Week 2 - Public Health vs Population Health

What is the difference between public and population health?

Public health is focused on improving the health outcomes and overall well-being of the public at large rather than individual patients whereas population health is towards a specific group of people or a community within the public at large.

What is one example of public health?

It is compulsory wearing seatbelts while in a vehicle.

What is three examples of population health?

• Investigating why certain groups or populations choose not to wear seatbelts.

• Income management which responds to the prevalence of gambling and the purchase of alcohol within groups of people. who receive welfare payment.

• Right Bite Guidelines

What are the impacts of COVID-19 on public health (3 points)?

• Stay at home orders during COVID-19

• Reduce individual’s exposure to disease

• Reduce rates and slow movement of disease among population

What are the impacts of COVID-19 on population health (4 points)?

• Certain population groups experienced more significant impact on income

• Housing influenced exposure (i.e. densely populated social housing high-rises)

• Housing influenced health and wellbeing, especially those in apartments compared to larger houses with yards

• Certain groups were more likely to receive fines for not following stay-at-home orders

Health behaviours

Intentional or unintentional actions taken by an individual that affects their health.

What are six examples of health behaviours?

• Health care seeking behaviours

• Sleep habits and routines

• Physical activity

• Diet

• Substance-use

• Extreme sports

What are five individual factors that influence health behaviours (not an extensive list)?

• Health literacy

• Education

• Income

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s)

• Control beliefs

What are four societal factors that influence health behaviours (not an extensive list)?

• Environment

• Social policy

• Education system

• Health system

What are the difference in health behaviours between people from l higher SES and lower SES?

Locus of control

A factor that can influence health behaviours where an individual believes they can influence the outcome in their lives (internal) or whether external forces determine results.

Health literacy

A person’s ability to access, understand, and apply health knowledge to their daily lives.

What are three protective factors of education?

• Income and resources

• Social and psychological

• Residing in healthier neighbourhood

How does ACEs impact education?

ACEs can cause stress, exposure to domestic violence, neglect, and substance-use which reduces one’s ability to concentrate and attend class, process and filter out external stimuli, being hypervigilant, and engaging in high-risk behaviour with detrimental reprecussions like re-offending.

Health and its influence of health outcomes of individuals?

Represents the overall well-being of individuals and communities. It connects to various determinants, including biological, environment, and social factors that influence health outcomes.

IIlness and its influence of health outcomes of individuals?

The subjective experience of health problems. It is crucial for understanding how individuals perceive and respond to their health conditions within the context of social determinants and health inequalities.

Health Inequality and its influence of health outcomes of individuals?

The unfair and avoidable differences in health status among different population groups. This is important in addressing disparities in health outcomes.

Well-being and its influence of health outcomes of individuals?

The overall quality of life and health of individuals, integrating physical, mental, and social aspects. This explores how various determinants affect individuals’ overall health and happiness.