Sociocultural factors + indigenous health

List Sociocultural Factors (5)

family, peer groups, education, income, health literacy

Define Health literacy

how people access, understand and use health information and services

Why is Education Important? (3)

workforce entry, higher health literacy, better-paying jobs

Define Self assessed health status

an individuals own perception of their health and wellbeing

Influence of culture to Indigenous Australians (5)

reasons for using health services, acceptance of treatment, likelihood they adhere to treatment, the impact of health promotion strategies

What is the WHO definition of H&WB?

a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

What are strengths of the WHO definition? (2)

more holistic concept of H&WB due to inclusion of the word ‘wellbeing’, presents health positively by not focusing on disease, injury and illness

What are weaknesses of WHO definition? (2)

the word complete suggests that their is a perfect level of H&WB, it neglects emotional and spiritual dimensions

What is the Aboriginal & Torres strait islander definition of H&WB?

Aboriginal wellbeing means not just the physical wellbeing of an individual but refers to the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community in which each individual is able to achieve their full potential as a human being, thereby bringing about the total wellbeing of their community.

How is Aboriginal definition of H&WB different to WHO definition?

it includes culture as a component of wellbeing and views health and wellbeing as a holistic concept

Define sociocultural factors

the social and cultural conditions into which people are born, grow, live, work and age