Which is a non modifiable risk factor?

Appeared in: NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

Explanation

A non-modifiable risk factor is an attribute that increases disease vulnerability but cannot be changed, such as age, genetics, or gender.
Gender is a biological characteristic determined at birth, making it a non-modifiable risk factor.
Certain health conditions are more prevalent in one gender; for example, men have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease at a younger age than premenopausal women.

Option B: Diet is a classic modifiable risk factor. Individuals can change their eating habits to improve health and reduce disease risk.
Option C: Sleep patterns and habits are behaviors that can be altered. Therefore, sleep is a modifiable risk factor.
Option D: The level of physical activity is a lifestyle choice. An individual can choose to increase or decrease their exercise, making it a modifiable risk factor.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use the understanding of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors to develop patient-centered care plans and health education.
For non-modifiable risks, the focus is on early screening and surveillance. For modifiable risks, the focus is on health promotion and lifestyle changes.
What if? If a patient has a strong family history of heart disease (non-modifiable), the nurse's priority is to aggressively counsel them on managing their modifiable risks like diet and exercise to mitigate their overall risk.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the key term in the question: 'non-modifiable risk factor'. This means a factor that cannot be changed.
Next, evaluate each option to see if it's something a person can change through their actions or choices.
Can a person change their diet? Yes. So, it's modifiable.
Can a person change their sleep habits? Yes. So, it's modifiable.
Can a person change their exercise routine? Yes. So, it's modifiable.
Can a person change their biological gender in the context of genetic risk? No. This makes it non-modifiable.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 42-44

Practise the full NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

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