What is an example of an institutional factor in the socio-ecological model of health?

An institutional factor in the socio-ecological model of health refers to policies, practices, and resources established within an organization or institution that can influence health outcomes. Providing hand-washing stations with directions around the workplace exemplifies this concept because it represents a specific organizational structure designed to promote healthy behaviors among employees.

Hand-washing stations indicate a commitment by the institution to prioritize hygiene and reduce the spread of illness, which can ultimately influence overall health within that environment. The availability of such resources reflects the impact that organizational practices have on the health behaviors of individuals, encouraging them to adopt healthier habits.

Other choices, while relevant to health promotion and community engagement, do not directly align with the institutional level of the socio-ecological model. Community health workshops and public health awareness campaigns are more community or population-focused, while personal health plans pertain to individual-level strategies rather than organizational policies or practices.