Epidemiological Diagnosis Epidemiological diagnosis eiq>resses the beallh problems in tcm1s of "ital heahh indicators of mortality, morbidity, fertility, disability or deformity. The extent of these problems is described in relation to: >> Distribution of the condition in terms of person, place nnd » time char. icteristics }> Intensity of the condition in terms of incidence and pre\lalence ; and » Doraliou of the condition Behaviora l and Environment al Diagnosis Tbe third stage of the silualional analysis involves exnminalion of the health problem by providing additional data about the factors thnl are contributing to the health problem. It is concerned wilh detem1ining the behaviurnl and environmental factors that account for the health problems. Explain why the problem is occurring and being maintained. This is done by looking for risk mm·kcrs. Risk markers point or :snggcst where the problem · might be occurring. For example. if the probh. !111 it-intestinnl parasitism among young children, the risk markers wotdd inclmle children, aged 2 to 7 years, low socio-economic status nml belonging to urban and rural poor origins. Although risk markers are associated with occurrence of problem, they are not necessarily contributing to it. Idenlify the risk factors that directly account for the problem. Risk factor refers to any attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual which increases the likelihood of developing a disease or illness condition (WHO 2001). rusk factors can either be behavioral or environmental. Behavioral indicators cited by Green and Kreuter (1980) can be expressed in terms of the following: ,. Utilization of a specific service » Carrying out of a particular action ,. Consumption of certain commodity, product » Compliance to a prescribed regimen ,. Ability to perform self-care An example of a risk factor for intestinal parasitism among young children is increased hand-soil contact brought about by play activities witl1 and on the soil. Other than behavior and lifestyle, the environment of the population can also ex'Plain the problem. Environme nt does not only refer to the physical environment. U also encompasses policy, social, cnltural, economic and physical factors present in the communit y that determine behavior. Enviromnent,11 risk factors for the problem of intestinal parasitism among young children include unsanitary excreta disposal system, lack of water sllpply necessary for hygienic practices and use of freslt hwnan feces for fertilizer in vegetable gardens and 1ice fields. Ed4cationa l and Organizationa l Diagnosis · Educational and organizational diagnosis looks into the contributing factors of a problem that rn. ay become the focus of subsequent intervention. Contributing risk factors (Green et al 1986) are those U1at contribute to or account for the risk factor. These a re sot1:ed into: ,. Pl'edisposing-any characteristic of the client that motivates behavior related to health; they can be described in terms of the client's lu1owledge, attitudes, 209 