What is Health?

Question 1

Define statistical normality

Answer 1

Based on Gaussian distribution: 95% of the population should be within 2.5 SDs of the mean

Question 2

Define social normality

Answer 2

What society considers acceptable or desirable

Changes with different cultures and over time

Question 3

Define optimal normality

Answer 3

Normal = optimal health (e.g. BMI 20-25, eGFR>90)

Question 4

Define illness

Answer 4

Subjective experience, varies between people. Illness can exist without pathology

Question 5

Define disease

Answer 5

Pathological process confirmed by signs, symptoms and deviation from the biological norm

Question 6

Define sickness

Answer 6

Social role given to those perceived to be ill

Question 7

WHO definition of health

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What is the Medical Model of health? What are the pros and cons?

Answer 8

The medical model states health= absence of disease and causes of ill health can be identified by signs and symptoms.

Focuses on the process of diagnosis

• Pros: Focuses on the individual (patient is the target of interventions)
• Cons:
  
  • May not be applicable to chronic conditions
  • Places power in the hands of the medical profession
  • Does not consider impacts of social and psychological impacts on health

Question 9

What is the Social Model of health?

What are the pros and cons?

Answer 9

The social model of health suggests health and disease also caused by social factors

• Pros
  
  • Takes into account lay beliefs
  • Recognises autonomy and rights

Question 10

What is the biopsychosocial model of health?

Answer 10

States Drs need to recognise that normality and health are socially as well as biologically defined

Health is multidimensional

Recognises the importance of lay beliefs on health

Question 11

What are the 4 dimensions of health?

Answer 11

Physical

Social

Mental/emotional

Spiritual