Public Health Introduction

Question 1

What are the 4 domains of public health?

Answer 1

1) Health protection
2) Health improvement
3) Improving services
4) Wider determinants of health

Question 2

Sociology of health medicine: name 5 determinants of illness.

Answer 2

1. Social class.
2. Unemployment.
3. Racism/discrimination.
4. Material deprivation/poverty.
5. Gender.

Question 3

What life style factors promote mortality?

Answer 3

1. Smoking.
2. Obesity.
3. Sedentary lifestyle.
4. Bad diet.
5. Excessive drinking.

Question 4

Describe Becker Health model of behaviour change (Health Belief)

Answer 4

Individual has to believe there are consequences, and susceptible to disease. So have to take actions to reduce risks and avoid this.

Question 5

Transtheoretical model of behavioural change?

Answer 5

1) Precontemplation (no intention)
2) Contemplation
3) Preparation
4) Action (giving up)
5) Maintenance (staying off X)

Question 6

Acheson Report main principles?

Answer 6

1) Reduce income inequality

2) High priority for health of families

Question 7

Define an acute illness?

Answer 7

Short term that quickly starts with severe symptoms (can be cured mostly)

Question 8

Define a chronic illness?

Answer 8

Recurring condition that starts gradually and can be treated (Severity varies)

Question 9

Difference between Intrinsic and Extrinsic ageing?

Answer 9

1) Intrinsic: Natural, universal process of getting older

2) Extrinsic: External factors that affect ages e.g. UV, smoking

Question 10

Give 3 consequences of people living longer.

Answer 10

1. Pensions will have higher pay outs than currently planned.
2. Chronic and comorbid conditions will prevail.
3. Rising inequalities as more affluent groups will use health services for longer.

Question 11

Difference between screening and diagnostic test?

Answer 11

1) Screening tells you how at risk you are of developing an illness
2) Diagnostic test confirms if you have an illness or not

Question 12

WHO health definition?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Define the stress-illness model.

Answer 13

An individuals susceptibility to disease or illness is increased because the individual is exposed to stressors which cause strain upon them, leading to psychological and physiological changes.

Question 14

Define health behaviour

Answer 14

Behaviour aimed at preventing disease

Question 15

Define illness behaviour

Answer 15

Behaviour aimed at seeking a remedy e.g. seeing a Doctor

Question 16

Define sickness behaviour

Answer 16

Behaviour aimed at getting better i.e. compliance and resting and taking medication