Models for Health Flashcards
Biomedical Model (focus, approach, limitations)
Focus: Emphasises the biological & physiological aspects of health. Views health issues as primarily stemming from individual factors e.g. genetics, lifestyle, behaviour
Approach: Target changing individual knowledge, attitudes & behaviours (KAB) e.g. health education programs, cooking classes, peer education, social marketing campaigns that appeal to individuals’s perceptions & beliefs
Limitations: Oversimplification of health issues & neglecting broader social & environmental factors that influence health
Social Model (focus, approach, empowerment)
Focus: Recognises the influence of social determinants & structural factors on health disparities e.g. gender, race, income, education, access to resources
Approach: Interventions are guided by the social model to address underlying social injustices & equalities contributing to health disparities e.g. empowering communities, promoting literacy, addressing structural inequalities, social injustice principles
Empowerment: and engagement of communities in decision-making processes to address health disparities
Ecological Model (focus, approach, systems thinking)
Focus: Recognises the complex interplay between individuals and their environments. Considers how various levels of influence (interpersonal - public policy) shape health related behaviours & outcomes
Approach: Interventions target multiple levels of influence e.g. intrapersonal (individual factors), interpersonal (relationships & social networks), institutional/organisational (workplaces, schools), community (neighbourhoods), public policy (laws & regulations)
Systems thinking: Acknowledging that health is affected by a web of interconnected factors, aligning well with the concept of social determinants of health (SDH)
What is the purpose of the Models for Health?
The models offer distinct perspectives on how to approach health & wellness.
Many PH initiatives incorporate elements from all 3 models to create a comprehensive & holistic approach to improving health outcomes & addressing health disparities within communities & populations
