08-11-21 - Introduction Public Health

Question 1

Learning Outcomes

Answer 1

Discuss what is meant by the concept of health
Describe the scope of Public Health and the five waves of Public Health practice in the UK
Define the concept of health inequality, and interpret data concerning inequalities in health
Describe the influences on health
Identify approaches to address health inequalities through the social determinants of health

Question 2

What is the definition of health by WHO 1948?

Answer 2

• Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (physical or mental weakness)

Question 3

What are social determinants of health?

How does WHO define health inequality?

What may this uneven distribution be?

Answer 3

• Social health determinants of health are the economic and social conditions that influence individual and group differences in health status e.g education, family income, and housing
• Health inequality defined by WHO:
• ‘Differences in health status or distribution of health determinants between population groups’ e.g Older average Asian population
• ‘This uneven distribution may be unnecessary and avoidable, as well as unjust and unfair’
• ‘The resulting health inequalities may also lead to inequity in health

Question 4

What are the five waves of public health practise in the UK?

Answer 4

1) Structural
• Clean water, sewers drainage

2) Biomedical
• Anti-biotics, early vaccines
• Refinement of scientific approach:
• Germ theory of disease, hospitals, health visitors

3)	Clinical
•	Life-style related diseases
•	Restructure of institutions
•	Welfare reforms
•	New housing
•	Social security
•	NHS

4) Social
• Social determinants of health
• Focus on risk theory of disease
• Lifestyle issues e.g smoking, diet, and physical activity

5) Cultural
• A culture for health
• Shift in culture for health

Question 5

What is public health?

What are the 3 domains underpinned by public health intelligence?

What are the 10 core activities of Public Health?

Answer 5

• Public health is the science and art of:

1) Preventing disease
2) Promoting health and wellbeing
3) Prolonging life through the organised efforts of society

• 3 domains underpinned by public health intelligence:

1) Health protection
2) Health improvement
3) Healthcare quality

• 10 Core activities of public health:

1) Preventing epidemics
2) Protecting the environment, workplaces, water and food
3) Promoting healthy behaviour
4) Monitoring the health status of the population
5) Mobilising community action
6) Responding to disasters
7) Assuring the quality, accessibility and accountability of medical and social care
8) Reaching out to link high risk and disengaged people to needed services
9) Researching to develop new insights and innovative solutions
10) Leading the development of sound health and care policy and planning

Question 6

What is a public health approach?

What is a whole system approach?

Answer 6