Week 3: Macro-social influences on health Flashcards
Define the term ‘macro-social’ and provide two examples of macro-social factors.
Macro-social’ refers to large-scale societal forces impacting groups of people. Examples include government policies and economic systems.
Explain how corporate globalization contributes to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Corporate globalization promotes unhealthy commodities like processed foods and sugary drinks in low- and middle-income countries, leading to a rise in NCDs like obesity and diabetes.
What is meant by the “myth of the responsible consumer”?
The “myth of the responsible consumer” places sole blame on individuals for unhealthy choices, disregarding powerful corporate and societal influences.
Describe the concept of a “health gradient” and its implications.
A “health gradient” shows a consistent relationship between socioeconomic status and health outcomes, with lower socioeconomic groups experiencing poorer health.
What are two effective strategies to decrease unwanted births, and why are they important in the context of global health?
Access to contraception and education for women are effective strategies. These decrease unwanted births, reducing poverty and improving maternal and child health.
Why is poverty considered the greatest cause of ill health and early mortality?
Poverty limits access to healthcare, sanitation, clean water, and nutritious food, increasing vulnerability to disease and premature death.
How does life expectancy differ between men and women in industrialized societies?
Women tend to live longer than men, but experience poorer overall health and higher rates of chronic illness.
Identify three potential explanations for health disparities among different ethnic groups.
Socioeconomic disparities, cultural differences in health behaviors, and experiences of racism contribute to health inequalities among ethnic groups.
What is meant by “culturally competent health care,” and why is it important?
Culturally competent health care acknowledges and respects diverse health beliefs and practices, tailoring services to meet specific cultural needs.
Briefly describe two ways in which traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) views health and illness
TCM emphasizes maintaining balance between yin and yang energies for health. It also incorporates Confucian and Buddhist beliefs, considering destiny and karma in understanding illness.
What are macro-social influences on health?
Large-scale social, economic, and political factors that affect health, such as tobacco taxation, corporate practices, and environmental pollution.
What is the impact of poverty on health?
Poverty limits access to healthcare, causes poor nutrition, and increases exposure to harmful environments, leading to worse health outcomes
