Week 2 Flashcards
(24 cards)
What are models of health and what role do they play in understanding health?
Models of health are frameworks that help understand the factors affecting health. They guide how we view health, prevent illness, and address health disparities. They shape health policies and interventions.
What is the Dahlgren-Whitehead Rainbow Model (Determinants of Health model)?
The Dahlgren-Whitehead model illustrates the various factors influencing health, ranging from individual lifestyle factors to broader social, economic, and environmental conditions. It highlights the layers of influence on health, with individual factors at the center and societal factors surrounding it.
How does the Dahlgren-Whitehead model compare with other models of health?
It contrasts with the Biomedical Model, which focuses on physical illness and clinical interventions, while the Dahlgren-Whitehead model considers broader social, environmental, and economic factors. It also differs from Cultural models of health like Aboriginal perspectives, which emphasize holistic health, including social, emotional, and cultural well-being.
How do these models represent strengths-based and/or deficit approaches to health?
The Biomedical Model tends to focus on a deficit approach, emphasizing disease and treatment. The Dahlgren-Whitehead model and Cultural models of health are more strengths-based, emphasizing community, social supports, and individual resilience in managing health.
What are the learning goals of this module?
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Identify and critically discuss various models of health from a determinants perspective.
2. Use inclusive language when discussing health concepts.
3. Critically discuss diverse concepts of health locally and globally, including Indigenous perspectives.
4. Compare and contrast how determinants of health contribute to population health outcomes.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of health using inclusive communication skills in team-based work.
What are determinants of health (DoH)?
Determinants of health are the underlying factors influencing health, including social, political, economic, and cultural conditions. They determine the likelihood of health outcomes and include both risk and protective factors. They explain why people are healthy or ill.
What is the role of determinants of health in epidemiology?
In epidemiology, determinants help understand the “aetiology” of a disease, which is the sum of all factors that contribute to the development of a disease. Determinants are seen as the “cause behind the cause” of health outcomes.
How do determinants of health affect individuals and communities?
Determinants of health influence the likelihood of disease or injury, but they do not directly cause health outcomes for every individual exposed. They interact in complex ways and can be both risk and protective factors
What is the role of models of health in understanding health?
Models of health help explain the complex factors affecting health, health outcomes, and solutions. They provide a framework to explore determinants, predict causes, and guide interventions.
What is the Biomedical Model of health?
The Biomedical Model focuses on diagnosing and treating physical diseases or disorders, mainly through medical and biological factors such as genetics, pathogens, and pathology. It is often associated with Western medicine and emphasizes a mechanistic view of health.
How does the Dahlgren-Whitehead Rainbow Model work?
The Dahlgren-Whitehead Rainbow Model illustrates layers of health determinants, from individual factors to broader societal influences, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and economic factors that impact health. It highlights the need for multi-sectoral action to address health inequities.
What is the significance of social determinants in the Dahlgren-Whitehead Rainbow Model?
The model shows that social determinants like income, education, and living conditions impact health outcomes. It highlights that health is not solely determined by biological factors but also by social and economic conditions.
What are cultural models of health?
Cultural models of health take a holistic approach, considering physical, social, emotional, and cultural aspects of health. Examples include Indigenous health models, such as Aboriginal Australian health models, and systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine.
How does the Aboriginal Australian health model differ from the Biomedical Model?
Aboriginal Australian health models emphasize community, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, integrating cultural values, whereas the Biomedical Model focuses on treating physical diseases and symptoms without considering broader cultural or community influences.
How do different models of health support understanding diverse perspectives on health?
By recognizing the varying cultural, social, and environmental factors affecting health, different models highlight diverse approaches and solutions. These models offer valuable insights for addressing health inequities in diverse populations.
Why is it important to understand different models of health in a professional context?
Understanding various models helps health professionals take a more holistic, inclusive, and culturally sensitive approach to care, enabling them to better address the needs of diverse populations and promote health equity.
What is a strengths-based approach to health?
A strengths-based approach focuses on ‘what is strong’ rather than ‘what is wrong.’ It emphasizes the positive attributes, skills, and resources of individuals and communities, empowering them to be active participants in their own health and care.
What is a deficit-based approach to health?
A deficit-based approach views people or communities in terms of their deficiencies or failures, often focusing on what is lacking or wrong. It can create barriers and reinforce negative stereotypes, placing the responsibility for problems solely on individuals or communities.
How does a deficit-based approach impact health outcomes?
A deficit-based approach can lead to negative stereotyping, health barriers, and a narrow focus on individual deficiencies, neglecting the broader socio-economic factors. This can prevent solutions from emerging and limit empowerment.
How can shifting to a strengths-based approach improve health outcomes?
By focusing on strengths, individuals and communities are empowered to contribute ideas and solutions. It promotes self-determination, equity, and independence, and encourages a more collaborative and positive approach to health and well-being.
What is “deficit discourse” and why is it problematic?
Deficit discourse represents individuals or groups in terms of deficiency or failure, placing the blame on them while overlooking broader socio-economic factors. It can reinforce negative stereotypes and hinder progress toward solutions.
How can you apply a strengths-based approach in future health practice?
In future practice, focusing on people’s strengths, resources, and community support can lead to more empowering and effective health interventions. Asking what people are capable of and how they can contribute shifts the focus from problems to solutions.
Why is it important to consider strengths-based vs. deficit-based approaches in health practice?
Considering these approaches is important to ensure health practices promote empowerment, independence, and respect. A strengths-based approach is key for building trust, fostering participation, and addressing the broader determinants of health.
How does viewing health through a strengths-based lens differ from a deficit lens?
A strengths-based lens focuses on positive aspects, emphasizing solutions and empowerment, whereas a deficit lens focuses on problems, deficiencies, and limitations, often overlooking the potential for growth and change.
