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Risk factor

Risk factor:

Social, economic or biological status, behaviours or environments which are associated with or cause increased susceptibility to a specific disease, ill health, or injury.

Reference: modified definition

As is the case with risk behaviours, once risk factors have been identified, they can become the entry point or focus for health promotion strategies and actions.

Source: Health Promotion Glossary (1998), WHO/HPR/HEP/98.1