Chapter 6 Terminology

Global Health

The study and improvement of health issues that affect populations worldwide, recognizing that individual health is connected to community, national, and global conditions and requires international cooperation.

Malnutrition

A condition defined by the World Health Organization as 'deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients.' It includes both undernutrition and overnutrition.

Undernutrition

A form of malnutrition caused by insufficient intake of nutrients, calories, or protein. It can result in stunting, wasting, underweight conditions, and micronutrient deficiencies and is linked to nearly half of childhood deaths worldwide.

Obesity

A form of overnutrition characterized by excessive body fat. In adults, obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater and is associated with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Food Insecurity

The inability of a household to obtain enough nutritious food to sustain its members, often leading to malnutrition and poor health outcomes.

Reproductive Health

According to the WHO, a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system and its functions. It includes the ability to have a safe and satisfying sex life and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to reproduce.

Maternal Mortality

The death of a woman due to complications related to pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. Common causes include hemorrhage, infection (sepsis), unsafe abortions, obstructed labor, and hypertensive disorders.

Social Determinants of Health

The social, economic, and environmental conditions that influence health outcomes, including access to healthcare, income, education, transportation, housing, culture, and healthcare quality.

World Health Organization (WHO)

A specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1948 to coordinate international public health efforts, combat diseases, improve nutrition, and promote maternal and child health around the world.

Infectious Disease

A disease caused by a pathogen such as a virus, bacterium, parasite, or fungus that can spread among people, animals, or environments. Examples discussed in the chapter include tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, measles, polio, and Covid-19.