What is the difference between a risk factor and a protective factor?

• A. A risk factor increases likelihood of disease or harm; a protective factor reduces risk or buffers against harm
• B. They are the same
• C. A protective factor increases risk
• D. A risk factor reduces harm

Answer: (B)

A risk factor is something that makes it more likely you'll experience disease or harm, while a protective factor is something that lowers that likelihood or helps buffer against harm. The idea is about direction of influence on health outcomes. For example, smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer, whereas regular exercise is a protective factor that reduces the risk of several chronic diseases. Some factors can have different effects in different contexts, but the core distinction is that risk factors push toward harm and protective factors push away from harm.