North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Which factor is NOT listed as a secondary risk factor?

1. Family history

2. Obesity

3. Age/Gender

4. Dietary habits

The correct answer is: Dietary habits

In the context of health assessments, particularly when evaluating risk factors for various conditions, a secondary risk factor typically refers to those factors that contribute to an individual's overall risk but are not primary influences. Family history, obesity, and age/gender are commonly acknowledged as secondary risk factors linked to health outcomes. Dietary habits, however, are usually viewed as a primary risk factor because they can have a direct and significant impact on health, particularly in the context of diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. By influencing body weight and metabolic health directly, dietary habits play a central role in determining an individual’s risk rather than functioning as a contributory factor alongside other established risks. This distinction is important in understanding how various elements affect health risks, allowing for more focused interventions and assessments in clinical and preventive health strategies.