An example of politico-economic factors that may affect maintenance of a safe environment are?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Politico-economic factors combine political policies and economic conditions that impact health.
Finances are a direct measure of economic status, which is heavily influenced by political decisions (e.g., social welfare, employment laws).
A person's financial resources determine their ability to afford safe housing, nutritious food, and healthcare, all of which are essential for a safe environment.
Poverty, a key financial state, is a major barrier to maintaining safety and is considered a significant social determinant of health.

Option A: Smoking is a personal lifestyle or behavioral choice. While it has significant health and economic consequences, it is not a structural politico-economic factor itself.
Option C: Anxiety is a psychological factor related to an individual's mental and emotional health.
Option D: Beliefs are considered cultural or social factors. They shape an individual's perception of risk and health behaviors but are distinct from economic conditions.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Factors affecting environmental safety as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must assess a patient's socioeconomic status (including finances) as it is a critical determinant of health. This assessment helps in planning realistic care, providing appropriate referrals, and understanding barriers to treatment adherence.
Understanding politico-economic factors helps nurses advocate for patients and communities, supporting policies that address health inequities and improve access to resources.
What if the patient is unemployed and cannot afford their medications? The nurse's role extends to connecting the patient with social services, pharmacy assistance programs, or government schemes to ensure continuity of care, directly addressing the financial barrier to safety.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the term 'politico-economic'. Break it down into 'political' (relating to government, policies, and laws) and 'economic' (relating to finances, wealth, and resources).
Evaluate each option to see which one fits this combined definition.
Categorize 'Smoking' as a personal behavior or lifestyle choice.
Identify 'Finances' as a direct economic factor that is influenced by political policies.
Categorize 'Anxiety' as a psychological state.
Categorize 'Beliefs' as a social or cultural factor.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 29-31

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 114-116

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.