smc-5509-40-Protective factors

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)

--- 7 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---

Show Answers Only

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.

Show Worked Solution

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)

--- 22 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---

Show Answers Only

*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.

Show Worked Solution

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 64 MC

The interrelationship between determinants of health for young people is most accurately described by which statement?

Individual health determinants operate independently, with biomedical factors having the strongest influence.
Environmental determinants always override socioeconomic factors in determining health outcomes.
Determinants function in isolation from each other, with each affecting different aspects of health.
Multiple determinants interact, creating compound effects that amplify advantages or disadvantages.

Show Answers Only

\(D\)

Show Worked Solution

D is correct as health determinants interact in complex ways, creating compound effect.

Other options:

A is incorrect because determinants don’t operate independently.
B is incorrect because environmental determinants don’t consistently override socioeconomic factors.
C is incorrect because determinants don’t function in isolation.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 63 MC

Which of the following best explains how access to education serves as a protective factor for young people's health?

It ensures young people remain physically active through mandatory physical education classes.
It guarantees access to healthcare services through school-based medical facilities.
It develops critical thinking skills that enable informed health decisions and improved health literacy.
It eliminates all socioeconomic barriers to good health through financial support programs.

Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution

C is correct as education develops critical thinking and health literacy skills that allow young people to make better health decisions.

Other options:

A is incorrect because while physical education is important, it is only one aspect of education’s protective effect.
B is incorrect because not all schools provide medical facilities.
D is incorrect because education alone cannot eliminate all socioeconomic barriers.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 080

Explain how community connection and cultural identity serve as protective factors for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. (5 marks)

--- 15 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---

Show Answers Only

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

Strong cultural identity provides ATSI young people with belonging and purpose. This leads to protection from mental health problems because it builds strength and self-worth.
Connection to Country creates spiritual wellbeing through traditional practices. This relationship results in improved mental health due to meaningful connections with the land.
Cultural ceremonies strengthen intergenerational relationships. This process ensures young people access role models and traditional knowledge. As a result, they learn ancestral wellbeing practices.
Community connection provides social support networks. This occurs because trusted relationships reduce isolation. This interaction allows easier help-seeking through familiar community members.
Cultural continuity develops strengths through traditional narratives. This demonstrates why cultural pride counters negative stereotypes – it works by emphasising ancestral wisdom.
These protective factors mitigate socioeconomic disadvantage impacts. This shows a clear connection between cultural strength and positive health outcomes. To put it simply, culture creates resilience pathways despite structural barriers.

Show Worked Solution

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

Strong cultural identity provides ATSI young people with belonging and purpose. This leads to protection from mental health problems because it builds strength and self-worth.
Connection to Country creates spiritual wellbeing through traditional practices. This relationship results in improved mental health due to meaningful connections with the land.
Cultural ceremonies strengthen intergenerational relationships. This process ensures young people access role models and traditional knowledge. As a result, they learn ancestral wellbeing practices.
Community connection provides social support networks. This occurs because trusted relationships reduce isolation. This interaction allows easier help-seeking through familiar community members.
Cultural continuity develops strengths through traditional narratives. This demonstrates why cultural pride counters negative stereotypes – it works by emphasising ancestral wisdom.
These protective factors mitigate socioeconomic disadvantage impacts. This shows a clear connection between cultural strength and positive health outcomes. To put it simply, culture creates resilience pathways despite structural barriers.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 77

Outline THREE protective factors that can positively influence the health of young people. (3 marks)

--- 7 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---

Show Answers Only

Answers could include:

Strong social connections and positive peer relationships provide young people with emotional support and a sense of belonging. This helps create better mental health outcomes.
Development of resilience skills enables young people to cope with setbacks. Resilience is a key input to making better health decisions and protecting against negative health behaviours like substance misuse.
Supportive family environments with open communication about health provide guidance for healthy behaviours. This foundation makes positive health practices more likely, including seeking help when needed.

Show Worked Solution

Answers could include:

Strong social connections and positive peer relationships provide young people with emotional support and a sense of belonging. This helps create better mental health outcomes.
Development of resilience skills enables young people to cope with setbacks. Resilience is a key input to making better health decisions and protecting against negative health behaviours like substance misuse.
Supportive family environments with open communication about health provide guidance for healthy behaviours. This foundation makes positive health practices more likely, including seeking help when needed.

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.

Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution

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 061

Discuss how the relationship between connection to Country and health outcomes can work as a protective factor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. (5 marks)

--- 15 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---

Show Answers Only

*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

[P] On one hand, connection to Country provides holistic health benefits.
[E] This approach offers protection across physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing simultaneously.
[Ev] ABS data shows ATSI youth on traditional Country report better self-rated health outcomes.
[L] This demonstrates Country connection as an important protective factor.
[P] From one perspective, cultural activities on Country strengthen resilience.
[E] Young people gain mental health protection through ceremonies, bush tucker gathering and storytelling.
[Ev] These practices can reduce psychological distress by providing ATSI youth with identity and belonging.
[L] A key advantage is how traditional activities directly support youth wellbeing
[P] Conversely, barriers to Country such as living in urban areas can create significant negative influences on health.
[E] This raises the issue of ATSI youth needing economic necessities such as education and jobs, that are more accessible in cities. This reality separates them from Country.
[Ev] Compounding this problem, a majority of ATSI young people now live in cities, limiting their traditional connections.
[L] In summary, despite the obvious health benefits of connection to Country, economic realities prevent many ATSI youth from accessing its protective factors.

Show Worked Solution

[P] On one hand, connection to Country provides holistic health benefits.
[E] This approach offers protection across physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing simultaneously.
[Ev] ABS data shows ATSI youth on traditional Country report better self-rated health outcomes.
[L] This demonstrates Country connection as an important protective factor.
[P] From one perspective, cultural activities on Country strengthen resilience.
[E] Young people gain mental health protection through ceremonies, bush tucker gathering and storytelling.
[Ev] These practices can reduce psychological distress by providing ATSI youth with identity and belonging.
[L] A key advantage is how traditional activities directly support youth wellbeing
[P] Conversely, barriers to Country such as living in urban areas can create significant negative influences on health.
[E] This raises the issue of ATSI youth needing economic necessities such as education and jobs, that are more accessible in cities. This reality separates them from Country.
[Ev] Compounding this problem, a majority of ATSI young people now live in cities, limiting their traditional connections.
[L] In summary, despite the obvious health benefits of connection to Country, economic realities prevent many ATSI youth from accessing its protective factors.

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)

--- 10 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---

Show Answers Only

*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.

Show Worked Solution

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.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 050 MC

Which of the following represents the MOST significant protective factor for improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people?

Lowering the cost of transport to healthcare facilities.
Connection to Country and participation in cultural activities.
Developing more healthcare facilities in major cities.
Increasing diagnostic testing facilities across all regions.

Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution

B is correct because connection to Country and participation in cultural activities have been identified as significant protective factors that positively influence overall health and wellbeing.

Other options:

A is incorrect because while important, transport cost is just one aspect of healthcare access.
C is incorrect because most healthcare development is needed in regional and remote areas, not major cities.
D is incorrect because merely increasing diagnostic facilities doesn’t address the crucial cultural, social and holistic aspects of health.