Question 1: Define the term 'health indicator' and explain its purpose in health assessment.

Answer: A health indicator is a measurable variable that provides information about a person’s or population’s health status. Its purpose is to monitor, compare, and evaluate health conditions, trends, and the effectiveness of health interventions.

Question 2: List three common physical health indicators used to assess an individual’s health status.

Answer: Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and body temperature.

Question 3: Describe how body mass index (BMI) is calculated and what it indicates about health.

Answer: BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²). It indicates whether an individual has a healthy weight, is underweight, overweight, or obese, which can affect health risks.

Question 4: Explain why blood pressure readings are important indicators of health.

Answer: Blood pressure readings help identify hypertension or hypotension, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other health issues.

Question 5: Identify two mental health indicators and briefly describe how they can be assessed.

Answer: Two mental health indicators are mood and anxiety levels. They can be assessed through self-report questionnaires, interviews, or observation of behaviour and emotional responses.

Question 6: Discuss the significance of monitoring vital signs regularly in a healthcare setting.

Answer: Regular monitoring of vital signs like pulse, temperature, respiration, and blood pressure helps detect early signs of illness, monitor ongoing health conditions, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

Question 7: Sketch a simple flowchart illustrating how a healthcare professional might assess a patient’s overall health using multiple indicators.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a flow starting with initial assessment, followed by measurement of various indicators such as BMI, blood pressure, mental state, and vital signs, culminating in a comprehensive health evaluation.

Question 8: Describe two lifestyle factors that can influence health indicators and explain how they do so.

Answer: Diet and physical activity levels can influence health indicators. Poor diet and lack of exercise may lead to higher BMI and blood pressure, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.

Question 9: Why is it important to consider both physical and mental health indicators when assessing overall health?

Answer: Because physical and mental health are interconnected, assessing both provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual's health status and helps in designing effective care plans.

Question 10: Explain how social factors can impact health indicators and give an example.

Answer: Social factors such as income, education, and social support can affect health indicators by influencing access to healthcare, lifestyle choices, and stress levels. For example, lower income may limit access to healthy food, impacting BMI.