Public Health Lecture Notes

Flashcards on Public Health

Primary focus of public health

The promotion of better health.

Main goal of public health professionals

Preventing epidemics and the spread of disease.

Health disparities

Differences in health outcomes among different populations.

Primary role of public health professionals in addressing health disparities

Implementing community-level interventions.

Determinants of health

Social, economic, environmental, and behavioral factors influencing health.

Starting point of public health practices

The period of ancient Greece.

Structural types of public health management systems in the United States

Centralized, decentralized, mixed, shared.

Significant contribution of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes to public health in the United States

Establishment of the Indian Health Service.

Public health challenge increasing due to climate change

Infectious diseases.

What distinguishes Healthy People 2030 from its predecessor, Healthy People 2020?

Increased emphasis on social determinants of health.

How do stakeholders and partners interconnect with the public health system?

These stakeholders contribute diverse perspectives, resources, and initiatives that collectively influence the well-being of communities.

Which public health measure was put in place at the end of the Middle Ages for the purpose of mitigating the spread of disease?

Isolating healthy people from those who are actively ill and quarantining people who are not ill or symptomatic but have been exposed to a disease.

Nonprofit organizations

African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), American Cancer Society (ACS), American Heart Association (AHA).

Media role in public health

plays a pivotal role in public discourse, health education, and communication.

Employers and Businesses role in public health

significant contributors to public health through the provision of health insurance, wellness initiatives, and efforts toward creating healthy workplaces and communities.

Academia role in public health

play vital roles in public health by providing education and training and conducting research.

germ theory

a theory that many diseases are caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses; its development and acceptance was a significant turning point in the history of medicine

miasma theory

a theory that stated that diseases were caused by "bad air" or environmental factors

centralized public health structure

a system in which decision-making, coordination, and resource allocation for public health initiatives are concentrated within a single, overarching authority at the national or central level; in general, employees of a state lead public health efforts and the state manages financial matters

decentralized public health structure

a system characterized by the distribution of decision-making, coordination, and resource allocation for public health initiatives across multiple levels, typically involving regional, state, or local authorities with a degree of autonomy

mixed-structure system of public health

a system that combines elements of both centralized and decentralized approaches, involving a coordinated effort between national, regional, and local levels to address public health initiatives while maintaining a balance of authority and autonomy

shared public health structure

a system that involves collaborative decision-making, coordination, and resource allocation for public health initiatives, where responsibilities and authority are distributed between state and local entities, including private organizations, to foster collective efforts in addressing community health

three core functions of public health

Assessment includes obtaining data that defines the health of the overall population and specific groups within the population, including defining the nature of new and persisting health problems

Policy development includes developing evidence-based recommendations and other analyses of options, such as health policy analysis, to guide implementation, including efforts to educate and mobilize community partnerships

Assurance includes governmental public health’s oversight responsibility for ensuring that key components of an effective health system, including health care and public health, are in place even though the implementation will often be performed by others.

Overall system of public health in the United States

Collaboration among federal, state, and local levels.

What does the STLT Gateway provide resources for?

National public health initiatives.

Main purpose of initiatives sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Address infectious diseases and chronic conditions.

Example of tertiary prevention

A program for managing diabetes.

Examples of social determinants of health

Income level.

Focus of primary disease prevention

Avoiding the onset of diseases or health problems before they occur.

Focus of the assurance core function of public health

Evaluating the quality of programs and services.

Which public health measure was put in place at the end of the Middle Ages

Regulation of food at public markets.

the primary mission of public health

Enhance community health through preventive care, education, and health policies

How did germ theory contribute to the field of public health?

It established the foundation for understanding how diseases are transmitted and controlled.

Which of the 10 essential public health services endeavors to fulfill the core function of policy development in public health?

Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues.

Which service is related to the core function of assessment in public health?

Monitoring health status to identify and solve community health problems.

Which entity is a federal public health program established in 1906 as the result of journalists exposing the status of United States food and drug safety?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

assessment

the first core public health function, in which officials evaluate the current state

policy development

the second core public health function, in which officials and stakeholders create policies and regulations to address public health challenges

assurance

the third core public health function, in which officials and stakeholders enforce policies and regulations to ensure that the health of individuals and populations is supported

Learn the determinants of health

Genetic refers to the study of genes and heredity, which are crucial in determining various aspects of an individual's health. Genes, composed of DNA, carry information that influences the development and functioning of a person's body; Behavior refers to the actions and choices individuals make that can have either positive or negative impacts on their well-being. These actions can include lifestyle choices, daily habits, and health-related decisions; Environmental and physical influences refer to the conditions in the external surroundings that can impact an individual's well-being. These factors encompass both the natural environment and the built environment where people live, work, and play; Medical care refers to the access, quality, and use of healthcare services that individuals receive to prevent, diagnose, treat, and manage their health conditions. The availability and effectiveness of medical care are significant in determining health outcomes for individuals and communities; Social factors encompass the social and economic conditions in which people live, work, and interact and includes political factors. These factors are crucial in shaping health outcomes and influencing individuals' overall well-being.

communicable diseases

1 Rhinoviruses 2 Coronavirus 3 Smallpox 4 Whooping cough (Pertussis) 5 Malaria

noncommunicable diseases

Cardiovascular Diseases 2 Cancer 3 Chronic Respiratory Diseases 4 Diabetes 5 Parkinson Disease

Difference between equity and equality

Equity is a public health approach that tackles health differences which are avoidable, unnecessary and unjust, and works to improve everyone’s health and equality is the equal distribution of resources

Difference between equity and equality

Equity is a public health approach that tackles health differences which are avoidable, unnecessary and unjust, and works to improve everyone’s health and equality is the equal distribution of resources

Health Belief Model

This model seeks to predict individual health-related behaviors by examining the factors that influence decision-making about preventive health actions. The model is grounded in the idea that people will act to prevent, control, or treat an illness if they believe they are susceptible to the condition, perceive the severity of the illness as significant, believe that taking a specific action will reduce their susceptibility or severity, and perceive the benefits of the action to outweigh the costs or barriers.

Social Cognitive Model

The social cognitive theory, developed by Albert Bandura in the 1960s, is a comprehensive framework that emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and the influence of social factors on human behavior. This theory builds on the notion that individuals learn not only from their personal experiences but also from observing others and the social environment around them.

Social Ecological Model

The ecological model in public health examines the dynamic interplay among physical, social, and policy environments. This model highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of factors contributing to a health problem, emphasizing the need for multilevel interventions to address complex health issues

Stages of change model

Main theory;The stages of change model was developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente in the late 1970s. This psychological model seeks to describe the process individuals go through when making intentional behavior changes. This model states that behavior change is a dynamic process that unfolds over time involving different stages, is influenced by various factors, and consists of five stages of change:

Which theory involves learning from social observations?

social cognitive theory

Which theory involves interactions in social situations?

Social cognitive theory

Which theory involves personal beliefs about health?

health belief model

Example of a cause and effect relationship in public health

Smoking tobacco can lead to lung cancer

Three components of the epidemiologic triangle

Agent, host, environment.

Common risk factors for noncommunicable diseases

Exercise avoidance.

Main objective of disaster epidemiology

To assess the short- and long-term adverse health effects of disasters.

Role of the PHEP cooperative agreement in disaster preparedness in the United States

To provide a critical source of funding for state, local, and territorial public health departments.

Objective of Healthy People 2030 related to emergency preparedness

To increase the proportion of adults who know how to evacuate in case of a hurricane, flood, or wildfire.

surveillance

continuous, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health-related data needed for planning, implementing, and evaluating public health practices

passive surveillance

regular collection of health data from various sources, such as hospitals and clinics, without active engagement in data-seeking

active surveillance

proactive efforts to seek out information about health conditions from healthcare providers or the population

quarantine

the separation and restriction of movement of individuals who may have been exposed to a contagious disease but are not yet symptomatic

isolation

the separation and restriction of movement of individuals with a confirmed contagious disease from healthy individuals to prevent the spread of that disease

police power

the legal authority of the government to enact regulations and take actions for the public's health, safety, and welfare

epidemiological triangle

a model used in public health to explain the factors contributing to disease spread, it consists of three components: agent (the cause of the disease), host (the organism harboring the disease), and environment (the external factors that affect the agent and the host); this model helps in identifying strategies for disease prevention and control

agent

a factor that causes disease, this could be a microorganism like a virus, bacteria, or parasite; the nature of the agent, including its ability to cause disease, is a critical aspect of disease transmission and epidemiology

host

the living being (human or animal) susceptible to or harboring the disease-causing agent; host factors such as genetics, immunity, and overall health play a significant role in the susceptibility to and severity of the disease

environment

the external factors influencing the interaction between the disease-causing agent and the host; these factors include but are not limited to geographical location, climate, living conditions, and socioeconomic factors, all of which can impact health and disease transmission

virulence

the degree to which an agent (pathogen) can cause severe disease in a host; high virulence implies that the pathogen can cause significant harm

infectivity

the ability of an agent (pathogen) to establish an infection within a host

pathogenicity

the capacity of an agent (pathogen) to cause disease in a host

antigenicity

the ability of an agent (pathogen), particularly its antigens, to induce an immune response in the host

holistic framework

an approach that considers the multiple interconnected factors that influence health and well- being; such a framework integrates diverse aspects like biological, environmental, social, and behavioral determinants to create comprehensive health strategies and interventions

social justice

a perspective that views equitable access to healthcare as a fundamental right

market justice

a perspective that considers healthcare as a commodity subject to market forces

immunization

the process of inducing immunity to an infectious disease, typically through vaccination

chronic

a health condition or disease that is persistent or long-lasting in its effects

atherosclerosis

buildup of plaque in arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow

situational awareness

the constant process of seeing, understanding, and anticipating an evolving disaster to make informed decisions that save lives and protect communities

emergency preparedness

the process of ensuring that individuals, communities, and organizations are ready to effectively respond to and recover from unplanned events such as disasters, disease outbreaks, and medical emergencies

Importance of storytelling in public health initiatives

Storytelling can raise awareness among key audiences and inspire action.

What should you do to prepare for a media interview?

Understand the topic, the audience, and the interviewer.

What is a communication package?

A communication package is a collection of related materials and messages designed to achieve a specific objective.

Primary role of social media in public health communication

Social media offers opportunities to modify health behavior.

What does active surveillance often include?

Seeking out cases of a disease through interviews and exams.

What does the environment component of the epidemiologic triangle include?

Physical, biological, social, and economic conditions.

Which term describes the ability of the flu to spread from one individual to another?

Infectivity.

Which data collection method would be used during a CASPER (Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response)?

Door-to-door surveys.

What is a key message in public health communication?

A concise statement that conveys the main idea or purpose of a communication effort.

How can public health messages be made more memorable?

Incorporate storytelling techniques.

What is an example of an effective key message in a public health campaign about smoking cessation?

"Quitting smoking can significantly improve your overall well-being."

What is a recommended strategy for creating effective web pages in public health communication?

Incorporate interactive elements and multimedia.

What is the difference between a communication plan and a communication package in public health communication?

A communication plan is a strategic document outlining the overall approach and coordination of communication efforts, while a communication package includes the actual materials or resources used to convey specific messages to the target audience.

Reciprocal Determinism:

Bandura introduced the concept of reciprocal determinism, highlighting the bidirectional interaction between personal factors, behavior, and the environment. This concept emphasizes that individuals not only influence and are influenced by their environment but also actively shape their experiences.

Self-Efficacy

A central concept in the social cognitive theory is self-efficacy, which refers to an individual's belief in their ability to perform a specific behavior or task successfully. Higher self-efficacy is associated with increased motivation, effort, and perseverance when there are challenges.

Observational Learning

At the core of the theory is the concept of observational learning, which posits that individuals acquire new behaviors and information by observing others. This process involves modeling, where individuals imitate the actions and behaviors of role models or significant others.

Individual Level:

At the individual level, there are factors such as knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and personality traits. For example, consider a person diagnosed with a chronic condition like diabetes. Individual factors may include their understanding of the condition, their beliefs about the importance of medication adherence, and their attitudes toward lifestyle changes.

Interpersonal Level:

Moving beyond individual characteristics, interpersonal factors focus on social interactions within personal networks. This involves relationships, social support, and the influence of others. With the example of diabetes, interpersonal factors may include family dynamics affecting dietary choices and the level of support from friends in adhering to a prescribed treatment plan.

Perceived Susceptibility:

is an individual's perception of their vulnerability to a particular health condition. Perceived Severity: involves the individual's perception of the seriousness of the health condition. If a person believes a particular disease could lead to severe consequences, they are more likely to take preventive actions.

Perceived Benefits:

taking a specific health action against the perceived costs or barriers are another key component. If an individual believes that the recommended action will effectively reduce their susceptibility or severity of the health condition, they are more likely to adopt it.

Perceived Barriers:

meaning the obstacles or costs associated with taking a recommended health action, are another key component. If the perceived barriers are high, individuals may be less likely to engage in preventive behaviors.