SEDH: Epidemiological Transition

Question 1

What is health?

Answer 1

The constitution of the WHO defines health as, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Question 2

What is Global Health?

Answer 2

“…an area for study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide.
Global health emphasises transnational health issues, determinants and solutions; involves many disciplines within and beyond the health sciences and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and is a synthesis of population-level clinical care”

Question 3

What are some social determinants of health?

Answer 3

1. The Social Gradient
   Life expectancy is shorter and disease is more common down the social ladder in each society.
2. Stress
   Stressful circumstances, making people feel worried, anxious and unable to cope, are damaging to health and may lead to premature death.
3. Early Start
   The health impact of early development and education lasts a lifetime
4. Social Exclusion
   Poverty, relative deprivation and social exclusion have a major impact on health and premature death.
5. Work
   People who have more control over their work have better health
6. Unemployment
   Job security increases health, well-being and job satisfaction. Higher rates of unemployment can cause more illness and premature death.
7. Social Support
   Friendship, good social relations and strong supportive networks improve health at home, at work and in the community
8. Addiction
   Individuals turn to alcohol, drugs and tobacco and suffer from their use, but use is influenced by the wider social setting.
9. Food
   A good diet and adequate food supply are central for promoting health and well-being
10. Transport
    Healthy transport means less driving and more walking and cycling backed by better public transport.

Question 4

Give some examples of Inequity and Health

Answer 4

More unequal countries have:

• worse child well-being
• lower levels of trust
• higher prevalence of mental illness
• more drug use
• higher infant mortality rates
• greater adult obesity
• lower educational scores and more school drop outs
• higher teenage birth rates
• more homicides per capita
• more conflict amongst children
• higher rates of imprisonment
• greater social mobility
• poorer innovation
• lower levels of recycling
• Rich developed countries have reached a turning point in human history
• Politics now should be about the quality of social relations and how we can develop harmonious and sustainable societies.

There is a need for a more just and caring society - both economically and socially.