Public Health Flashcards

Question

Explain the theory of planned behaviour?

Answer 1

Proposes the best predictor of behaviour is ‘intention’ e.g. I intend to give up smoking • Intention determined by: • A persons attitude to the behaviour • The perceived social pressure to undertake the behaviour, or subjective norm • A persons appraisal of their ability to perform the behaviour, or their perceived behavioural control ``` Attitude – I do not think smoking is a good thing • Subjective Norm – most people who are important to me want me to give up smoking • Perceived Behavioural Control – I believe I have the ability to give up smoking • Behavioural Intention – I intend to give up smoking ```

Answer 2

Stage theories see individuals located at discrete ordered stages, rather than on a continuum (this model is key to understanding smoking cessation advice) • Each stage denotes a greater inclination to change behaviour • Transtheoretical model, or Stages of change model (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1984) • Proposes 5 stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance

Answer 3

Dominant model in Western medicine Mind/body can be treated separately: mind/body dualism The body can be repaired: mechanical metaphor Solutions therefore in technologies: technological imperative Reductionist: diseases are often caused by a specific identifiable agent Knowledge presumed to be objective: neutral and distinct from the social context in which it is produced

Answer 4

Based in social constructivism Medical knowledge is itself a sociological construct Challenges mind/body dualism: embodied and holistic approach Health, illness are influenced and shaped by wider socio economic context Medical knowledge is not objective: we are taught how to ‘see’ the body

Answer 5

Is anyone completely healthy? What does “complete physical wellbeing mean?” “complete mental wellbeing mean?” and “complete social wellbeing mean?” Can we ever attain this ideal state? Surely it is dangerously misleading to try to be perfectly healthy?

Answer 6

Health is a means towards the end of social functioning In order for people to be healthy all forms of disease, illness and social handicap need to be removed in order to promote health We can still be healthy even though chronic illness and disease is present Frequently alluded to as the biopsychosocial model.

Answer 7

These approaches are typically humanist, they focus on how people respond to the challenges that life throws at them. Health is a means to a greater end, its about responding positively to various problems. This definition attempts to recover holistic ideas about health that disappeared in the eighteenth century. Problems with this approach: Too vague! It is very unclear what these personal strengths are and where they come from If the nature of personal strengths are too vague then it is also very difficult to know how to intervene to improve wellbeing and health

Answer 8

Illness: the social, lived experience of symptoms and suffering Disease: a technical malfunction or deviation from the norm which is ‘scientifically’ diagnosed (Turner 1984; Kleinman 1988) Both influenced by social context. Disease is not a homogeneous concept: professional specialization can influence what information is observed

Answer 9

Health is a prerequisite for the smooth running of society People’s dislocation with society that causes illness (Durkheim (1951) Suicide) The human body analogy where parts function for the benefit of the whole. If one part malfunctions it upsets the functioning of the rest of the body. Illness is a social problem and not a medical one: The state of optimum capacity of an individual for the effective performance of the roles and tasks for which s/he has been socialized (Parsons 1951) Social relations are products of a harmonious society preserved by individuals acting in defined roles and performing certain roles. Illness as a potential state of social ‘deviance’: failure to conform to social expectations and norms. Illness is an unnatural state Doctors are necessary actors of social control, moral guardians, distinguishing between normality and ‘deviance

Answer 10

``` Doctor: Access private domains fulfilment Right to exclusive trust Apply highest standards To be guided by patients welfare ``` ``` Patient: Exemption from role fulfilment To receive support Not to malinger Seek help and follow advice ```

Answer 11

Legitimate withdrawal from social obligations Not blamed for their condition Patient must want to get well Patient must seek technically competent help (Parsons 1987)

Answer 12

Only a doctor can sanction entry into the sick role The patient is socially vulnerable, seeking official verification that she is not ‘malingering’ The medical profession is universalistic, functionally specific and affectively neutral in its fulfilment of community interests rather than its own self-interest.

Answer 13

``` The capacity model: Three stages of aetiology 1. Normality 2. Strain 3. Exhaustion ``` ``` The deviancy model: Three stages of aetiology Normality Motivational problems Crisis ```

Answer 14

failure to account for conflict it cannot account for social change patients are now much more active and the asymmetrical and hierarchical relationship between the doctor and patient might well need to be revised the model fails to account for the nature of chronic illness or normal conditions that require medical intervention