smc-5509-20-Causes of health issues

HMS, HIC 2023 HSC 28ai

Outline ONE strategy that can be used to overcome an individual factor that adversely affects a young person's health. (3 marks)

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Sample answer

A young person with low health literacy regarding sun protection could attend SunSmart education programs delivered in Australian schools.
Programs like this provide practical strategies for sun protection including the five S’s of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide’ to improve knowledge of UV protection behaviors.
These programs address the individual factor of knowledge and attitudes by fostering understanding of the link between sun exposure and skin cancer risk in Australia’s high-UV environment.

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Sample answer

A young person with low health literacy regarding sun protection could attend SunSmart education programs delivered in Australian schools.
Programs like this provide practical strategies for sun protection including the five S’s of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide’ to improve knowledge of UV protection behaviors.
These programs address the individual factor of knowledge and attitudes by fostering understanding of the link between sun exposure and skin cancer risk in Australia’s high-UV environment.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 083

Using ONE health-related issue affecting young people, analyse both the causes and protective factors that can protect and enhance young people's health. (8 marks)

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*PEEL – Solution is structured using an adjusted PEEL method; [P] Identify components and their relationship, [E] explain the interaction/influence between them, [Ev] provide evidence showing the relationship in action, [L] linking sentence back to question.

Sample Answer – Health issue: Sense of body and self

[P] Social media exposure and peer pressure interact to create body image issues.
[E] The relationship between online content and social comparison shows how digital platforms amplify appearance concerns.
[Ev] Mission Australia’s 2023 report confirms body image ranks in top four youth concerns, with one-third developing disordered eating.
[L] This interaction demonstrates how external influences directly shape health outcomes.
[P] Unrealistic media beauty standards interact with existing psychological vulnerabilities in young people.
[E] This combination directly damages self-worth when edited images trigger personal insecurities about appearance.
[Ev] Research shows that as a consequence of viewing perfect bodies daily via social media, teens report significantly higher anxiety about appearance.
[L] These elements combine to produce body dissatisfaction among young people.
[P] Health literacy functions as a primary protective mechanism.
[E] The dynamic between education and resilience shows critical thinking skills disrupt harmful messages.
[Ev] School programs teaching media analysis reduce young people’s body dissatisfaction significantly within six months.
[L] This establishes a cause-effect pattern where knowledge directly counters negative influences.
[P] Family support can help counteract negative peer influences on body image.
[E] While peers provide appearance pressure, families contribute acceptance and unconditional support.
[Ev] Young people with supportive families show 50% lower rates of eating disorders despite social pressures.
[L] Together, these factors determine whether external messages translate into actual harm.

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Sample Answer – Health issue: Sense of body and self

[P] Social media exposure and peer pressure interact to create body image issues.
[E] The relationship between online content and social comparison shows how digital platforms amplify appearance concerns.
[Ev] Mission Australia’s 2023 report confirms body image ranks in top four youth concerns, with one-third developing disordered eating.
[L] This interaction demonstrates how external influences directly shape health outcomes.
[P] Unrealistic media beauty standards interact with existing psychological vulnerabilities in young people.
[E] This combination directly damages self-worth when edited images trigger personal insecurities about appearance.
[Ev] Research shows that as a consequence of viewing perfect bodies daily via social media, teens report significantly higher anxiety about appearance.
[L] These elements combine to produce body dissatisfaction among young people.
[P] Health literacy functions as a primary protective mechanism.
[E] The dynamic between education and resilience shows critical thinking skills disrupt harmful messages.
[Ev] School programs teaching media analysis reduce young people’s body dissatisfaction significantly within six months.
[L] This establishes a cause-effect pattern where knowledge directly counters negative influences.
[P] Family support can help counteract negative peer influences on body image.
[E] While peers provide appearance pressure, families contribute acceptance and unconditional support.
[Ev] Young people with supportive families show 50% lower rates of eating disorders despite social pressures.
[L] Together, these factors determine whether external messages translate into actual harm.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 65 MC

Research into youth mental health shows increasing rates of anxiety and depression.

Which of the following most accurately represents the causal factors behind this trend?

Genetic predispositions combined with increased diagnostic awareness in healthcare settings.
Academic pressure, decreased physical activity levels and changing family structures.
Social media influence, performance pressures, reduced community connection and improved diagnostic methods.
Increased screen time, disrupted sleep patterns and changing social interaction styles.

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\(C\)

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C is correct as it acknowledges the complex, multifactorial nature of mental health trends, including social, environmental and detection factors.

Other options:

A is incorrect because while genetics and increased awareness play roles, this combination doesn’t capture the full complexity of causal factors.
B is incorrect because while these are contributing factors, they represent an incomplete view of the multifaceted causes.
D is incorrect because while these are relevant factors, they represent a narrower view that doesn’t account for broader social and diagnostic elements.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 78

Outline THREE causes of health issues for young people living in rural and remote areas. (3 marks)

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Geographic isolation limits access to healthcare services, leading to delayed treatment and prevention opportunities. This applies particularly for specialised services like mental health support and dental care.
Social disconnection from peers and community supports due to distance can contribute to increased rates of mental health issues including depression and anxiety among rural young people.
Limited availability of recreational facilities and organised sports programs reduces physical activity opportunities. This contributes to higher rates of sedentary behaviour and associated health concerns like obesity.

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Geographic isolation limits access to healthcare services, leading to delayed treatment and prevention opportunities. This applies particularly for specialised services like mental health support and dental care.
Social disconnection from peers and community supports due to distance can contribute to increased rates of mental health issues including depression and anxiety among rural young people.
Limited availability of recreational facilities and organised sports programs reduces physical activity opportunities. This contributes to higher rates of sedentary behaviour and associated health concerns like obesity.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 62 MC

The risk factors and protective factors that influence health outcomes primarily vary according to which of the following?

The biological sex and gender identity of an individual.
The specific health issue or condition being examined.
The income level and educational attainment of individuals.
The ethnic heritage and cultural practices of communities.

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\(B\)

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B is correct because each health issue has its own unique set of risk and protective factors.

Other options:

A is incorrect because biological sex and gender can influence but are not the primary determinant of all risk and protective factors.
C is incorrect because socioeconomic status, while important, is not the primary determinant.
D is incorrect because while cultural background can influence health behaviours and outcomes, it is not the primary determinant.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 060

Explain how Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) are addressing barriers to healthcare access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. (4 marks)

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*PEEL – Solution is structured using an adjusted PEEL method to show cause and effect: [P] State the cause/factor [E] Show how it causes the effect [Ev] Evidence demonstrating why/how [L] Reinforce the causal relationship.

Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.

[P] ACCHOs employ Aboriginal staff who understand cultural needs.
[E] This leads to culturally safe healthcare environments.
[Ev] As a result, young ATSI people feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment or discrimination.
[L] This demonstrates why ACCHO’s can utilise cultural alignment to remove access barriers.
[P] ACCHOs operate in remote communities.
[E] This causes reduced travel distances for healthcare.
[Ev] This happens when services locate where young people live, eliminating multi-hour trips to cities.
[L] In this way, ACCHO’s provide local services that is critical to providing a more equitable access to healthcare.
[P] Community control creates self-determination..
[E] ACCHO’s can effectively promote trust in the healthcare system by taking on the role of health provider.
[Ev] In effect, this system allows ATSI communities to make their own health decisions.
[L] An important result of this relationship is an increased use of health services by young people.

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Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.

[P] ACCHOs employ Aboriginal staff who understand cultural needs.
[E] This leads to culturally safe healthcare environments.
[Ev] As a result, young ATSI people feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment or discrimination.
[L] This demonstrates why ACCHO’s can utilise cultural alignment to remove access barriers.
[P] ACCHOs operate in remote communities.
[E] This causes reduced travel distances for healthcare.
[Ev] This happens when services locate where young people live, eliminating multi-hour trips to cities.
[L] In this way, ACCHO’s provide local services that is critical to providing a more equitable access to healthcare.
[P] Community control creates self-determination..
[E] ACCHO’s can effectively promote trust in the healthcare system by taking on the role of health provider.
[Ev] In effect, this system allows ATSI communities to make their own health decisions.
[L] An important result of this relationship is an increased use of health services by young people.