Behaviour

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Questions and Answers

What is often a key factor influencing patients' adherence to medication?

Beliefs about the necessity and risks of the medicines (correct)

Concerns about the cost of medication

Recommendations from family and friends

The presence of a primary healthcare provider

What percentage range is estimated for medications not taken as prescribed?

50%-70%

10%-20%

40%-60%

30%-50% (correct)

Which of the following factors does NOT typically impact health outcomes related to occupation?

Personal risk factors

Type of occupation

Annual salary of the job (correct)

Levels of social support

How does unemployment generally affect individuals?

It has adverse physical, mental, and social effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of long-term unemployment on individuals?

Adverse health outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What do researchers conclude about patient non-adherence?

It often reflects a logical response to personal perceptions and concerns. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes complex interventions?

Broad cultural interventions targeting complex problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding non-adherence to medications?

It is always due to patients' lack of understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily contested in public health according to the content?

The definition of health and well-being Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical perspective in sociology emphasizes the stability of society through interdependent roles?

Structural functionalism Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how do personal characteristics influence health-seeking behavior?

They influence the decision on whether to seek help Signup and view all the answers

What method is closely linked to the positivist approach in social sciences?

The scientific method Signup and view all the answers

What concept relates to the societal expectations of behavior among individuals who are ill?

Sick role Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a focus of the social sciences in public health?

Developing new medical treatments Signup and view all the answers

Which sociologist is NOT associated with the structural functionalism perspective?

Herbert Marcuse Signup and view all the answers

What type of data do social researchers consider, according to the content?

Both qualitative and quantitative data Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily used to describe an individual's subjective experience of symptoms?

Sickness Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT identified by Mechanic as influencing illness behaviour?

Cultural perceptions of illness Signup and view all the answers

According to Pilowski and Spence, which group is characterized by a stoical and withdrawn approach to symptoms?

Anglo-Saxon groups Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to both illness and disease collectively?

Sickness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a competing interpretation that may influence how symptoms are perceived?

Basic needs leading to denial Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason diseases with dramatic symptoms are often attended to more promptly?

Higher perceived seriousness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how the term 'disease' is defined?

Abnormalities of form and function that are clinically diagnosed Signup and view all the answers

Which factor may inhibit an individual from seeking medical care due to emotional reasons?

Cost of treatment Signup and view all the answers

What change occurs in clinicians' recall of euthanasia cases during interviews?

Clinicians initially remember few cases but recall more over time. Signup and view all the answers

How does a positivist perspective approach the study of euthanasia cases?

By quantifying the number of euthanasia cases. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of motivational interviewing?

To develop the patient's motivation for behavior change. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with motivational interviewing?

Questioning the patient aggressively to provoke change. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

To interrupt cycles of unhealthy behavior with healthier alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is highlighted in a constructivist perspective on clinician recall?

The impact of the researcher on clinicians' memories. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of motivational interviewing?

Confronting resistance directly. Signup and view all the answers

In interventions targeting behavior change, what is an example of an individual-level intervention?

Face-to-face health promotion techniques. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of social marketing in the context of health promotion?

To utilize advertising techniques for societal benefit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four Ps of marketing described in social marketing?

Personality Signup and view all the answers

What does Key Action Area 5 of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion focus on?

Developing personal skills among individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can hinder an individual's self-esteem, as mentioned in the content?

Societal position or related issues Signup and view all the answers

What role does empowering individuals play in health behavior change?

It enables individuals to strive for personal and societal goals Signup and view all the answers

What type of cancers is associated with increased sun exposure?

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma Signup and view all the answers

How can low self-esteem impact an individual's health behavior?

It may prevent individuals from reaching their potential Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the SunSmart campaign is true?

It aims to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary purposes of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the context of health behavior change?

To prepare individuals for scenarios like being offered a cigarette. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a financial incentive scheme in the content?

Reimbursements for mental health treatment in France. Signup and view all the answers

What central concern is associated with the use of financial incentives for behavior change?

They are considered a potential form of bribery or moral issue. Signup and view all the answers

Which model did Rogers develop to explain the general movement towards change?

Diffusion Model. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about obesity trends since the 1980s is accurate?

A sharp rise in obesity has been observed in various Western countries. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the effectiveness of financial incentives for health behavior change?

They may work in the short term but need additional support for long-term impact. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is highlighted regarding the attribution of causality between lifestyle and health effects?

Causality between lifestyle aspects and health effects is often difficult to establish. Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation must healthcare professionals and public health practitioners make in response to continuous changes in health systems?

They must be prepared to adapt their behavior and embrace change. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Behaviour

Achieving health and well-being in populations is a priority for public health specialists, although definitions of these concepts are contested and reactions to illness vary between cultures.
The chapter discusses pre-conceptions of health and illness (e.g., the "sick role" and social expectations), deviant behaviour, and stigma.
Personal characteristics and social position influence help-seeking behaviour.
Social sciences aim to understand human behaviour, motivations, and attitudes, and how they change over time.
Society is more than just a collection of individuals; it's defined by interaction, shared geography, identity, and culture.

Disciplines Concerned with Human Behaviour

Psychology: Studies mental processes and behaviours of individuals.
Sociology: Studies social interactions, groups, and institutions. Sociology acknowledges that group behaviour can differ from individual behaviour.
Anthropology: Studies human cultures (often differentiated from biological anthropology, which focuses on evolution).
History: Records and interprets past events.

Importance to Public Health

These disciplines are crucial for understanding:
- Individual behaviour
- Group behaviour within populations
- Healthcare organisation behaviour

Data can be quantitative (numerical) or qualitative (textual/pictorial).
Most social research combines both types.

Epistemology: Study of knowledge (origin, nature, methods, and limits).
Theoretical Perspective: Philosophical stance guiding research design and methodology (affecting the approach to the researched phenomenon).
Methodology: Strategy for answering research questions using specific methods.
Ontology: Study of the nature of being (e.g., whether facts are constructed in the mind or exist in an external world).
Reflexivity: Acknowledging that observation can affect the studied environment.

Major Theoretical Perspectives (in Sociology)

Structural Functionalism: Society viewed as objective reality, with interdependent components working together.
Social Conflict: Society focused on competition for resources and material production. This can lead to class divisions and impacts on health inequalities.
Interpretivism (or Symbolic Interactionism): Focuses on social interactions and how individuals subjectively interpret society, including labelling which can lead to stigmatisation.

Qualitative Methods

Ethnography: Detailed study of a group's behaviour through prolonged participant or non-participant observation.
Interviews: Semi-structured (guided discussions) or in-depth.
Focus Groups: Gathering 6-10 people to explore opinions and responses through discussion.
Case Studies: Investigating particular systems (e.g., a healthcare organisation) using multiple data collection methods for thorough analysis.

Individual Behaviour Change

Motivational Interviewing: A patient-centred method focused on developing motivation for change by exploring reasons for ambivalence to behaviour change.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Aims to interrupt cycles of unhealthy behaviour by replacing them with healthier ones.

Incentives for Behaviour Change

Personal financial incentives are sometimes used to encourage positive behaviour changes (e.g., vouchers for smoking cessation).

Changing Behaviour

Health systems constantly change, encompassing practice innovations, structural reconfigurations, and evolving population needs.
Different attitudes exist toward change (e.g. missionaries vs. laggards).
Rogers' diffusion model explains how people adopt new ideas/behaviours.
Various psychosocial theories explain why people behave as they do. These theories include social learning theory, organisational change theory, diffusion of innovations theory, and social constructivist theory.

Lifestyle Factors and Health

Obesity prevalence has risen substantially since the 1980s.
Obesity is linked to increased risks of chronic disease (e.g., type 2 diabetes, CHD, cancer).
Physical activity is important for reducing obesity risk and chronic disease risk.
Alcohol consumption guidelines and recommendations are discussed.

Other Health Behaviours

Recreational drug use, smoking, and sexual behaviors influence health.
The discussion of societal implications of these choices is also discussed.

Psychology of Decision-Making in Health

Patients' decision-making processes and choices about healthcare are complex, impacted by symptom perception, perceived severity, and potential social and personal concerns.

Occupation and Health

Employment has positive impacts on general health. However, certain jobs can expose workers to risks.
Unemployment has substantial negative impacts on individuals, families, and society (e.g., mental health, financial strain), influenced by duration and anticipatory factors.

Complex Interventions

Combating complex health problems often involves comprehensive interventions that integrate medical, behavioral, and socio-environmental approaches.
This multi-faceted strategy requires recognizing both individual and social factors influencing behaviour.
A broad range of strategies (including "nudges") can influence health-related outcomes.

Concepts of Health and Well-being

Different agencies and thinkers have different definitions of health and well-being, often emphasizing different aspects/components.
The World Health Organization (WHO) definition emphasizes health well-being not just the absence of disease.

Concepts of Primary and Secondary Deviance

Deviance is considered a behaviour unacceptable in a specific culture.
Primary deviance is the initial behaviour before labeling as deviant.
Secondary deviance is the consequence of the label and how it affects the person.

Illness Behaviour

This section examines factors influencing individuals' responses to illness (e.g., symptoms, cultural differences, perceived severity of symptoms).

Illness (and health) have social aspects.
The "sick role" concept describes expected rights and responsibilities of individuals who are perceived as ill by society.

Patient-Centred Versus Doctor-Centred Care

Contemporary health care is moving towards more patient-centered approaches.
Patient-centered care emphasizes shared decision-making, active patient involvement, and written communication . Doctor-centred approaches tend to be more hierarchical and focused on expert advice.

Risk Behaviour

Individual risk behavior is contingent on a range of personal, social and environmental factors.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of health, illness, and well-being within the context of human behaviour. Topics include the 'sick role', social expectations, and how personal characteristics influence help-seeking behaviours. Additionally, it addresses the roles of psychology, sociology, and anthropology in understanding human interactions and cultures.