Risk factors are characteristics, behaviors, or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing a negative outcome, such as a disease, injury, or other adverse events. In various contexts, risk factors can be related to health (such as obesity or smoking), lifestyle (such as lack of physical activity), environmental influences (such as exposure to pollution), or socioeconomic factors (such as low income).
In public health and medicine, understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Identifying and addressing these factors can help individuals and populations reduce their risk of developing certain conditions or facing dangers.