Core 1: Better Health for Individuals Flashcards
What is the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) definition of health?
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
How is the concept of health dynamic and relative?
Health is dynamic because it constantly changes and is influenced by daily choices and circumstances. It is relative as it can be compared to others’ health or one’s previous health status.
What are the dimensions of health?
Physical, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
How do the dimensions of health interact with each other?
Improvements in one dimension can positively affect others, such as physical activity enhancing mental well-being. Conversely, a decline in one can negatively impact others, like stress affecting physical health.
What is the health continuum?
A spectrum ranging from poor health to optimal health, illustrating how an individual’s health can change over time.
How can health move along the continuum?
Through changes in lifestyle, environment, or health conditions, individuals can shift from poor to optimal health or vice versa.
What influences an individual’s perception of their health?
Personal experiences, knowledge, culture, media, and societal norms.
How can perceptions of health differ among individuals?
Perceptions are influenced by different experiences, cultural backgrounds, and information, leading to varied views on what constitutes good health.
What does it mean to view health as a social construct?
- Recognising that an individual’s health is influenced by social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors rather than just personal choices.
- Notes that many determinants of health are out of the individual’s control or difficult to change due to circumstances.
- Our understanding and interpretation of health is usually created and developed by our society
Why do certain groups have different health outcomes?
Due to varying social determinants like income, education, access to healthcare, and living conditions.
What are the main determinants of health?
- Individual (knowledge, skills, genetics)
- Sociocultural factors (family, peers, media)
- Socioeconomic factors (education, income, employment)
- Environmental factors (geographical location, access to health services).
Social Construct of Health
- Cultural Background
- Gender
- Age
- Geographic Location
- Community values and expectations
- Socioeconomic staties
- Level of Education
How do modifiable and non-modifiable health determinants differ?
Modifiable determinants can be changed (e.g., Education), while non-modifiable ones cannot (e.g., Genetics).
How much control do individuals have over their health?
It varies based on their ability to modify certain determinants; some factors like genetics are beyond control
How can individuals improve health determinants they have little control over
By engaging in positive behaviors, seeking education, and advocating for better health resources.