development of new public health + social model of health

Question 1

what is new public health (also known as social model of health)

Answer 1

an approach to health that expands the traditional focus on individual behaviour change to one that considers the ways in which physical, sociocultural and political environments impact on health

Question 2

principles of the social model of health

Answer 2

1. acts to enable access to healthcare
2. empowers individuals + communities
3. addresses the broader determinants/factors of health
4. involves intersectoral collaboration
5. acts to reduce social inequities

Question 2

addressing broader determinants of health

Answer 2

focuses on factors that sit outside the control of individuals (social, environmental and economic) like gender, income and culture

Question 3

why was the social model of health developed

Answer 3

it was developed in response to lifestyle diseases increasing and some population groups not experiencing the same improvements in health and wellbeing as the rest of the population

Question 4

acts to reduce social inequities

Answer 4

reducing barriers contributing to inequities in health status (income, race, gender) especially between disadvantaged population groups

Question 5

empowers individuals and communities

Answer 5

give people knowledge and skills to participate in decisions that positively impact health via education

Question 6

acts to enable access to healthcare

Answer 6

involves providing health services and promotion that is accessible for everyone in every way (financially, by proximity)

Question 7

involves intersectoral collaboration

Answer 7

different organisations working together in coordinated action to improve health outcomes

Question 8

advantages of the social model of health

Answer 8

1. cheaper than biomedical model = although health promotion programs can cost millions to implement, the investment is often cheaper than treating symptoms as they arise
2. focuses on vulnerable population groups = promotes equity as many disadvantageous groups are the target of health promotion programs like indigenous people, low SES + living outside major cities

Question 9

disadvantages of the social model of health

Answer 9

1. health promotions msgs may be ignored = the social model relies on public cooperation so if ppl choose to ignore the health msgs provided then H+W can’t improve
2. doesn’t promote development of technology = as it focuses on the broader determinants of health, it doesn’t promote medical advancements like new medicines