Lecture 1: Course Intro and Health

World Health Organization (WHO) Definition of Health

complete physical, mental, and social well-being; healthy body, mind, relationships, and social connections; more than just being sick

Biological Determinants of Health

genetic and physiological characteristics of an individual e.g. age, sex, family history

Environmental Determinants of Health

physical surroundings where a person lives e.g. air and water quality, exposure to toxic substances, housing conditions

Social Determinants of Health

societal conditions where people are born, grow, live, work, and age e.g. social support, education, job opportunities

Access to Medical Care: Determinants of Health

availability of healthcare services a person can access e.g. lack of insurance, presence of healthcare facilities, cost of healthcare

Individual Determinants of Health

personal behaviors and choices e.g. alcohol and tobacco use, diet, exercise, hand washing

Meausring Health: SF-36

measures health in two areas: physical and mental

Physical Component of SF-36

Physical functioning and physical role, bodily pain, general health

Physical Functioning

ability to do physical activites

Physical Role

How physical health affects work/daily activities

General Health

overall view of physical health

Vitality

energy vs tiredness

Social Functioning

ability to interact with others

Role Emotional

how emotional problems affect daily activities

Mental Health

emotional and psychological well-being