Concept of Man, Health, Illness by Mr. Jeff Edwards Catabay

Concept of Man

• Man is a biosychosocial and spiritual being in constant contact with the environment.
• As a biologic being, man is like other men.
• As a psychologic being, man is like no other man.
• As a social being, man is like some other men.
• As a spiritual being, man is like all other men.
• Man is composed of subsystems and suprasystems and is a unified whole composed of parts that are independent and interrelated with each other.

Health and Illness

• Health is not a condition, but an adjustment process that adapts the individual to their physical and social environments.
• Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease or infirmity.
• Illness does not preclude health, and optimal health does not preclude illness.
• Clients may need to modify their activities of daily living, social relationships, and perceptions of self and body image.

Illness Behaviors

• Coping mechanisms involve ways individuals describe, monitor, and interpret their symptoms, take remedial actions, and use the healthcare system.
• Talcott Parson's Sick Role Theory (1951) outlines:
  • Rights of Clients: not held responsible for their condition, excused from certain social roles and tasks, and have the right to be taken care of.
  • Obligations of Clients: to try to get well as quickly as possible and to seek competent help.

Stages of Illness

• Edward A. Suchman's 5 Stages of Illness:
  • Stage 1: Symptom Experience
  • Stage 2: Assumption of Sick Role
  • Stage 3: Medical Care Contact
  • Stage 4: Dependent Client Care
  • Stage 5: Recovery or Rehabilitation

Effects of Illness

• Impact on the Client:
  • Body image or physical appearance
  • Self-esteem and self-concept
  • Dependence on others
  • Unemployment, financial problems
  • Inability to participate in social functions
• Impact on the Family:
  • Role changes
  • Increased stress
  • Financial problems
  • Changes in social customs
  • Loneliness as a result of separation and pending loss

Nursing Roles

• Nurses need to help clients express their thoughts and feelings, and to provide care that helps clients cope with change.
• Nurses should support clients' right to autonomy and provide sufficient information to participate in decision-making processes.
• Nurses can help clients adjust their lifestyles.

Basic Human Needs

• Each individual has a unique character, but certain needs are common to all people.
• Human needs are physiological and psychological conditions that an individual must meet to achieve a state of well-being.
• Characteristics of basic human needs:
  • Universal
  • Can be met in different ways
  • Can be deferred
  • Interrelated
  • Unmet needs can lead to disruption of normal body activities and eventual illness

Concept of Health, Wellness, and Well-being

• Health was previously defined in terms of the presence or absence of disease.
• Health can be defined as a state of being well and using every power the individual possesses to the fullest extent (Florence Nightingale, 1860/1969).

Models of Health and Wellness

• Clinical Model: narrowest interpretation of health, focuses on the absence of disease.
• Role Performance Model: health is defined in terms of an individual's ability to fulfill societal roles.
• Dunn's High-Level Wellness Grid: considers multiple variables influencing health status, beliefs, and practices.

Variables Influencing Health Status, Beliefs, and Practices

• Internal Variables (non-modifiable):
  • Biologic Dimension (genetic makeup)
  • Psychological Dimension (influence the mind and body)
  • Cognitive Dimension (lifestyle choices)
• External Variables:
  • Environment
  • Standards of Living
  • Family and Cultural Beliefs
  • Social Support Networks