08-11-21 - Introduction Public Health Flashcards
What is the definition of health by WHO 1948?
• 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)
What are social determinants of health?
How does WHO define health inequality?
What may this uneven distribution be?
what can health inequalities become?
- Health inequality defined by WHO:
- ‘Differences in health status or distribution of health determinants between population groups’ e.g Older average Asian population
- Here’s a simpler explanation of the concepts:
Social Determinants of Health
These are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect their health. Examples include:
- Education: People with more education tend to have better health.
- Income: Families with higher incomes can afford better healthcare, nutritious food, and safer housing.
- Housing: Living in a clean and safe home helps prevent health problems.
Health Inequality (as defined by WHO)
Health inequality means there are differences in health between groups of people. For example:
- Older people in an area might have worse health than younger people.
- Some ethnic groups might have higher rates of certain illnesses than others.
Why It’s a Problem
Not all health differences are natural or unavoidable. Some are caused by unfair factors, like poverty, discrimination, or lack of access to healthcare. These unfair differences are often called health inequities. They mean that some people have worse health not because of their choices, but because of barriers they face.
Summary
- Social factors like education, income, and housing shape health.
- Health inequalities are differences in health between groups.
- When these differences happen due to unfair or avoidable reasons, it creates health inequity, which is both unjust and avoidable.
What are the five waves of public health practise in the UK?
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
What is public health?
What are the 3 domains underpinned by public health intelligence? PIQ
What are the 10 core activities of Public Health?
- 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
What is a public health approach?
What is a whole system approach?
