Session 1 - Concepts of Health, Disease and Illness

Question 1

Give the WHO 1948 definition of Health.

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Explain the 3 components of the WHO 1948 definition of Health.

Answer 2

Physical - the functionality of the body

Mental - the human psychological, emotional and intellectual state

Social - the ability to connect and function as a member of society

Question 3

Name the concepts of health.

Answer 3

Biomedical
Ecological
Psychosocial
Holistic

Question 4

Explain the biomedical concept of health.

Answer 4

Health equates to the absence of disease

It follows the analogy of the human body as a machine. Disease results in the break down of that machine and it is the doctor’s task to repair the machine.

The limitation of this concept is that it has minimised the role of environmental, social, psychological and cultural determinants of health.

Question 5

Explain the ecological concept of health.

Answer 5

This concept views health as a dynamic equilibrium between man and the environment therefore disease occurs when there is maladjustment (Inability to react successfully and satisfactorily to the demands of one’s environment)of the human to their environment.

It supports the need for clean air, safe water, etc. to be healthy.

Question 6

Explain the psychosocial concept of health.

Answer 6

This concept views health as not only a biomedical or ecological concept but one which is influenced by social, psychological, cultural, economic and political factors of the people concerned.

It features a more complex interaction as compared to the ecological concept but it is a more comprehensive approach.

Question 7

Explain the holistic concept of health.

Answer 7

This concept brings all the other concepts together. It implies that all sectors of society have an effect on health.

Its been defined as a unified or multidimensional process involving the well being of the whole person in context of their environment.

Question 8

Explain the Mandala of Health.

Answer 8

It is a model of health and community ecosystem that represents health determinants as concentric nested influences beginning with the person at the center (separated into body, mind, and spirit) and moving outwards to the social and physical environment then including culture, economic, and societal influences.

The aim is to draw attention to a wide range of health determinants.

Question 9

List the various criteria that must be taken into consideration when discussing a definition of health.

Answer 9

1. Language
2. Value
3. Goal
4. Theory
5. Homogeneity
6. Reliability
7. Measurement
8. Precision
9. Simplicity

Question 10

Explain how the theories of health can be divided into (at least) four different monistic kinds as proposed in the article by Per-anders Tengland (2007)

Answer 10

1. functional normality
2. balance -balance between individual’s goals, abilities & environment in which
   individual acts. health compromised by goals being too ambitious, ability insufficient or environment too harsh. Increase health by increasing ability, changing goal or manipulating environment.
3. ability - 3 components: ability, goals & environment. lack of ability is lack of some degree of health, however there is opportunity to learn ability.
4. well-being

Question 11

Mention and discuss the health-related right as stipulated in the Constitution of South Africa.

Answer 11

Section 27 of the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare services and no one may be refused emergency medical treatment.

(Double check last segment on WhatsApp notes)

Question 12

What is a disease?

Answer 12

From the biomedical point of view it is seen as opposite to health.

It is abnormality of a part of the body and/or functioning of the body

Form of pathology or medical problem, defect, or impairment.

Question 13

What is an illness?

Answer 13

It is a manifestation of such pathology, medical problem, defect or impairment - symptoms and signs.

It limits the functional capacity of individuals within society.

Question 14

List Boorse’s 7 major themes that are prominent in the discussion of what or a disease entails.

Answer 14

Pain, suffering and discomfort
Treatment by doctor
Statistical normality
Disability
Adaptation
Homeostasis
Value

Question 15

Explain the language criterion.

Answer 15

A definition should not differ much from our ordinary use of the concept

Question 16

Explain the Value criterion.

Answer 16

A definition should capture the positive value that the concept of health has.

Question 17

Explain the Goal criterion

Answer 17

A definition should make the goals of the healthcare sector (health promotion) reasonable

Question 18

Explain the Theory criterion.

Answer 18

It is preferable if the concept is presented as a conceptual theory which can help us pick out processes which fall under the concept.

Question 19

Explain the Homogeneity criterion.

Answer 19

It is preferable if health is defined in terms of a homogenous category

Question 20

Explain the Reliability criterion.

Answer 20

It is better if the definition is stated in observable terms rather than theoretical ones

Question 21

Explain the Measurement criterion.

Answer 21

It is preferable if the defining characteristics are measurable to some extent.

Question 22

Explain the Precision criterion.

Answer 22

The definition should be stated in precise and well-known terms.

Question 23

Explain the Simplicity criterion.

Answer 23

The fewer exceptions or additions there are to the definition, the better.