3. Literature
3.1. Physical Environmental Factors
There are physical factors in the environment that are important to the public health. These factors include residential proximity to toxic sites, air pollution; access to unhealthy food, substance abuse or the use of recreational drugs and the structures and amenities constructed by the society such as transportation systems, road networks etc. (Woolf, Aron, & Council, 2013)
Public health can be affected by the environment through physical exposures, such as unhealthy water supply. The effects of the human physical exposure to the environment are mainly occurred by particulate matter like liquid droplet in aerosol form, and solid particles which can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity
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are significant and imperative on the physical and mental health of the community. (De Silva, McKenzie, Harpham, & Huttly, 2005) Additionally, Family composition and steadiness and the existence of a society that support its occupants are equally important to health. (Woolf, Aron, & Council, 2013)
A grid of socially maintained relationships is a significant support source that is influential on an individual’s social action. (Christakis & Fowler, 2007)
Research on the transmission of Hepatitis through social connections has emphasized much on the significance of social norms on structuring behaviors that are related to health. Ancient and recent sociological and psychological research studies show a strong relationship between social connections and risks of violence, and also a connection to physiological illness. Furthermore, the immediate social environment can induce substance abuse, which is a significant cause of various mental health problems and can instigate violence. (Morenoff, Sampson, & Raudenbush,
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This can affect the perception of individuals concerning social disorders and social safety, which means that social environmental factors could have an adverse influence on the mental health of an individual. (De Silva, McKenzie, Harpham, & Huttly, 2005)
Social support can be a framework for enhancing the social environment. Modern research studies show that the consequences of stress are buffered by effective social support. How an individual perceives a situation builds resilience to the negative effect of stress, and structures their response to a stressor and guide them towards a positive mindset. (Woolf, Aron, & Council, 2013) For example, some immigrant groups have better health in comparison to their immediate environment and their socioeconomic conditions; this is as a result of the social support that is provided by the society of their immediate environment. (Matthews, Gallo, & Taylor, 2010)
Social capital can be defined as the attributes of social organization, such as network, social norms, and trust can enhance the effectiveness of a society by enabling coordinated activities. (Putnam, 2001)
Social capital is dependent on the individuals’ capacity to form and preserve relationships with their neighbors. (Woolf, Aron, & Council,