Introduction to Public Health

Question 1

What is Health?

Answer 1

Health is a state of complete physical, mental
and social well-being, and not merely the absence
of disease or infirmity

Question 2

What is Health inequality?

Answer 2

Differences in health status or in the distribution of health determinants between different population groups

Question 3

What are the determinant of health?

Answer 3

• Peace
• Shelter
• Education
• Food
• Income
• Stable eco-system
• Sustainable resources
• Social justice and Equity

Question 4

Describe the scope of Public Health and the five waves of Public Health practice in the UK

Answer 4

• Fight against non-communicable diseases
• Addressing the social and health inequities due to poverty and weakness of social support systems (e.g alcohol/drug use, anxiety etc.)

Wave 1 - Great Public Works, municipalism

Wave 2 - Refinement of scientific approach; germ theory of disease, hospitals, health visitors

Wave 3 - Restructuring of institutions, welfare reforms, new housing, social security, NHS

Wave 4 - Focus on risk theory of disease, lifestyle issues - smoking, diet and physical activity

Wave 5 - timeline