Concept of Health and Disease

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of health according to the World Health Organization?

Absence of abnormality in structure and function of the body

Absence of disease or infirmity

Presence of normal anatomical structures

State of complete physical, mental and social well-being (correct)

What is the primary focus of an anatomist when it comes to health?

Well-adjusted and balanced personality

Normal body functions

Normal biochemical levels

Normal anatomical structures (correct)

What does a pathologist consider as a healthy body?

Normal cellular makeup (correct)

Normal body functions

Normal biochemical levels

Correct existence of genetic potential

What is the definition of mental health?

State of well-being in which the individual realizes their own abilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the third dimension of health?

Social wellbeing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a physiologist when it comes to health?

Normal body functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of physical health?

Adequate body weight, height and circumference as per age and sex Signup and view all the answers

What does a geneticist consider as a healthy body?

Correct existence of genetic potential Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between 'illness' and 'disease'?

Illness is a subjective experience of symptoms, while disease is a medical diagnosis. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the concept of 'sickness'?

Sickness is a social perception of an illness or condition, not necessarily a medical one. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of public health?

To promote health and prevent disease through organized community efforts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately reflects the definition of 'disease' as presented in the text?

A disease is any deviation from normal bodily structure or function, manifested by signs and symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT supported by the text?

Sickness is a medical term used to describe a severe or chronic illness. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what is the most accurate interpretation of the phrase 'without ease' in relation to disease?

The absence of a sense of well-being or overall health. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a 'sickness' as described in the text?

A person with a chronic disease requiring ongoing medical care. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mission of public health?

To promote physical and mental health while preventing disease. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the key functions of public health?

Implementing marketing strategies for health services. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of community are upper respiratory tract infections and malnutrition more likely to be prevalent?

Developing communities with various socio-economic challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge in public health for developed countries?

Increased prevalence of chronic diseases among older adults. Signup and view all the answers

How do health indices contribute to public health services?

They provide a positive assessment of community health levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of planning public health programs?

Incorporating population health needs into program strategies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Concept of Health

Health is difficult to define, but it can be understood as the absence of disease or infirmity, sound body and mind, and normal body functions.
Different professionals have different perspectives on health:
- Anatomist: normal anatomical structures
- Physiologist: normal body functions
- Biochemist: normal biochemical levels/values
- Pathologist: normal cellular makeup
- Psychiatrist: well-adjusted and balanced personality
- Geneticist: correct existence of genetic potential
- Clinician: no abnormality in structure and function of the body
WHO definition: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

Dimensions of Health

Physical health: adequate body weight, height, and circumference, acceptable levels of vision, hearing, locomotion, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, chest circumference, head circumference, and waist-hip ratio.
Mental health: a state of well-being in which an individual can realize their abilities, cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, and make a contribution to their community.
Social wellbeing: ability to adjust with others in social life, at home, at the workplace, and with people.

What is Disease

Meaning of "disease": "without ease" (uneasiness)
Disease can be physiological/psychological dysfunction or any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any part, organ, or system of the body that is manifested by a characteristic set of signs or symptoms.

Illness, Disease, and Sickness

Illness: the patient's subjective experience of symptoms (what the patient has)
Disease: what a doctor diagnoses (medical condition)
Sickness: the society's view of an illness or other condition (not necessarily a medical condition)

Public Health

Public health is the field of medicine concerned with safeguarding and improving the health of the community as a whole.
Definition: "The science and art of preventing disease, promoting health, and prolonging life through organized effort of the community."
Vision: to obtain a healthy people in healthy communities
Mission: to promote physical and mental health and prevent disease, injury, and disability
Key public health functions:
- Assessing and monitoring the health of the population
- Planning, implementing, and evaluating public health programs
- Identifying and dealing with environmental hazards
- Communicating with people and organizations to promote public health

Importance of Public Health

Health policy planning according to the health needs of the population
Different diseases in developing and developed countries (e.g., upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, malnutrition, and infectious diseases in developing countries; obesity, CVA, IHD, and CA in developed countries)
Importance of using indicators positively estimating health, such as the health index.