Health Perspectives and Determinants – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core health concepts, determinants, cultural factors, prevention levels, and daily health behaviors from the provided notes.

Narrow view of health

Absence of disease or disability or biological dysfunction; focuses only on physical issues and ignores social, emotional, and psychological factors.

Broad view of health

State of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity; integrates physical, psychological, and social components.

Physical health

Absence of disease or disability affecting the body parts; contrasts healthy vs unhealthy physical status.

Psychological health

Mental and emotional well-being; changes in behavior; signs can include lack of sympathy, need for therapy, or addiction.

Social component of health

Recognition that social factors (relationships, balance, support) influence health outcomes.

New view on health

Health as the extent to which individuals or groups realize aspirations, satisfy needs, and cope with or adapt to the environment.

Health as homeostasis and resilience

Health described as the ability to maintain internal balance (homeostasis) and recover from insults.

Mental health (as part of overall health)

A person’s intellectual, emotional, and social capacity to handle stress, acquire skills, and maintain relationships that support resilience.

Wellness

A dynamic state of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being enabling a person to reach full potential and enjoy life.

Well-being

A holistic integration of mental and physical health guiding disease prevention and health promotion.

Subjective well-being

A valid population outcome measure based on how people perceive the quality of their own life.

Factors in well-being

Contributors like genes, personality, environment, and the nature-nurture interaction.

Primary prevention

Actions that prevent the onset of illness or injury (e.g., immunization, regular exercise).

Secondary prevention

Reactive measures that enable early diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent progression (e.g., blood pressure screening, breast self-exam).

Tertiary prevention

Rehabilitation-focused measures after significant illness to prevent further complications.

Public health

Organized societal efforts to keep people healthy and prevent injury, illness, and premature death.

Population health

Strategies that address underlying social determinants (e.g., poverty, access to care) that constrain health gains.

Culture

Shared knowledge, beliefs, and values that characterize a social group.

Ethnocentrism

Belief that one’s own culture is superior to others.

Cultural blindness

Unintentional bias where differences are ignored, making people feel discounted.

Culture shock

Discomfort from living in a culture different from one’s own.

Cultural imposition

Imposing one’s own cultural views on others without considering alternative benefits.

Stereotyping

Preconceived judgments about a group or its members.

Relevance of culture for health

Culture influences health behaviors, beliefs, attitudes, reactions to illness, and communication patterns.

Stigma of illness

Social disapproval or discrimination attached to certain illnesses and health conditions.

Cultural meaning of illness

Cultural beliefs shape what is considered stigmatized and how illness is understood.

Determinants of health

Factors that make people healthy or unhealthy, including behavior, environment, biology, and social factors.

Risk factors

Environmental and behavioral influences that increase the likelihood of health problems and disease.

Preventive health behaviors

Actions taken to maintain health and prevent disease (e.g., diet, exercise, screenings).

Illness behaviors

Activities undertaken by someone who perceives themselves as ill to seek relief or treatment.

Compliance behaviors

Following prescribed treatment plans and medical advice.

Utilization behaviors

Use of health services (e.g., antenatal care, family planning) for health needs.

Rehabilitation behaviors

Behaviors aimed at recovering function after illness or injury.

Social determinants of health (examples)

Factors like availability of daily resources, exposure to crime, social support, mass media, and quality of schools that influence health.

Physical determinants

Natural environment, built environment, worksites, housing, exposure to toxins, physical barriers, and aesthetics.

Health services barriers

Barriers such as lack of availability, high cost, language barriers, and lack of insurance access.

Individual health behaviors

Personal choices like diet, physical activity, and use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Biology and genetics

Genetic factors and biological makeup that influence health and disease risk.

Age, sex, HIV status, inherited conditions, cancer risk

Demographic and biomedical factors that influence health risk and are often non-modifiable.

Risk factors (non-modifiable vs modifiable)

Non-modifiable: race, genetics, age; Modifiable: behaviors and environmental exposures.

Pregnancy nutrition (heme iron, seafood, vitamins)

Guidelines for nutrients during pregnancy: iron-rich foods, sea­food 8–12 oz/week, pregnancy vitamins.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by brittle bones, increasing fracture risk.

Diet-related chronic diseases

Chronic conditions linked to diet, such as hypertension and cancer.

Food safety basics

Practices to prevent foodborne illness: wash hands, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures, refrigerate promptly.