HLTENN040 sociocultural aspects

What is Pharmacology?

The branch of medical science that deals with the properties and characteristics of chemical agents used for medicinal and other purposes.

What is a major focus of pharmacology?

To promote adherence to medication regimens and self-care, greatly influenced by a person’s own sociocultural context.

What is the earliest known natural substance used because of its profound effects on the human body?

Alcohol

List three significant medical advances mentioned in the lecture.

Vaccines (1796), Anesthesia (1846), Medical imaging (1895), Penicillin (1928)

What is genetic engineering?

Involves the transfer of genes into human cells for therapeutic effect.

What was the first drug to be made using genetic engineering?

Human insulin (1978)

Who does medication advertising target?

Healthcare professionals and the consumer

What does the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulate in Australia?

The advertisement of drugs.

What are Over-the-counter (OTC) products?

Products that are available without prescription, restriction or supervision, and available through pharmacies, health food stores and supermarkets.

What should a thorough patient history include regarding Over-the-counter (OTC) medications?

Herbal remedies, vitamins and minerals, or any other preparations that can potentially impact on prescription medication they may be taking.

What are the three names that most drugs have?

Chemical, Generic, Brand (Trade)

What is the chemical name of a drug?

A precise description of the drug’s chemical composition and molecular structure.

What is the generic name of a drug?

A simplified chemical name given to a drug by its original manufacturer.

What is the brand name of a drug?

The name of the manufacturer that sells the drug.

Why is it important that health professionals refer to medicines by their generic names?

To avoid mistakes and confusion.

What is 'polypharmacy'?

A situation where older persons take multiple medications due to being more prone to illnesses.

List 3 consequences of polypharmacy.

Adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, financial expense, falling levels of orientation and alertness, diagnostic problems, with a medicine mimicking a disease state

What are some cultural considerations regarding drug therapy?

Differing perceptions of health and illness, Differing beliefs and values towards medicine (Western and traditional), Differing influences on decision-making processes such as kinship

What are some health-related issues that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations have a higher incidence of compared to non-Indigenous people?

Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension, Diabetes, Tuberculosis, Cancers of the lower respiratory tract, Acute and chronic infections.

What is health literacy?

How individuals obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.

What factors are central to Indigenous people's sense of well-being?

Environmental and spiritual factors