1. What are the three core functions of public health? How do

they relate to the essential public health services?

- The three core functions of public health are assessment, policy

development, and assurance. Assessment involves collecting

and analyzing data on the health status and needs of the

population. Policy development involves creating and

implementing evidence-based interventions to address the

identified health problems. Assurance involves ensuring that

the public health system has the capacity and quality to deliver

the essential public health services effectively and equitably.

- The essential public health services are a set of 10 activities that

operationalize the core functions of public health. They include

monitoring, diagnosing, informing, mobilizing, developing,

enforcing, linking, assuring, evaluating, and researching.

2. What are the main determinants of health? Give an example of

each and explain how they influence health outcomes.

- The main determinants of health are the conditions in which

people are born, grow, live, work, and age. They include

biological factors, such as genetics and age; behavioral factors,

such as diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use; social

factors, such as income, education, occupation, social support,

and culture; environmental factors, such as air quality, water

quality, sanitation, and climate change; and health system

factors, such as access, affordability, quality, and efficiency of

health care services.

- For example, a person who has a genetic predisposition to

diabetes may develop the disease if they have a poor diet and

physical inactivity. A person who lives in a low-income

neighborhood may have limited access to healthy food options,

safe recreational spaces, and quality health care services. A

person who works in a stressful occupation may experience

chronic stress and mental health problems. A person who lives

in a polluted area may be exposed to harmful chemicals and

pathogens that affect their respiratory and immune systems. A

person who receives timely and appropriate health care

services may prevent or manage their health conditions better

than a person who does not.