Social Ecology and Health

Question 1

Defining health

Answer 1

The way health is defined is influential in shaping health comm.
- biomedical model of health
- social ecological model of health

Question 2

Biomedical model

Answer 2

Focuses only on the physical or biological parts of an illness
- commonly taught in med schools, linear model
Normal state –> Disease/trauma/health conidition –> Disabled state –> Medical intervention –> Normal state

Question 3

Social Ecological Model of Health

Answer 3

INFORM THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INTERVENTIONS THAT TARGET CHANGE AT MANY LEVELS OF INFLUENCE.
- How relationships, location, local policy affects health
- Draws on the social determinates of health

Question 4

Social Ecological Model of Health: Individual

Answer 4

• Individual biology, preferences, beliefs and personal traits

Question 4

Social Ecological Model of Health: Relationships

Answer 4

• Someone’s social circle contribute to their health
• Who you’re around plays a big part in beliefs and behaviors

Question 5

Social Ecological Model of Health: Community

Answer 5

• Settings where people have social relationships affect health
• School, workplace, neighborhood
• Does the community promote physical activity and healthy eating?

Question 6

Social Ecological Model of Health: Societal

Answer 6

Broad factors on a structural level
- Social norms, economic/educational factors, policies, socioeconomic inequalities that affect health

Question 7

Social Ecological Model of Health: Childhood Obesity

Answer 7

INDIVIDUAL: change individuals’ beliefs
- make programs for parents to help them understand childhood obesity
- create ads targeted to parents showing the risks of childhood obesity
RELATIONSHIPS: encourage healthy relationships
- make cooking classes for families where they all learn how to cook good food
- make athletic opportunities for children to get exercise and bond with friends
COMMUNITY: create healthier environments
- work with local grocery stores to help them increase fresh produce
- get farmers’ markers that accept food stamps for low-income residents
- Work with the city to improve walking trails
SOCIETAL
- create policies to encourage good health
- advocate for eliminating soft drinks from schools, ban trans fat in restaurant food, mandate bike lanes

Question 8

Purpose of Social Ecological Model of Health

Answer 8

Behavioral change is maximized when
- environments and policies support healthy choices
- social norms for healthy choices are positive
- individuals are motivated to make healthy choices