Intro to/recap of public health

Question 1

define health

Answer 1

“a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organisation,1948)

Question 2

define public health

Answer 2

“The science and art of promoting and protecting health and well-being, preventing ill-health and prolonging life through the organised efforts of society.”. Public health has always been a core part of nursing but this is increasing- increased focus on moving from treatment of disease to preventing ill health.

Question 3

What is nursing?

Answer 3

“The use of clinical judgement in the provision of care to enable people to improve, maintain or recover health, to cope with health problems, and to achieve the best possible quality of life, whatever their disease or disability until death’
(Royal College of Nursing 2003)

Question 4

describe the glasgow effect

Answer 4

Comparisons of area deprivation and mortality between Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester showed that despite all three cities exhibiting very similar levels and patterns of deprivation, the mortality profile of Glasgow (in 2003-2007) was quite different. After adjusting for any remaining differences in ‘income deprivation’, premature mortality in Glasgow was 30% higher than in Liverpool and Manchester, with mortality at all ages around 15% higher.
This excess was seen in all age groups except children, among both males and females, and in all types of neighbourhood (deprived and non-deprived). It does not appear to be explained by historical changes in levels of deprivation, nor by the population composition (e.g. ethnic profile) of the cities. The excess appears to be widening over time. Very similar results have also been shown for Glasgow relative to Belfast.
This affects our national averages
We live and work in area of significant health inequality. In public health terms we live and work in an interesting area.

Question 5

what are the big 3 (accounts for 50% of deaths)

Answer 5

29% Cancers
13% CHD
8% Stroke

Of cancer deaths:

• Trachea, bronchus and lung most common (26% of all cancers)
• Prostate for men & Breast for women
• Bowel

Question 6

describe Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Answer 6

Basic needs
- physiological (food, water, warmth, rest)
- safety (security, safety)
Psychological needs
- belongingness and love (intimate relationships, friends)
- esteem (prestige and feeling of accomplishment)
Self fulfilment
- self actualisation (achieving one’s full potential including creative activities)

Question 7

what are all the layers of the Dahlgren and Whitehead model

Answer 7

age sex and hereditary factors
individual lifestyle factors
social and community networks 
living and working conditions
general socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions

Question 8

describe primary, secondary and tertiary prevention

Answer 8

primary: stopping ill health arising in the first place e.g. preventing people starting smoking, vaccines
secondary: intervention during early stages of disease to prevent further damage e.g. screening programmes
tertiary: improving treatment and recovery e.g. cardiac rehab classes

Question 9

describe Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008

Answer 9

Enables ministers, NHS Boards and local authorities to better protect public health in Scotland.
Compliments environmental legislation and broader public health approach.
More bio-medically focussed

Includes:
• Infectious disease, contamination and other hazards.
• Notifiable diseases, notifiable organisms and health risks.
• Public health investigations
• International travel / transport and sunbeds!