Grounded in social structures and policies, what do we call those behavioral change factors?

The correct answer refers to upstream factors, which are defined as the broader social, economic, and environmental conditions that influence individual behaviors and health outcomes. These factors include policies, community resources, and socioeconomic conditions that frame the context in which individuals live and make choices.

Understanding the importance of upstream factors is critical because they shape many aspects of a person's life, from access to healthcare to the availability of healthy foods, and have a far-reaching impact on overall community health. By addressing these foundational issues, interventions can lead to significant improvements in public health and behavioral change at a community or population level.

In contrast, downstream factors generally pertain to individual behaviors and immediate lifestyle choices, while personal factors are specific attributes such as age, gender, or personal beliefs that affect individual behavior. Mainstream factors, on the other hand, refer to trends or norms seen in larger social groups but do not encompass the depth of influence that upstream factors have on health outcomes and behavioral change.