Public health is a global concern, and risk factors that impact public health are complex and varied. According to The Lancet, threats such as environmental, occupational, behavioral and metabolic risks affect populations worldwide in different ways. Understanding and addressing these risks requires a multidisciplinary approach, which is why an advanced education, like an online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, is so valuable.
The online Master of Public Health – General program from Eastern Washington University (EWU) equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze, address and mitigate these public health risk factors. This article explores some primary risk factors, how MPH graduates can address challenges and how EWU’s program sets them up for success.
Major Public Health Risk Factors
Public health risks vary significantly from region to region, but many fall into several broad categories. Below are some of the most impactful.
Environmental Risks
Environmental factors such as pollution, climate change and exposure to hazardous materials significantly affect public health. For instance, air and water pollution are leading causes of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Poor sanitation and waste management increase the risk of infectious diseases like cholera. Climate change, another significant environmental risk, contributes to more frequent natural disasters and changing disease patterns.
Graduates with an MPH are prepared to assess environmental health risks and develop strategies to reduce exposure to hazardous substances, promote clean air and water initiatives, and create policies for disaster preparedness. Courses such as Environmental and Occupational Health offered in EWU’s program provide students with a deep understanding of these challenges, preparing them to advocate for change at both community and policy levels.
Occupational Risks
Workplace health hazards — including exposure to harmful substances, unsafe working conditions and long hours — can lead to several health issues, from musculoskeletal disorders to mental health problems. Workers in industries like construction, mining and agriculture are at especially high risk for occupational injuries and illnesses.
MPH graduates who specialize in occupational health can play a vital role in preventing work-related diseases and injuries. By understanding occupational risks and designing interventions to promote workplace safety, these specialists contribute to improved public health outcomes. In EWU’s Biological and Radiological Incidents course, students learn about managing exposures to hazardous materials and preparing for potential health emergencies in occupational settings.
Behavioral Risks
Lifestyle and behavioral factors — such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and substance abuse — significantly contribute to public health issues. Non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer are increasingly prevalent across the globe, often driven by unhealthy behaviors. Behavioral risks can also exacerbate mental health problems, further impacting public well-being.
MPH professionals work to implement community education programs that promote healthier lifestyles and create policy changes that encourage positive behavior. EWU’s program prepares students to address behavioral risks through courses that focus on epidemiology, population health and social determinants of health.
Metabolic Risks
Metabolic risk factors — including high blood pressure, high blood sugar and obesity — are among the leading causes of non-communicable diseases. These conditions are often influenced by genetic, environmental and behavioral factors. As the rates of metabolic diseases continue to rise, the need for public health interventions has become more urgent.
Public health graduates can work in a variety of roles to address metabolic risks, including community health outreach, research and policy development. They may develop programs that promote better nutrition, encourage regular physical activity and improve access to preventive healthcare services.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Public Health Degree?
MPH graduates have a diverse range of career opportunities, allowing them to address public health risk factors in various settings. Some of the most common roles include the following:
- Public health educators develop programs and campaigns to educate communities about healthy behaviors, disease prevention and public health risks.
- Epidemiologists focus on analyzing data and identifying patterns in health issues. They investigate outbreaks, research risk factors and develop strategies to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Health policy analysts shape health policies that address environmental, occupational and behavioral risks.
Shifting the State of Public Health
Public health risks are diverse and ever-evolving. However, with the right education and training, professionals can make a significant impact in addressing them.
By enrolling in an online MPH – General program at EWU, students gain the skills needed to understand, mitigate and manage the risk factors that affect public health. Whether working to reduce environmental hazards, improve workplace safety or promote healthier behaviors, MPH graduates play a crucial role in improving the health and well-being of populations globally.
Learn more about EWU’s online Master of Public Health – General program.
