Biology and Genetics
Some biological and genetic factors affect specific populations more than others. For example, older adults are biologically prone to being in poorer health than adolescents due to the physical and cognitive effects of aging.
Sickle cell disease is a common example of a genetic determinant of health. Sickle cell is a condition that people inherit when both parents carry the gene for sickle cell. The gene is most common in people with ancestors from West African countries, Mediterranean countries, South or Central American countries, Caribbean islands, India, and Saudi Arabia.
Examples of biological and genetic social determinants of health include:
Age
Sex
HIV status
Inherited conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia, hemophilia, and cystic fibrosis
Carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, which increases risk for breast and ovarian cancer
Family history of heart disease