Understanding the ecological context is crucial for several reasons: 1. Multifactorial Nature of Diseases: Many diseases are influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. An ecological approach helps to identify these complex interactions. 2. Public Health Interventions: Effective public health strategies often require a comprehensive understanding of the ecological context. This enables the design of interventions that are tailored to specific communities or populations. 3. Policy Development: Policymakers need data on how various ecological factors impact health to create informed and effective health policies.