Difference between risk factors and protective factors?

• A. Risk factors increase the likelihood of disease; protective factors reduce risk or enhance health
• B. Protective factors increase the likelihood of disease; risk factors reduce health
• C. They are the same
• D. Risk factors apply only to infectious diseases

Answer: (A)

Risk factors are conditions, behaviors, or exposures that raise the likelihood of developing a disease or health problem. Protective factors, on the other hand, help lower that risk or improve health outcomes by buffering against harm and promoting healthy behaviors. For example, smoking is a risk factor for heart disease and cancer, while regular physical activity and a healthy diet are protective factors that reduce risk. These concepts apply to many health conditions, not just infectious diseases. The other options either imply protective factors increase risk, claim they are the same, or limit risk factors to infectious diseases, which isn’t accurate.