Health and Illness Overview

Study Notes

Defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease or infirmity.
Includes physical, social, mental, and emotional aspects.

A state of discomfort resulting from disease or injury that impairs a person's health.
Can be classified as acute, chronic, or terminal based on their duration and potential for cure.
Acute illness develops suddenly, lasts a short period, and may lead to long-term health problems.
Chronic illness comes on slowly and lasts for a long time.
Terminal illness has no potential for cure; the terminal stage refers to the period when a person is approaching death.

Defined as a group of people within a specific geographical area who share common goals, objectives, interactions, interests, needs, resources, environments, and characteristics.
There are different types of communities:

Geographic Community: Defined by geographical boundaries (city, town, village).
- Allows for targeting health needs within specific locations.
- Provides access to available data such as mortality and morbidity rates for planning health programs.
- Easier to implement health education efforts through media campaigns (e.g., breastfeeding campaigns).
Common-Interest Community: Defined by a shared interest or goal. Members may be geographically dispersed but united by their common interest. (e.g., a community of farmers).
Community of Solution: A group of people who come together to address a problem that affects them all. (e.g., people from multiple regions working together to control water pollution sources).

The identification of health needs, protection, and improvement of health within a geographically defined area.

Physical Factors: Industrial development, community size, environment, and geography.
Social/Cultural Factors: Beliefs, traditions, social norms, economy, politics, religion, and socioeconomic status.
Community Organization: Ways in which communities organize their resources, including tax-supported and non-tax supported services.
Individual Behaviors: Individual behaviors contribute significantly to community health outcomes, especially through participation in voluntary programs.