Historical Perspective Flashcards
What is epidemiology?
Branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible controls of diseases and other factors relating to health
Contrast endemic, epidemic and pandemic
Pandemic- epidemic of worldwide proportions
Endemic- the usual, constant prevalence of a disease in a region
Epidemic-outbreak of a disease that attacks many people’s at about the same time and spread throughout a or several communities
What is germ theory?
The presence of microorganisms/pathogens May lead to disease
What is postpartum sepsis?
An illness resulting from the infection of the mother often in the urinary tract following child birth, possibly due to miscarriage
What is the Hippocrates corpus?
A collection of Ancient Greek medical works strongly associated with Hippocrates
What was the bubonic plague?
An infection of the lymphatic system from the bite of an infected Flea.
What are 2 major factors that have shaped the modern health system?
Growth of scientific knowledge about sources of diseases and how to control them
Growth of public acceptance of disease control
How were early explanations for diseases explained?
Focused on superstition, myths and religion
Natural spirits
Describe the affect of the agricultural revolution
Despite the more supply of food
Domesticated animals carried disease that could affect humans
As population expanded, people lived in larger groups, enhancing disease transmission
Garbage and waste accumulated attracting rodents and insects
How did the Hippocrates corpus look at disease?
As an imbalance in humors/fluids : phlegm, bile and blood
Excess of humor became the rationale for bloodletting
Describe the infection of bubonic plague
An acute infection of bacteria would spread through the regional lymph nodes and multiply causing dark, tender and swollen nodules
What was the bubonic plague thought to be caused by?
Miasmas- invisible vapors that emanated from swampsor cesspools that floated in the air
Who was John Snow?
A physician in London in the 180ls when there were large epidemics of cholera in Europe and America
In the 1800s what was believed to cause cholera?
Caused by miasmas or person to person contact
How did John Snow become famous on Broad street? (Renamed broad wick street)
Realized that the hand pump handle was contaminated with cholera
What is Louis Pasteur known for?
Made contributions to germ theory , prevention of food spoilage and the control of disease
Discovered microbes in milk could be killed by heating(pasteurization) and would later work on vaccines
Achievements in public health in the 20th century- what were the accomplishments made in vaccinations
Over 21 Vaccines have been developed
Nationwide immunization programs
Greatest achievements in public health in the 20th century- what were the great public health accomplishments made in infectious disease control?
Decreased infectious diseases due to initiatives such as immunizations improved sanitation, clean water and improved food safety
Describe the life of hunter-gatherers
They had a short life span
They lived and travelled in small groups and hunted in small groups
Had fairly balanced diets
Few problems in accumulating waste of contaminated water or food
How much attention did the Hippocrates Corpus give to waste disposal and sanitation ?
Little attention
Describe the plague years
Physicians wore costumes on house calls to protect themselves from miasmas
Increased population density
Poor garbage disposal attracted rats
Who was Ignaz Semmelweis?
A Hungarian physician who practiced in the maternity department of a hospital in the 1840s
Why did Semmelweis require all attendants to wash their hands with chlorinated water before attending to births?
Postpartum sepsis was a common occurrence in the 1840s
Someone cut their hand while performing an autopsy and developed symptoms of sepsis and died
This requirement saw a reduction in the rate of infection
When was there an outbreak of cholera on Broad street?
In 1853
Why are safer, healthier foods more common place?
Food and safety education
Handling practices/sanitation
Laws
Sanitation
Refrigeration
Pasteurization
Pest control
Healthier animal care
How has fluoridation helped public health in the 20th century?
Primary factor in decline of tooth decay
Heart disease is the _________ _____ ___ ________ and stroke is the ________ ______ ______ of death in the U.S.A
Leading cause of death
Third leading cause
How much has cardiovascular decreased since 1950?
60% decrease in death rates from cardiovascular disease
What has public health achievements in public health done to impact smoking?
Recognition in smoking rates due to education, prevention programs , campaigns for non smokers’s rights, increased taxation, restrictions on cigarettes advertising
What are public health achievements in motor vehicle safety?
- increased seat belt use
- Vehicle safety improvements
- Traffic safety regulation
- Improved streets and highways
How have infant and maternal mortality rates been impacted by public health in the 20th century?
Maternal rates down by 99%
Infant mortality rates down by 90%
This is due to improved standards of living , technological advances in medicine and greater access to maternal care
