing those areas in their life that can be modified or even eliminated to promote wellness and prevent illness.
