Assignment 1 Health Care Issues in the United States

Health Services Organization - HSA 500

Explain how health is affected by behaviors, economics, and social structure.

A number of reports as well as statistical data indicate social behavior, economic status, and social structure are important determinants of health. According to Williams and Torrens, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use are all examples of personal decision making and patterns of behavior that have a tremendous adverse effect on personal health and on the nation's economy (Williams & Torrens, 2010).

Alcohol consumption, for instance, can lead to vehicular accidents, workplace injuries, and even cirrhosis of the liver. These adverse consequences affect our society because they can lead to an...