Which factors contribute to vulnerability?

• A. Individual factors such as pre-existing illness or age
• B. Social factors such as education, employment, housing
• C. Both A and B
• D. Neither

Answer: (C)

Vulnerability arises from a mix of personal health characteristics and social conditions. Individual factors like pre-existing illness or age affect how susceptible someone is to health threats because these conditions can reduce physiologic reserve and increase sensitivity to hazards. At the same time, social factors such as education, employment, and housing shape exposure, access to resources, and the ability to prevent or cope with health problems. Because these biological and social influences interact and together determine risk, the most complete explanation of vulnerability includes both types of factors. For example, an older person with a chronic illness living in poor housing may face higher risk than either factor alone would suggest.