Behavioral Sciences and Ethics: Lesson 03

Behavioral Sciences and Ethics: Lesson 03 Part 01

• Course: Medical Sciences Program
• Year: 1
• University: BIU
• Professor: Dr. Ejaz Ahmed Khan

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to discuss the concept of the life course, including stages and its effect on health and development.
• Students will be able to identify key life events and their impact.

The Life Course Stages: Overview

• Definition: A sequence of socially defined stages individuals pass through from birth to old age.
• Significance in healthcare: Each stage has unique health needs and challenges.
• Goal: Understand how cumulative life experiences influence health.

Human Life Cycle

• Sequence of stages: Infant → Child → Teen → Adult → Elderly Person

Stages of the Life Course

• Infancy
• Childhood
• Adolescence
• Adulthood
• Old Age

Infancy (0 to 365 days)

• Key Characteristics: Rapid physical and cognitive growth; development of trust and attachment.
• Health Influences: Nutrition, immunization, and family support are crucial. Early experiences significantly impact physical, emotional, and social development in the long term.

Childhood (366 days to 13 years)

• Key Characteristics: Development of basic cognitive and social skills; education and social interactions are vital.
• Health Influences: Safety, positive reinforcement, and mental stimulation are important to prevent developmental delays or health issues.

Adolescence (13 to 19 years)

• Key Characteristics: Physical and hormonal changes; identity formation; increased independence and social influence.
• Health Influences: Mental health, behavior patterns, substance use risks, and peer relationships significantly affect long-term health. Lifestyle habits established during adolescence can have implications later in life.

Adulthood (20 to 64 years)

• Key Characteristics: Career development, family responsibilities, social roles; health conditions like hypertension and diabetes may emerge.
• Health Influences: Lifestyle choices, stress management, and preventive health practices are important. The cumulative impact of earlier life choices on health is significant.

Old Age (65+ years)

• Key Characteristics: Physical aging; possible cognitive changes; retirement and shifts in social roles.
• Health Influences: Chronic conditions, mobility challenges, and mental health needs are common. Social support, physical activity, and healthcare access are important.

Introduction to Life Course Theory

• Framework for understanding how health experiences occur across the lifespan.
• Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors.
• Emphasizes the cumulative effects of life stages on health outcomes.

Key Concepts of Life Course Theory

• Cumulative Effects: How health risks and advantages accumulate over time.
• Critical and Sensitive Periods: Certain stages, like infancy and adolescence, have heightened vulnerability or opportunity for development.
• Longitudinal Impact: Life stages are interconnected, and early experiences affect future stages.

Importance of Life Course Theory in Healthcare

• Holistic Approach: Health is viewed as a product of lifelong experiences.
• Cumulative Effects: Events like stress and nutrition at different life stages accumulate to influence current health.
• Prevention Focus: Early interventions are crucial to improve health outcomes at later stages of life.

Life Course Theory and Cumulative Effects on Health

• Example 1: Childhood dietary habits increase the risk of adult chronic diseases.
• Example 2: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to mental health challenges in adulthood.
• Example 3: Education and socioeconomic status impact access to healthcare and lifestyle choices.

Applying Life Course Theory in Patient Care

• Individualized Care: Recognize each patient's unique history and how it impacts their current health.
• Preventative Interventions: Address early life influences to improve health outcomes in later stages.
• Supporting Transitions: Prepare patients for life transitions, such as adolescence to adulthood to old age.

Social Determinants in the Life Course

• Socioeconomic Status: Poverty, education, access to healthcare influence health at every stage.
• Environmental Factors: Clean water, housing, and pollution exposure impact physical health. Social and economic environments shape health and wellbeing.

Implications for Healthcare Professionals

• Comprehensive Patient Care: Account for life experiences in diagnoses and treatment.
• Preventive Strategies: Emphasize early interventions, especially for at-risk populations.
• Longitudinal Perspective: Support patients by considering potential long-term health issues.