Topic 2: intro to medical sociology

Question 1

Define medical sociology and what it consists of

Answer 1

Studies social context of health and focuses on:
- Experience of disease as a social experience
- Social + cultural values shaping health behavior
- Health can be influneced by social forces

Question 2

Explain ‘disease as a social experience’

Answer 2

Patient’s social life changes as a result of disease
- It is not a fixed social experience = different people experience same condition differently e.g. age
- Experience with disease depends on life circumstances + social context e.g. younger patient feels stigmatized in a dialysis room

Question 3

Explain how socio-cultural values shape our health behaviour

Answer 3

Cultural beliefs can influence not adhering to therapy properly as these beliefs are very influential = people’s second nature

Question 4

Explain how social forces influence health

Answer 4

• Socio-economic background = associates ill health + high mortality
• Working class = higher mortality/morbidity rates
• May be due to access to resources

Question 5

How is medical sociology useful in medical practice?

Answer 5

• Gain general knowledge about social influences on health
• During history taking can get patients social history + perspective + concern
• Knowledge of social enironment = helps understand condition
• More knowledge = better medical treatment
  More knowledge = better empathy = more patient tells
• Understand patient holistically = patient satisfied
• If patient satisfied = more likely to adhere to therapy

Question 6

Define empathy

Answer 6

Show understanding of patient’s feelings + perspective