HHD General Terms

Health

A state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. (WHO, 1946)

Wellbeing

A complex combination of all dimensions of health, characterised by an equilibrium in which the individual feels happy, healthy, capable and engaged.

Illness

The state of feeling unwell, or being in poor health, often due to disease or injury

Sustainability

Refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (UN, 1987)

Maternal Mortality

Refers to the number of deaths of women due to pregnancy, childbirth or during the six weeks after the end of pregnancy.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

The current state of wellbeing relating to the mind or brain and its ability to think and process information. A mentally healthy brain enables an individual to positively form opinions, make decisions and use logic. Mental health and wellbeing is about the wellness of the mind rather than illness. It is associated with low levels of stress and anxiety, positive self-esteem, as well as a sense of confidence and optimism.

Discrimination

When a person, or a group of people, is treated less favourably than another person or group because of their background or certain personal characteristics such as age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status (Australian Human Rights Commission).

Inequality

Refers to one group having unequal opportunities in life compared to another group.

Burden of disease

• a measure of the impact of disease and injuries

• specifically, it measures the gap between current HS and an ideal situation where everyone lives to an old age free of disease and disability

• measured in a unit called a DALY

Double burden of disease

Characterised by the coexistence of communicable disease (often associated with poverty) and noncommunicable diseases (often associated with wealth) within the one country.

Life expectancy

An indication of how long a person can expect to live. It is the number of years of life remaining to a person if current death rates do not change.

Health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE)

A measure of the burden of disease, based on life expectancy at birth, but including an adjustment for time spent in poor health. It is the number of years in full health that a person can expect to live based on current rates of ill-health and mortality.

Dynamic

constantly changing

Subjective

Influenced by or based on a person’s feelings, opinions and experiences

Self-assessed health status

An overall measure of a population’s health based on a person’s own perceptions of their health.

Under 5 mortality

The number of deaths among children aged under 5 years of age.

Infant mortality

The number of deaths among children aged under 1 in given period.

Mortality

The number of deaths caused by a particular disease, illness or other environmental factor.

Disability-adjusted life year (DALY)

A measure of the burden of disease; one DALY equals one year of healthy life lost due to premature death and time lived with illness, disease or injury.

Morbidity

Refers to ill-health in an individual and the levels of ill-health in a population or group.

Prevalence

The number or proportion of cases of a particular disease or condition present in a population at a given time.

Incidence

The number or rate of NEW cases of a particular condition during a specific time.

Body Mass Index

Body mass refers to the body weight of a person, and BMI is calculated by dividing weight (kg) by height (m2). A BMI b/w 25 to >30 = overweight, <30 = obese. BMI is used to determine the amount of body fat an individual has to assess o/o levels in a population.

*BMI is not an appropriate calculation for body builders + some athletes, pregnant women, children, those who are physically disabled + the elderly → inaccurately calculates level of body fat!

atherosclerosis

The hardening and thickening of the walls of the arteries as a result of deposits of atheroma (a substance known as plaque) on their inner lining; this build-up of atheroma may slow down or stop blood flow.

human development

The process of increasing the opportunities and freedoms that people have to develop to their full potential and lead productive, creative lives, in accord with their needs and interests. (UN Development Programme, 1990)

benign tumour

An abnormal growth that is not cancer and does not spread to other areas of the body.

bilateral aid

Where aid is given by the government of one country directly to the government of another country. An example of bilateral aid is when Australia provides aid to East Timor.

biological factors

factors relating to the body that impact on HWB and overall levels of HS

• sex (gender)

• age

• blood cholesterol

• BP

• genetic predisposition to disease

• genetic disorders

• body weight (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese) - birthweight

biomedical model of health

Focuses on the physical or biological aspects of disease and illness. It is a medical model of care practised by doctors and health professionals, and is associated with the diagnosis, treatment and cure of disease.

cancer

A range of disease characterised by uncontrolled and abnormal cell growth. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, causing further damage.

E.g lung cancer, breast cancer

cardiovascular disease

Cardio = heart, blood vessels = vascular

Includes all diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels (including heart, stroke and vascular diseases) caused mainly by blood supply to the heart, brain and legs.

diabetes mellitus

A metabolic disease in which high BGL result from defective insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.

chronic diseases

diseases marked by a long duration and frequent recurrence that often progress slowly, especially degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A progressive and long-term lung disease where damage to the lungs obstructs oxygen intake and causes increasing shortness of breath.

comorbidity

when people who have a disease or condition also have one or more other diseases or conditions.

emergency aid

The rapid assistance given to people or countries in immediate distress to relieve suffering, during and after human-made emergencies (such as wars) and natural disasters (such as flood, tsunami or earthquake); can also be called humanitarian aid.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL)

Known as ‘good’ cholesterol, they recover cholesterol from cells, vessel walls and other lipoproteins to take back to the liver for disposal. HDLs tend to prevent or reverse the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL)

These carry most of the cholesterol from the liver to the cells. If there is an excess of cholesterol or it cannot be properly delivered to the cells, LDL (known as ‘bad’ cholesterol) tends to accumulate in the vessel walls, forming plaque and hardening the artery. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.

multilateral aid

Where aid is provided through an international organisation (such as the WHO, UN or the World Bank) to a country such as Syria. Multilateral aid combines donations from a number of high-income countries and distributes them to the recipients, usually middle- or low-income countries.

obesity

A condition in which a person’s weight is 20 per cent or more above ‘normal’ weight, or they have a BMI of 30 or more.

osteoarthritis

A group of diseases involving the degradation of joints and cartilage, causing stiffness and tenderness in the joints, as well as inflammation, pain and locking.

optimal HWB

The best possible state of an individual’s HWB for their age

overweight

A condition in which a person’s weight is 10 to 20 percent higher than ‘normal’, as defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 30.

prerequisites for health

The fundamental conditions and resources that provide a secure foundation for HWB, as defined by the WHO.

regional + remote populations

People who live in areas situation outside any city or metropolitan (urban) area that has a population greater than 100 000 people.

sociocultural factors

Aspects of society and the social environment that impact on HWB and overall levels of HS.

• Employment

• education

• income

• family

• social networks

• housing (community + belonging, overcrowding, homelessness, affordability)

• access to healthcare (culture, beliefs, affordability, education)

years of life lost due to disability (YLD)

The non-fatal component of the disease burden; a measure of the healthy years lost due to diseases or injuries.

years of life lost (YLL)

The fatal burden of disease of a population, defined as the years lost due to death.

socioeconomic status (SES)

Sometimes referred to as social class; the key elements of income, education level, employment status and occupational type determine a person’s socioeconomic status.

transparency

Used in social contexts as operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed. It implies openness, communication and accountability

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

A disorder in which a person’s body produces insulin in order to metabolise blood sugar, but either does not produce enough or does not use it effectively

Environmental factors

The surroundings in which we live, work and play; the environment includes water and air, workplaces, roads, nature, schools, recreation settings and exposure to hazards

• natural disasters

• infrastructure (roads, buildings)

• recreational facilities

• climate change

• geographic location (schools, healthcare, shops)

• workplace (sun exposure, labour intensive, low-skill = v pay, sedentary)

• public transport systems

• access to healthcare (location, building, space availability)

phytochemicals

bioactive chemical compounds found in plants; aka antioxidants

low-density lipoproteins (LDL)

These carry most of the cholesterol from the liver to the cells. If there is an excess of cholesterol or it cannot be properly delivered to the cells, LDL (known as ‘bad’ cholesterol) tends to accumulate in the vessel walls, forming plaque and hardening the artery. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.

cholesterol

A waxy, fat-like substance used by the body to build cell walls. It is either produced in the liver or absorbed from animal fats eaten.

malignant tumour

A mass of cancer cells that is likely to penetrate the tissues or organs in which it originated as well as move to other sites

soluble fibre

fibre in the form of pectins and gums found in fruits, vegetables, oat and legumes. It has a binding effect that can lead to the increased removal of cholesterol from the body, delay blood glucose absorption and contribute to health bacteria.

insoluble fibre

mainly cellulose; makes up the structural part of plant cell walls; has a major role in absorption of water and adding bulk to faeces to reduce risk of colorectal cancer.

peak bone mass

refers to the genetic potential for bone density

respiratory diseases

refers to conditions that affect the airways, lungs and breathing.

E.g COPD, asthma, pneumonia, influenza, cystic fibrosis & hayfever

communicable disease

E.g smallpox, whooping cough, STIs: HIV/AIDS, TB, polio, hepatitis

non-communicable disease

‘non-catchable’

vaccination

The process of providing immunity (orally or via injection) against infectious disease.

Immunisation

Making someone immune to infection, typically by vaccination.

Health care providers

Anyone involved in offering a service connected to health. This could be doctors, nurses, dentists, radiographers, chiropractors, any organisations or association.

schedule fee

A fee set for a service by the Commonwealth (federal) Government

gap amount

The difference between the Medicare benefit and the schedule fee

out-of-pocket costs

The difference between the Medicare benefit and what the doctor charges

chronic medical condition

A condition that has been present for at least six months, is likely to be present for six moths, or is terminal.

access

Refers to an individual being able to make use of particular services without barriers such as location, knowledge, time or cost.

Health promotion

The process of enabling people to increase control over, and improve, their health. (WHO, 1998)

NGO

agencies, businesses or bodies that are self-governing and provide a service.

Key focuses:

•         Assisting governments to develop nutrition policy and strategy frameworks

•         Provision of expert knowledge and advice to governments and government bodies through assisting with the shaping of key public health nutrition documents, advocacy, and lobbying

•         Research

low birthweight

The weight of a baby at birth that is less than 2500 g

Perinatal condition

A condition occurring in the baby during the period shortly before or after birth (usually up to 28 days after)

Equity

in relation to health and wellbeing refers to addressing the causes of inequality and providing strategies to ensure fairness. Equity is not about treating everyone equally but rather providing what individuals or groups require for health and wellbeing (VCAA FAQ, © VCAA).

fibre

A type of carbohydrate that the body does not digest.

extreme poverty

Currently measured as someone living on less than US$1.90 per day

grain (cereal) foods

The entire class of cereal/grain foods, including whole or partially processed cereal grains (e.g. rice, breads, cereals, oats, corn and barley), breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous, oats, quinoa and barley. It excludes cereal or grain-based products with a significant amount of added fat and sugar, such as cakes, pastries, pasta, noodles, polenta and biscuits

Gross Domestic Product

The total value of goods produced and services provided in a country during one year.

Gross National Income (GNI) per capita

Value of country’s total annual income, expressed in US dollars, and divided by its population to indicate the average income of the country’s citizens.

health status

An individual’s or a population’s overall health, taking into account various aspects such as life expectancy, amount of disability and levels of disease risk factors’ (AIHW, 2008).

health system

Activities whose primary purpose is to promote, restore and/or maintain health.

infant mortality rate

The number of deaths among children aged under one year in a given period, per 1000 live births in the same period.

international health regulations (IHR)

legally binding health regulations that provide countries with a set of rules to follow in the event of disease outbreak.

mass migration

the movement of large numbers of people from one geographical area to another. This is different to individual and seasonal migration.

maternal mortality ratio

The number of mothers who die as a result of pregnancy, childbirth or any related cause per 100 000 women who give birth

medicare

Australia’s universal healthcare system, which aims to improve the access to healthcare for all Australians and to provide access to adequate healthcare at little or no cost to Australians in need of treatment, regardless of age or income.

medicare safety net

An additional rebate scheme introduced by the federal government for the benefit of patients, covering a range of doctor’s visits and tests received out of hospital. It provides for reimbursement of 100 per cent of the MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule) fee for out-of-hospital services once the relevant threshold has been reached.

Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion

An approach to health promotion development by the World Health Organization that attempts to reduce inequalities in health. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion was developed from the social model of health and defines health promotion as ‘the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health’ (WHO 1998). The Ottawa Charter identifies three basic strategies for health promotion: enabling, mediating and advocacy.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

An Australian Government program that provides prescription medication to Australian residents, as well as foreign visitors covered by the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.

emotional health and wellbeing

Relates to the ability to express feelings in a positive way. It is about the positive management and expression of emotional actions and reactions as well as the ability to display resilience. Emotional health and wellbeing is the degree to which you feel emotionally secure and relaxed in everyday life.

physical health and wellbeing

Related to the functioning of the body and its systems. It includes the physical capacity to perform daily activities or tasks. Physical health and wellbeing is supported by factors such as regular physical activity, consuming a balanced diet, having appropriate rest/ sleep, maintaining an ideal body weight, and the absence of illness, disease or injury.

postpartum

the period of time following childbirth

primary healthcare

Refers to individual’s first contact with the healthcare system e.g Local clinics, Dentist visit, Community health centres, Health promotion program, GP visit, Prevention initiatives

public health

The organised response by society to protect and promote health, and to prevent illness, injury or disability.

quintile

A group derived by ranking the population according to specified criteria related to socioeconomic status and dividing it into five equal parts.

secondary healthcare

Includes health services and medical care provided by specialists after a referral from a primary healthcare professional. E.g Occupational therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech pathology

social action

Individual or group behaviour that involves interaction with other individuals or groups; organised action towards social reform.

• doing something to create positive change

E.g donations: time, money or things, think sustainably and don’t waste, campaign for change, joining protests, fundraising, boycotting certain products/ organisations until change is made, showing your support through social media #ActNow, sharing knowledge with others - building awareness of others

social health and wellbeing

Relates to the ability to form meaningful and satisfying relationships with others and to manage or adapt appropriately to different social situations. It also includes the level of support provided by a family and within a community to ensure that every person has equal opportunity to function as a contributing member of society. Social health and wellbeing is supported by strong communication skills, empathy for others and a sense of personal accountability.

social justice

people are treated fairly with equal right for all