3.2.1

Question 1

Biomedical model of health *

Answer 1

Is a model which focuses on the physical or biological aspects of disease and illness.

It is a medical model of care practiced by doctors and health professionals.

It is associated with the diagnosis, cure and treatment of disease.

Question 2

Strengths of the biomedical model

Answer 2

1. It extends life expectancy: the biomedical approach means many causes of death in the past can now be diagnosed, treated and cured. Thus reducing mortality and increasing life expectancy.
2. It creates advancements in technology: this model has lead to the development of many diagnostic and treatment tools (e.g..). also led to research and improved knowledge on how to diagnose and treat illness.

Question 3

Weaknesses of the biomedical model

Answer 3

1. Not every condition can be treated: cannot effectively treat or cure every disease. these may be preventable but this is not a focus of this model.
2. Affordability: not everyone can afford medical technologies and resources apart of this model. this is an important factor contributing to differences in health status.

Question 4

Health promotion*

Answer 4

Is about enabling people to increase control over and improve their health.

Question 5

Public Health*

Answer 5

Refers to the efforts to improve the health status of populations.

In particular, it refers to how governments monitor, regulate and promote health status AND prevent disease.

Question 6

old public health*

Answer 6

Refers to government actions that focused mainly on changing the physical environment to prevent the spread of mainly infectious disease.

For example: providing safe water, sanitation and sewage disposal. As well as improved nutrition, housing and work conditions.

Question 7

old public health initiatives: Sanitation

Answer 7

Improved sanitation by providing sewage systems and waste management reduces the rate of infectious diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea

Question 8

old public health initiatives: housing environment

Answer 8

Improved housing by implementing features like adequate ventilation can reduce respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

Question 9

Social model of health*

Answer 9

Refers to an approach to health that recognises improvements in health can only be achieved by addressing the environmental, sociocultural and political factors which impact health.

For example: education, income and geographic location.

Question 10

Strengths of the Social Model

Answer 10

1. Life expectancy can be increased: promotes good health due to focus on prevention of illness/disease in the first place.
2. Healthcare costs are reduced/pressure on the healthcare is reduced, as it prevents illnesses from occurring in the first place.

Question 11

Weaknesses of the Social Model

Answer 11

1. Health promotion can still be ignored: the message may not reach the intended population groups.
2. Not all diseases or conditions can be prevented, e.g. hereditary illnesses.

Question 12

The relationship between the Social and Biomedical Model

Answer 12

e.g. in immunisation:
social model: is the rollout of programs for immunisations
Biomedical: is the research, creation, and testing behind developing the vaccine.

Question 13

Ottawa Chater of health promotion*

Answer 13

Is an approach to health developed by the World Health Organisation that attempts to reduce inequalities in health.

It was developed from the social model of health and defines health promotion as ‘the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health’.

The Ottawa Charter provides five action areas that can be used for improving health.

Question 14

Bad Cats Smell Dead Rats

Answer 14

Build healthy public policy
Create supportive environments
Strengthen community action
Develop personal skills
Reorient health services

Question 15

Build healthy public policy

Answer 15

Is about developing policy/legislation/rule/regulations to promote health.

Question 16

Create supportive environments

Answer 16

Is about creating environments (such as pysical environments) that help make the healthier choice the easier choice to promote health.

Question 17

Strengthen community action

Answer 17

Is about involving and encouraging people from all parts of the community to work together to improve health outcomes.

Question 18

Develop personal skills

Answer 18

Is about informing and empowering people to make healthier choices by improving skills and knowledge to improve health.

Question 19

Reorient health services

Answer 19

Is about changing the focus of health services from biomedical to a preventative healthcare approach, so encouraging medical professionals to take a preventative approach to improve health.