Models of Health - BM, OPH, NPH

Question 1

biomedical model of health

Answer 1

Focus on physical or biological aspects of disease. An individualised, medical model of care practised by doctors and health professionals associated with the diagnosis, treatment (and cure) of disease.

Question 2

old public health

Answer 2

Government policies and practices focusing mainly on changes to the physical environment to prevent infectious diseases.

Question 3

new public health

Answer 3

Focus on the broader factors that influence health and wellbeing; sociocultural and environmental (and political) factors that impact health to prevent lifestyle diseases.

Question 4

infectious and parasitic diseases/communicable diseases

Answer 4

Caused by infectious agents
- bacteria e.g. TB, cholera
- viruses e.g. COVID-19
- parasites e.g. malaria
- fungi or their toxic products

Question 5

non-communicable diseases

Answer 5

Lifestyle diseases caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors.
E.g. CVD, cancers, COPD, T2D, mental illness

Question 6

Medical advancements for CVD

Answer 6

• blood pressure reader
• x-ray
• ultrasound
• anti-hypertensives (blood pressure lowering medication)

Question 7

Medical advancements for obesity

Answer 7

• lap band surgery
• appetite suppressant medication

Question 8

Medical advancements for infections/infectious diseases

Answer 8

• vaccinations
• antibiotics for bacterial infections including TB, NOT viruses e.g. measles, COVID-19

Question 9

Medical advancements for cancer

Answer 9

• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• surgery

Question 10

Advantages/Strengths of Biomedical Model

Answer 10

• Creates advancements in medical technology THEREFORE more effective diagnosis and treatment increasing health status.
• Enables treatment of many conditions which could otherwise cause death THEREFORE increasing life expectancy.
• Individualised approach THEREFORE treatment is tailored to individual case, increase effectiveness in improving quality of life/lowering DALYs.

Question 11

Disadvantages/limitations of biomedical model

Answer 11

• Costly (for individual and nation) e.g. medical technology THEREFORE not everyone can afford to access healthcare e.g. low SES.
• Relies on trained healthcare professionals THEREFORE accessibility can be limited if demand high e.g. waiting lists for surgery or appointments.
• Not every condition can be treated/cured e.g. cancer has treatment available but no cure, quadriplegia is permanent THEREFORE it’s impact on health status is limited.
• Doesn’t always promote good health and wellbeing as is “band-aid fix” e.g. doesn’t address cause or focus on encouraging people to be responsible for their own health THEREFORE limited impact on incidence.

Question 12

Old Public Health POLICIES

Answer 12

• Quarantine laws e.g. COVID-19
• Food quality and legislation e.g. to reduce food poisoning
• Housing regulations e.g. sewerage systems and ventilation
• Workplace regulations e.g. workplace safety laws to prevent injuries

Question 13

Old Public Health PRACTICES

Answer 13

• Provision of clean water
• Improved sanitation e.g. garbage/waste removal systems
• Mass vaccination programs e.g. TB, measles