What does health mean to individuals?

Question 1

Definition of health - early

Answer 1

“health is the opposite to illness” - prior WW2

- narrow one dimensional

Question 2

Definition of health - post WW2

Answer 2

“a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” - WHO 1946

• more holistic but still excludes spiritual
• ‘complete’ limits ability to achieve optimal health

Question 3

Dimensions of health

Answer 3

• Physical
• Social
• Mental
• Spiritual

Question 4

Dimensions - physical

Answer 4

refers to state of the physical body:

• efficient organ function
• level of fitness
• nutritional status
• degree of energy
• body weight
• resistance to disease

Question 5

Dimensions - social

Answer 5

refers to the ability to be able to get on with others:

• positive relationships
• relating to a range of people

Question 6

Dimensions - mental

Answer 6

refers to feelings and emotions:

• how we feel
• express emotions
• coping with everyday stresses and challenges

Question 7

Dimensions - spiritual

Answer 7

refers to a sense of purpose and meaning in life:

• knowing yourself
• respecting your inner-being

Question 8

Health is a result of ___________ between each of the _______________. As one _________ improves, so too might another in an _________ way.

Answer 8

Health is a result of complex interactions between each of the four dimensions. As one dimension improves, so too might another in an indirect way.

Question 9

Individual Circumstances Affect Health

Answer 9

Circumstances:

• Heredity
• Experiences & environmental factors
• Ability to make informed health decisions (SES)
• Opportunities to access heath services (Location)

Question 10

Health status is c_______ c______

Answer 10

Health status is constantly changing:

- dynamic nature of health

Question 11

Health is r______

Answer 11

RELATIVE:

- Can be compared to others eg. age/generations, population groups can be compared

Question 12

Implications of different perceptions - individual

Answer 12

Individually a person’s perception of health will determine whether he or she takes appropriate ‘health enhancing’ actions.

Question 13

Implications of perception - government

Answer 13

At a policy level, different perceptions held by government, health professionals etc. may drive the health agenda for developing strategies and interventions – this could influence policies relating to health education, budget expenditure on certain areas etc.

Question 14

Implications of perception - family

Answer 14

Parental disapproval of a young persons particular behaviour may serve as a deterrent to them. Meaning they make a poor health choice.

Question 15

Implications of perception - media

Answer 15

Young people can be stigmatised by the poor behaviour of a few as reported in the media – Corey Worthington. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc0CB6URrV0

Question 16

Implications of perception - attitudes/bias

Answer 16

We may treat people differently based on our perceptions i.e. a person in a wheelchair is unhealthy. Or we may not think that mental health is important – and only focus on the physical

Question 17

Perceptions of health - social construct

Answer 17

We construct our own meanings of health depending on our social circumstances

different people = different perceptions

thus health can be viewed from a socio-cultural perspective, this allows us to look at the underlying causes or contributing factors relating to health status

Question 18

Health status is =

Answer 18

Health status is not only an individual concern, but recognises it has a wider community impact

Question 19

Choices we make about health are based on:

Answer 19

Choices we make about health are based on:
- social
- cultural
- economic
- environmental 
conditions

Question 20

ATSI

Answer 20

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders:

• most disadvantages SES group (ses = socio-eco status)
• poorer education levels
• high unemployment rates
• great difficultly accessing health services
• lower rates of home ownership
• risk factors for ill health: smoking, drinking, obesity

Question 21

3 sections of health as social construct

Answer 21

• Media
• Peers
• Family

Question 22

Social construct - media

Answer 22

Impact of the media has dramatically increased with advances of technology
- media is everywhere all the time
media promotes:
- slim girls
- muscly guys
Young people receive negative health coverage even though they are the healthiest age group

Question 23

Social construct - peers

Answer 23

A major source of security is found in the approval of their peers
Friends and school acquaintances can be influential by exchanging healthy information, modelling behaviours and exerting peer pressure eg teasing

Question 24

Social construct - family

Answer 24

Children or young people can learn health or unhealthy habits by observing the behaviour of their parents/carers

Question 25

Health behaviours of young people

Answer 25

Adolescence is a time of rapid emotional, physical and intellectual transition, when young people move from being dependent children to independent adults.

Adolescence is also a time when young people face a range of life events and make decisions that can have an impact on their immediate and longer term health

Question 26

Health status of young people

Answer 26

Young Australians have a positive health status YAY, they are fairing well!

Over 85% of young people (12-24yrs) rate their health as excellent, very good or good.

Question 27

Health of young people’s protective behaviours

Answer 27

• improved use of contraception

- eating well