Block 1 Flashcards
How can normality be defined?
- Statistical (Gaussian distribution - 95% of population should fall within +/- 2.5 standard deviations from the mean)
- Social (what is considered acceptable or desirable -subjective)
- Optimal (what is required for optimal health)
Define illness
A subjective experience of ill health (can be ill in the absence of disease)
Define sickness
A social role taken on by, or given to, someone perceived to be ill
Define disease
Objective diagnosis using specific signs and symptoms
Deviation from the biological norm
What is the medical model of health?
Health is the absence of disease
Role of HCP is to cure, treat or lessen symptoms of disease
What are the criticisms of the medical model of health?
Focus on the medical professional not the patient
Does not consider social influence on health
Does not account for chronic disease for which there is no cure
What is the social model of health?
Health is a social construct determined by a range of external factors (social, cultural and socioeconomic influence)
Takes into account lay knowledges and beliefs
Recognises that a person can have a disease or impairment but still consider themselves to be healthy
What is the biopsychosocial model of health?
Emphasises the importance of recognising psychological and social aspects of health and illness, not just biomedical aspects
Useful in clinical practice
How does WHO define health?
A state of complete physical, social and mental wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmary
What is a census and what is it used for?
Simultaneous recording of demographic data by the government at a given time pertaining to all the persons living in a particular territory
Uses: service requirements, birth and death rates, to identify and target inequalities
How often is a census carried out in the UK?
Every 10 years
What is the process for registering a birth?
1) Birth notification completed (e.g. by midwife) – information to local health authority
2) Birth registration by parents within 42 days – information to local registrar for births, deaths and marriages and to the ONS
How is crude birth rate determined?
No. of live births/ 1000 people in population
How is general fertility rate determined?
No. of live births/ 1000 women between age 15-44
How is total fertility rate determined?
No. of live births should every woman live to menopause and give birth in accordance with the current, age specific fertility rate
What is the process for registering a death?
1) Medical certificate issued by doctor (incl. cause of death)
2) Death registration by family within 5 days – information to local registrar for births, deaths and marriages and to the ONS
How is underlying cause of death defined?
Disease or injury which initiated the train of morbid events leading directly to death OR the circumstances of the accident or violence which produced the fatal injury