What is Health?

Question 1

What is the 1948 WHO definition of health?

Answer 1

A state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

Question 2

What are two factors that determine normality?

Answer 2

Statistical

Cultural

Question 3

Describe statistical normality

Answer 3

The normal distribution:
When statistic plotted along horizontal axis for the variable (i.e. time) with the vertical axis representing probability of observing the value - it produces a bell shaped curve

Question 4

Describe culture normality

Answer 4

Depends on expectations and standard of the society, and thus on political and economic factors as well

Question 5

Apply ‘normality’ to peak flow readings

Answer 5

Somebodies ‘normal’ range may be out of the statistical predicted normal level, and the average range may indicate that the patient is unwell

Question 6

Apply ‘normality’ to FBC

Answer 6

Haemoglobin levels may lie in ‘abnormal’ range, but that valve may be normal and healthy to the individual

Question 7

What is the scientific view of health?

Answer 7

Health as the absence of disease or illness

Question 8

What are the 5 characteristics set out by David Seedhouse in defining positive ideas about health?

Answer 8

Health as:
An ideal state 
Physical and mental fitness
Commodity
Personal strength or ability 
Basis for personal potential

Question 9

What were the general public’s view on health (Blaxter 1995)?

Answer 9

Absence of disease
Physical fitness
Functional ability

Question 10

What are the three different views on health with Lays Health Beliefs?

Answer 10

Age
Gender
Social Class

Question 11

Describe Age in Lays Health Beliefs

Answer 11

Older people concerned with functional ability

Younger people focused on physical strength and fitness

Question 12

Describe Gender in Lays Health Beliefs

Answer 12

Men and women think about health differently
Women may find concept of health more interesting
Women add a social aspect to healthth

Question 13

Describe Social Class in Lays Health Beliefs

Answer 13

People living in difficult economic and social circumstances regard health as functional - the ability to be productive, cope and take are of others

Women of high social class or educational qualifications have a more multidimensional view of health

Question 14

What are different views of health?

Answer 14

Depends on whether you’re a professional, where you live, circumstances, how old you are and gender