Lecture 4

Question 1

Question: Why was pellagra associated with poverty, and how did it spread during outbreaks?

Answer 1

Answer: Pellagra hit poor people who had a diet of corn and little meat. During outbreaks, it affected places like orphanages, hospitals, and prisons.

Question 1

Question: What are the 4 Ds associated with the pellagra epidemic?

Answer 1

Pellagra involves Dermatitis (skin problems), Diarrhea, Dementia (mental issues), and sometimes ends in Death.

Question 2

Question: What is the significance of Germ theory in understanding diseases like pellagra?

Answer 2

Answer: Germ theory helped us understand diseases. Dr. Goldberger said pellagra was due to diet. He tested it in prisons. But it kept spreading among marginalized people.

Question 3

Question: How do paradigms influence the field of science, particularly in the context of health?

Answer 3

Answer: Paradigms shape how we do science. In health, we need to look at social patterns and upstream factors affecting diseases..

Question 4

Question: What are the key characteristics of the biomedical model of health?

Answer 4

Answer: The biomedical model focuses on the body, uses reductionism, looks for specific causes, compares the body to a machine, and believes individuals control their health.

Question 5

Question: What’s “mind-body dualism,” and how’s it used in the biomedical model?

Answer 5

Answer: Mind-body dualism separates mind and body. In the biomedical model, it focuses on the body’s physical aspects, ignoring social and psychological factors.

Question 6

Question: Explain “physical reductionism” and how it’s used in healthcare.

Answer 6

Answer: Physical reductionism breaks things into small parts for better understanding. In healthcare, it simplifies complex issues.

Question 7

Question: What’s “specific etiology,” and why is it important in healthcare?

Answer 7

Answer: Specific etiology says each disease has a specific cause. In healthcare, it guides how we control and treat diseases.

Question 8

Question: What’s the “Machine Metaphor,” and why’s it significant in the biomedical model?

Answer 8

Answer: The Machine Metaphor sees the body as a machine. In the biomedical model, it’s a common way to understand the body.

Question 9

Question: Explain “individualized regimen and control” and its role in healthcare.

Answer 9

Answer: Individualized regimen and control mean you manage your health. You’re responsible for diet, exercise, and stress.

Question 10

Question: How are diseases categorized into three major groups?

Answer 10

Answer: Diseases are grouped into communicable (infectious) diseases, chronic diseases, and injuries.

Question 11

Question: Describe chronic diseases and name some sub-types.

Answer 11

Answer: Chronic diseases last a long time and slowly get worse. Sub-types include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and injuries.