Which term refers to factors that increase risk for injury or disease?

• A. Rights
• B. Risk Factor
• C. Role
• D. Rotation

Answer: (B)

Factors that increase risk for injury or disease are called risk factors. A risk factor is any attribute, characteristic, or exposure that raises the probability of a negative health outcome. It doesn’t guarantee that harm will occur, but it makes it more likely. For example, age, certain medical conditions, smoking, obesity, and environmental hazards can all heighten risk, so recognizing them helps in preventing injury or disease by guiding targeted interventions. The other terms described—rights (entitlements), role (function or position), and rotation (a turning movement)—do not describe the idea of increasing likelihood of harm in health contexts.