Discover Your Understanding of Australian Health Statistics and Disease Burden

Which of the following is NOT a research interest of Dr. Mark Stevens?

Social influences on health behaviors
Sports performance + mental health (correct)
Health behavior change
Physical activity

What is the main focus of health psychology?

Exploring the incidence of key health-related lifestyle behaviors
Understanding the key determinants of health (correct)
Assessing health behaviors
Evaluating health behavior change interventions

Which of the following is NOT a learning outcome of the course?

Understanding the scope of health psychology
Assessing health behavior change interventions (correct)
Critically evaluating evidence on health-related lifestyle behaviors
Describing theoretical models of health behavior

What is the purpose of the online form provided for COVID testing?

To report positive COVID-19 test results (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which model argues that diseases come from outside the body, invade the body and cause physical changes, or originate as involuntary internal physical changes?

Biomedical model (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of health psychology?

Both physical and mental health (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the biopsychosocial model propose as factors that contribute to the development of a particular disease?

Biological, psychological, and social factors (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the goals of health psychology?

To understand how all facets of our lives impact our physical health (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?

Alcohol consumption (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Khaw et al. (2008), what was the health outcome for individuals who engaged in all four key health behaviors compared to those who engaged in none of them?

They had the health of someone 14 years younger (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the leading underlying cause of death in Australia in 2019?

Heart disease (A) Signup and view all the answers

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

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the lectures in the course?

Lectures will be pre-recorded in some weeks. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How many labs are there in the course?

6 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the labs?

To enhance understanding of lecture topics. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Where can students find readings for the course?

On Wattle and are essential and/or recommended. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which research method allows causality to be inferred?

Experimental research (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a randomized controlled trial (RCT)?

To evaluate the efficacy/effectiveness of a new treatment or intervention (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of blinding/double-blinding in an RCT?

To reduce bias by keeping participants and researchers unaware of group assignments (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a systematic review?

To identify eligible work using a systematic search strategy (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of measuring the burden of disease?

To compare the impact of different diseases or health conditions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) to measure the burden of disease?

It provides a complete picture of the burden of disease by considering both mortality and disability (D) Signup and view all the answers

How are Years of Life Lost (YLLs) calculated in the measurement of burden of disease?

Number of cause-specific deaths x average life expectancy (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the hypothetical example given, what is the total Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for Sheila?

12.685 (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is the focus of the studies reviewed in the text?

60+ (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main topic being examined in the studies reviewed in the text?

Social support and loneliness (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a systematic search strategy?

To identify eligible work (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which databases were searched as part of the systematic search strategy in the text?

MEDLINE, PSYCInfo, SportDiscus, PubMed (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the age range of adults included in the studies reviewed in the text?

55-60 (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the association being examined in the studies reviewed in the text?

Social support and physical activity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of DALYs?

Premature mortality (YLLs) and living with illness/disability (YLDs) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most stringent research method for determining causality?

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of blinding/double-blinding in an RCT?

To reduce bias Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a systematic review?

To provide a comprehensive summary of primary research on a specific research question Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the labs in the course? Provide 2 reasons.

The purpose of the labs in the course is to enhance students' understanding of the topics taught in the lectures and to introduce new material pertinent to the objectives of the course. Signup and view all the answers

How many labs are there in the course?

There are 6 labs in the course. Signup and view all the answers

Where can students find readings for the course?

Students can find readings for the course on Wattle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the weightage of the mid-semester exam in the final grade?

The mid-semester exam is weighted at 20% in the final grade. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the studies reviewed in the text?

The main focus of the studies reviewed in the text is the association between social support, or loneliness, and physical activity in older adults (60+). Signup and view all the answers

What databases were searched as part of the systematic search strategy in the text?

The databases that were searched as part of the systematic search strategy in the text were MEDLINE, PSYCInfo, SportDiscus, and PubMed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a systematic search strategy?

The purpose of conducting a systematic search strategy is to identify eligible work and apply inclusion and exclusion criteria in a systematic and comprehensive manner. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) mentioned in the text?

Heart disease and certain cancers. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key modifiable risk factors for stroke according to Feigin et al. (2016)?

Smoking, poor diet, and low physical activity. Signup and view all the answers

According to Khaw et al. (2008), what was the health outcome for individuals who engaged in all four key health behaviors compared to those who engaged in none of them?

Those who engaged in all four behaviors demonstrated the health of someone 14 years younger than someone who engaged in none of the behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of health psychologists in promoting healthier behaviors?

Health psychologists can design and advise on public health education programs and interventions to promote healthier behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the research interests of Dr. Mark Stevens?

Social influences on health behaviours, Health behaviour change, Physical activity, Sports performance + mental health Signup and view all the answers

What are the learning outcomes of the course?

<ol> <li>Understand the key issues and topics in, and scope of, health psychology. 2. Have an in-depth and integrated understanding of the key determinants of health. 3. Understand and critically evaluate evidence pertaining to the incidence and importance of key health-related lifestyle behaviours (e.g., physical activity, smoking, drinking). 4. Describe and critically appraise dominant and emerging theoretical models of health behaviour, and the factors that are proposed to underpin positive and negative changes in people’s health-related behaviours. 5. Critically evaluate health behaviour change interventions and the methods used to assess health behaviours.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ANU COVID info website?

<a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/covid-19-advice#returning">https://www.anu.edu.au/covid-19-advice#returning</a> Signup and view all the answers

What is the biomedical model and what are its main arguments?

The biomedical model is a perspective in medicine that emerged in the 19th century. It argues that diseases come from outside the body, invade the body and cause physical changes, or originate as involuntary internal physical changes. It also argues that individuals are not responsible for their illness and that responsibility for treatment should lie with the medical profession. Additionally, the biomedical model asserts that the mind and body are separate, and that health and illness are qualitatively different. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main criticisms and challenges to the biomedical model?

The biomedical model has been criticized and challenged by psychosomatic medicine and behavioral medicine. Psychosomatic medicine argues that psychological factors can also contribute to causing illness, while behavioral medicine emphasizes a focus on prevention and intervention rather than just treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is health psychology and what are its main arguments?

Health psychology is a relatively new discipline that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. It argues that illness (and health) is determined by a range of biological, psychological, and social factors. It also asserts that individuals are at least partly responsible for their health and that a holistic approach to treatment is needed. Health psychology recognizes the interaction between the mind and body in influencing health and acknowledges that the mind plays a role in both the cause and treatment of illness. It also views health as existing on a continuum. Signup and view all the answers

What is the biopsychosocial model and how does it explain the development of disease?

The biopsychosocial model, proposed by Engel, suggests that biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to the development of a particular disease. For example, genetic predisposition (biological factor), smoking and lack of motivation to quit (psychological factors), and work colleagues all smoking (social factor) can contribute to the development of lung cancer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of measuring the burden of disease?

The purpose of measuring the burden of disease is to understand the relative impact of different diseases or ill health conditions. This helps in identifying which diseases or conditions should be prioritized for interventions and resource allocation. It also allows tracking of the effectiveness of efforts to reduce the burden over time. Signup and view all the answers

How are Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) calculated?

DALYs can be broadly thought of as years of healthy life lost. They are calculated by combining Years of Life Lost due to premature mortality (YLLs) and Years of healthy Life lost due to Disability (YLDs). YLLs are calculated by multiplying the number of cause-specific deaths in the population of interest by a loss function specifying the years lost for deaths as a function of the age at which death occurs. YLDs are calculated by multiplying the prevalence of the condition in the population by the disability weight. The sum of YLLs and YLDs gives the DALYs for a disease or health condition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the hypothetical calculation of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for Sheila?

In the hypothetical example given, Sheila, an Australian female, lives a healthy life until she's 55. Between ages 55 and 70, she suffers from severe cardiovascular disease when she passes away. The life expectancy for Australian women is 80. The calculation is as follows: YLL = 1 (1 person) x 10 (years of lost life) = 10, YLD = 1 (1 person) x 15 (years living with the disability) x 0.179 (weight for severe cardiovascular disease) = 2.685, DALYs (years lost of healthy life) = 10 + 2.685 = 12.685. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) to measure the burden of disease?

The main advantage of using DALYs to measure the burden of disease is that it provides a comprehensive measure that takes into account both premature mortality and disability. It allows for comparisons between different diseases or health conditions in terms of their impact on healthy life years lost. This helps in prioritizing interventions and resource allocation based on the burden of disease. Signup and view all the answers

What are the research interests of Dr. Mark Stevens?

Social influences on health behaviours, Health behaviour change, Physical activity, Sports performance + mental health Signup and view all the answers

What are the learning outcomes of the course?

Understand the key issues and topics in, and scope of, health psychology. Have an in-depth and integrated understanding of the key determinants of health. Understand and critically evaluate evidence pertaining to the incidence and importance of key health-related lifestyle behaviours (e.g., physical activity, smoking, drinking). Describe and critically appraise dominant and emerging theoretical models of health behaviour, and the factors that are proposed to underpin positive and negative changes in people’s health-related behaviours. Critically evaluate health behaviour change interventions and the methods used to assess health behaviours. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ANU COVID info website?

<a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/covid-19-advice#returning">https://www.anu.edu.au/covid-19-advice#returning</a> Signup and view all the answers

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), how do they define health?

A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity Signup and view all the answers

What are the leading causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?

Lifestyle and behaviours such as diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption Signup and view all the answers

According to Khaw et al. (2008), what is the impact of engaging in healthy behaviors?

Those engaging in all 4 healthy behaviors demonstrated the health of someone 14 years younger than someone who engaged in none of the behaviors Signup and view all the answers

How can health psychology contribute to improving health behaviors?

Health psychology can help determine the distribution of disease and health needs, examine factors that predict behaviors, design public health education programs, and work with communities to improve health behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the course in terms of lectures, labs, and readings?

The course consists of 12 x 2 hour lectures (1 per week), 6 x 2 hour labs in weeks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9, and essential and/or recommended readings available on Wattle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the labs in the course?

The labs are designed to enhance understanding of the lecture topics, introduce new material, and provide guidance with assessments. Signup and view all the answers

How can students communicate with the course teaching staff outside of lectures?

Students can post questions or comments on the discussion forum on the course Wattle page or email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. Signup and view all the answers

What is the weightage of the mid-semester exam in the final grade?

The mid-semester exam is worth 20% of the final grade. Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential health outcomes associated with social support and physical activity in older adults?

Potential health outcomes associated with social support and physical activity in older adults include improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer, improved mental health and cognitive function, and increased overall longevity. Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential health outcomes associated with social support and physical activity or healthy eating?

Potential health outcomes associated with social support and physical activity or healthy eating include improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer, improved mental health and cognitive function, and increased overall longevity. Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential health outcomes associated with social support and physical activity in adults aged 55-60?

Potential health outcomes associated with social support and physical activity in adults aged 55-60 include improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer, improved mental health and cognitive function, and increased overall longevity. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)?

Premature mortality (YLLs) and living with illness/disability (YLDs) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most stringent research method for determining causality?

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) Signup and view all the answers

What are the main features of RCTs?

Assess new treatments/interventions vs. established treatments or no treatment, all groups are treated identically except for the experimental treatment/intervention, an a priori power analysis should be used to decide the size of the groups, allocation to groups is done randomly, blinding/double-blinding is sometimes used Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a systematic review?

To comprehensively summarize primary research on a specific research question and answer it by synthesizing high-quality evidence relevant to that question Signup and view all the answers

What are the main arguments of the biomedical model of healthcare? Provide at least three arguments.

<ol> <li>Diseases come from outside the body, invade the body and cause physical changes, or originate as involuntary internal physical changes. 2. Individuals are not responsible for their illness. 3. Responsibility for treatment should lie with the medical profession – vaccination, surgery, chemotherapy etc.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the emergence of health psychology as a discipline.

Health psychology is a relatively new discipline that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. It argues that illness (and health) is determined by a range of biological, psychological, and social factors. It emphasizes a holistic approach to 'treatment', encouraging behavior change, changes in beliefs, and compliance with medical recommendations. It recognizes the interaction between the mind and body in influencing health and acknowledges that the mind plays a role in both the cause and treatment of illness. Health psychology views health as existing on a continuum. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the goals of health psychology?

Some of the goals of health psychology are to understand how all facets of our lives impact our physical health (biological, psychological, and social factors) and to use this knowledge to promote health, prevent illness, and improve healthcare systems and policies. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of the biopsychosocial model in health psychology. Provide an example of how biological, psychological, and social factors can contribute to the development of a particular disease.

The biopsychosocial model in health psychology argues that health and illness are determined by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. For example, the development of lung cancer could be influenced by biological factors (e.g., genetic predisposition), psychological factors (e.g., smoking and lack of motivation to quit), and social factors (e.g., work colleagues all smoking). These factors interact to contribute to the development of the disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of measuring the burden of disease?

The purpose of measuring the burden of disease is to understand the relative impact of different diseases/illness conditions and to determine which ones it is most valuable to focus on. It also allows us to assess whether our efforts in changing behaviors are making a difference. Signup and view all the answers

How are Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) calculated?

DALYs can be broadly thought of as years of healthy life lost. One DALY represents the loss of the equivalent of one year of full health. It is calculated by combining Years of Life Lost due to premature mortality (YLLs) and Years of Healthy Life Lost due to Disability (YLDs). YLLs are calculated by multiplying the number of cause-specific deaths in the population of interest by a loss function specifying the years lost for deaths as a function of the age at which death occurs. YLDs are calculated by multiplying the prevalence of the condition in the population of interest by disability weight. Signup and view all the answers

What are the components used to calculate Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)?

The components used to calculate DALYs are Years of Life Lost due to premature mortality (YLLs) and Years of Healthy Life Lost due to Disability (YLDs). YLLs are the number of cause-specific deaths in the population of interest multiplied by a loss function specifying the years lost for deaths as a function of the age at which death occurs. YLDs are the prevalence of the condition in the population of interest multiplied by disability weight. Signup and view all the answers

Provide a hypothetical example of calculating Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for an individual.

In a hypothetical example, Sheila, an Australian female, lives a healthy life until she's 55. Between ages 55 and 70, she suffers from severe cardiovascular disease when she passes away. The life expectancy for Australian women is 80. YLL = 1 (i.e., 1 person) x 10 (years of lost life) = 10. YLD = 1 (i.e., 1 person) x 15 (years living with the disability) x 0.179 (weight for severe cardiovascular disease) = 2.685. DALYs (i.e., years lost of healthy life) = 10 + 2.685 = 12.685. Signup and view all the answers

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a research interest of Dr. Mark Stevens?

What is the main focus of health psychology?

Which of the following is NOT a learning outcome of the course?

What is the purpose of the online form provided for COVID testing?

Which model argues that diseases come from outside the body, invade the body and cause physical changes, or originate as involuntary internal physical changes?

What is the main focus of health psychology?

What does the biopsychosocial model propose as factors that contribute to the development of a particular disease?

What are some of the goals of health psychology?

Which of the following is NOT a key cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?

According to Khaw et al. (2008), what was the health outcome for individuals who engaged in all four key health behaviors compared to those who engaged in none of them?

What is the leading underlying cause of death in Australia in 2019?

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

Which of the following is true about the lectures in the course?

How many labs are there in the course?

What is the purpose of the labs?

Where can students find readings for the course?

Which research method allows causality to be inferred?

What is the main purpose of a randomized controlled trial (RCT)?

What is the role of blinding/double-blinding in an RCT?

What is the purpose of a systematic review?

Which of the following best describes the purpose of measuring the burden of disease?

What is the main advantage of using Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) to measure the burden of disease?

How are Years of Life Lost (YLLs) calculated in the measurement of burden of disease?

In the hypothetical example given, what is the total Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for Sheila?

Which age group is the focus of the studies reviewed in the text?

What is the main topic being examined in the studies reviewed in the text?

What is the purpose of conducting a systematic search strategy?

Which databases were searched as part of the systematic search strategy in the text?

What is the age range of adults included in the studies reviewed in the text?

What is the association being examined in the studies reviewed in the text?

What are the two main components of DALYs?

What is the most stringent research method for determining causality?

What is the purpose of blinding/double-blinding in an RCT?

What is the main purpose of a systematic review?

What is the purpose of the labs in the course? Provide 2 reasons.

How many labs are there in the course?

Where can students find readings for the course?

What is the weightage of the mid-semester exam in the final grade?

What is the main focus of the studies reviewed in the text?

What databases were searched as part of the systematic search strategy in the text?

What is the purpose of conducting a systematic search strategy?

What are some examples of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) mentioned in the text?

What are the key modifiable risk factors for stroke according to Feigin et al. (2016)?

According to Khaw et al. (2008), what was the health outcome for individuals who engaged in all four key health behaviors compared to those who engaged in none of them?

What is the role of health psychologists in promoting healthier behaviors?

What are some of the research interests of Dr. Mark Stevens?

What are the learning outcomes of the course?

What is the ANU COVID info website?

What is the biomedical model and what are its main arguments?

What are the main criticisms and challenges to the biomedical model?

What is health psychology and what are its main arguments?

What is the biopsychosocial model and how does it explain the development of disease?

What is the purpose of measuring the burden of disease?

How are Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) calculated?

What is the hypothetical calculation of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for Sheila?

What is the purpose of using Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) to measure the burden of disease?

What are the research interests of Dr. Mark Stevens?

What are the learning outcomes of the course?

What is the ANU COVID info website?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), how do they define health?

What are the leading causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?

According to Khaw et al. (2008), what is the impact of engaging in healthy behaviors?

How can health psychology contribute to improving health behaviors?

What is the structure of the course in terms of lectures, labs, and readings?

What is the purpose of the labs in the course?

How can students communicate with the course teaching staff outside of lectures?

What is the weightage of the mid-semester exam in the final grade?

What are some potential health outcomes associated with social support and physical activity in older adults?

What are some potential health outcomes associated with social support and physical activity or healthy eating?

What are some potential health outcomes associated with social support and physical activity in adults aged 55-60?

What are the two main components of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)?

What is the most stringent research method for determining causality?

What are the main features of RCTs?

What is the purpose of a systematic review?

What are the main arguments of the biomedical model of healthcare? Provide at least three arguments.

Explain the emergence of health psychology as a discipline.