Questions and Answers
What is the estimated number of South Africans living with HIV in 2016?
Only women reported engaging in risky sexual behaviors in South Africa.
False
What are some factors that contributed to the increase in life expectancy?
Disease prevention, vaccinations, safer drinking water, better nutrition, healthier lifestyle, efficient sewage disposal, lower infant mortality rates.
What type of diseases are leading causes of mortality in the U.S. in the 2000s?
Signup and view all the answers
What chronic diseases are mentioned as examples?
Signup and view all the answers
The leading cause of death for European and African Americans is _____ disease.
Signup and view all the answers
The leading cause of death for Asian and Hispanic Americans is _____ disease.
Signup and view all the answers
Individuals who have been to college tend to have higher death rates compared to those who have not.
Signup and view all the answers
What is one consequence of poverty related to maternal health?
Signup and view all the answers
How did Angela's views on health psychology change over time?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the changes in views of health discussed in this chapter?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Overview of Health Psychology
- Health psychology examines the relationship between individual behaviors, lifestyle choices, and health outcomes.
- It investigates how psychological factors impact health and the effectiveness of health interventions.
HIV Statistics in South Africa
- Approximately 7.03 million South Africans were living with HIV in 2016, making up about 12% of the population.
- Risky sexual behaviors remain prevalent, with 17% of men and 5% of women aged 15-49 reporting two or more sexual partners in the past year.
- Inadequate condom use is a concern, reported by 58% of women and 65% of men with multiple sexual partners.
Changing Views on Health
- Perspectives on health have evolved from focusing solely on infectious diseases to recognizing the significance of chronic diseases.
- The role of psychology in healthcare has expanded to include promoting healthy behaviors and interventions.
Real-Life Application in Health Psychology
- A health psychologist at the University of Colorado Boulder focuses on interventions promoting safe sex and physical activity.
- Angela, the psychologist, developed a program to encourage condom use during her doctoral studies amidst the HIV/AIDS epidemic, expanding her work to vulnerable populations.
Historical Patterns of Disease
- Average life expectancy in the U.S. was around 50 years a century ago, primarily due to infectious diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
- Current life expectancy is nearly 80 years due to improved public sanitation, vaccinations, and healthcare access.
Shift from Infectious to Chronic Diseases
- Leading causes of death have transitioned from infectious diseases in the early 1900s to chronic diseases in the 2000s, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
- Over 2 million U.S. deaths annually stem from chronic diseases, with 130 million people living with at least one chronic condition.
Factors Increasing Life Expectancy
- Key contributors to increased life expectancy include:
- Disease prevention measures
- Vaccination programs
- Access to safe drinking water
- Improved nutrition and lifestyle changes
- Effective sewage disposal methods
- Decreased infant mortality rates
Characteristics of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic diseases are long-lasting or recurrent and include conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
- In South Africa, HIV accounts for 20% of total deaths (2016).
Influences on Mortality
- Age, ethnicity, income, and education significantly impact mortality rates.
- Higher mortality is associated with older age, with individuals aged 60-64 years showing the highest rates in South Africa.
Age-Related Causes of Death
- Younger individuals under 44 face higher rates of death from unintentional injuries.
- Chronic diseases become the leading cause of death for individuals aged 45-64.
Ethnicity and Mortality Trends
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both European and African Americans.
- Cancer is the primary cause of death for Asian and Hispanic Americans.
Income's Impact on Health
- Poverty restricts access to healthcare, contributing to higher mortality rates and complications in maternal and infant health.
Education and Its Correlation with Health
- Higher education levels correlate with lower mortality rates.
- Educated individuals often enjoy better job prospects, incomes, access to healthcare, and overall healthier lifestyles.
Discussion Considerations
- The interplay of health with age, ethnicity, income, and education levels is critical for understanding health outcomes.
- Rising medical care costs in the U.S. pose significant challenges for chronic disease management, outpacing inflation rates.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the fundamentals of Health Psychology in this quiz based on Chapter 1. Understand how individual behaviors and lifestyles impact health, particularly in the context of statistics around HIV in South Africa. Test your knowledge and reinforce learning about crucial health decisions.
