Which of the following would be considered a risk factor?

• A. Healthy lifestyle with regular exercise
• B. A habit that increases vulnerability to illness
• C. Genetic predisposition as the sole factor
• D. Vaccination against disease

Answer: (B)

Risk factors are characteristics or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing a disease or health problem. A habit that increases vulnerability to illness fits this definition exactly, because it describes something a person does that makes illness more likely, even if it doesn’t guarantee it. A healthy lifestyle, in contrast, lowers risk rather than increasing it. Vaccination provides protection and reduces risk. Genetic predisposition can contribute to risk, but claiming it as the sole factor overlooks other influences and the idea that risk is often multifactorial.