Public Health and COVID-19 Perceptions

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Questions and Answers

Which competency is included in the key competencies for public health training?

Psychological assessment

Medical research

Personal health management

Social and behavioural science (correct)

What is one of the major behavioural change theories expected to be understood in this course?

Security motivation theory

Social identity theory

Cognitive dissonance theory

Theory of planned behavior (correct)

What essential concept is vital for planning and evaluating health promotion?

Data mining

Need assessment (correct)

Clinical trials

Risk assessment

How does social and behavioural science impact public health workers?

It differentiates them from clinicians and broadens their vision. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the contents of this course regarding health promotion?

Evaluation methodologies Signup and view all the answers

What does a score of 0 indicate in the measure of how much COVID-19 will affect your life?

No affect at all Signup and view all the answers

How is a score of 10 represented in the context of treatment effectiveness for COVID-19?

Extremely effective Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does a score of 10 indicate concerning the emotional impact of COVID-19?

Extremely affected emotionally Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a concern score of 0 about COVID-19?

Not at all concerned about COVID-19 Signup and view all the answers

How does illness representation on COVID-19 potentially impact individuals?

It can affect preventive measures and mental health Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the trend of defining emotional conditions as medical disorders?

Medicalization Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the redefinition of Social Anxiety Disorder by GlaxoSmithKline?

It was seen as both common and medicalized to reduce stigma. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key change in the definition of Social Anxiety Disorder from DSM-IV to DSM-5?

The cultural context is now acknowledged. Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is mentioned as one of the most widely recognized alongside Viagra and Claritin?

Paxil Signup and view all the answers

The sophisticated marketing campaigns related to Social Anxiety Disorder aimed to create what perception?

That it can affect anyone in society. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavior of individuals before seeking professional help for mental health symptoms?

They evaluate early signs and decide on a course of action. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people believe they have mental illnesses without a formal diagnosis?

9.2% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the relationship between feeling ill and having a disease?

Some people who feel ill do not have any diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What factor often influences individuals’ decisions about their mental health care?

Assessment of symptoms by self and others. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about self-diagnosis is correct?

It occurs when individuals believe they have a mental illness without professional input. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of the social gradient on health?

Individuals in lower social classes typically experience a higher risk of illness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of prolonged stress on health?

Increased likelihood of health deterioration. Signup and view all the answers

What role does early life development play in long-term health?

Support during early life can reduce risks of poor health in adulthood. Signup and view all the answers

Which determinant of health is related to employment conditions?

Unemployment Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered a WHO social determinant of health?

Social inclusion Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about the health risks associated with addiction?

Addiction can significantly decrease the quality of life and health outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which determinant of health relates to access and availability of healthy options?

Food Signup and view all the answers

How does social exclusion impact health?

It can lead to increased risks of health issues. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Illness Representation and COVID-19

A brief illness perception questionnaire (Brief-IPQ) assessed participants' perceptions of COVID-19.
The questionnaire measured perceived impact on life, duration, controllability, treatment effectiveness, symptom severity, concern level, understanding, and emotional impact (each rated 0-10).

Public Health Training

The Association of Schools of Public Health highlights five key competencies: biostatistics, social and behavioral science, environmental health, epidemiology, and health policy and management.
Social and behavioral science is emphasized as broadening the public health worker's perspective and differentiating them from clinicians.

Course Learning Objectives

Understand the definitions and social constructions of health.
Understand major behavioral change theories and their application in health behavior change strategies.
Understand key concepts in planning and evaluating health promotion.

Course Content

Concepts of the social construction of health.
Major behavioral change theories (individual, interpersonal, community levels).
Essential concepts in health promotion (need assessment, communication channels/methods, evaluation).

People appraise early mental disorder signs and decide on actions before professional help (Hollingshead & Redlick, 1958; Link et al., 1999).
Few seek medical consultations for mental health symptoms (Plaut, 2003).
Self-diagnosis and diagnosis by others are common (a Hong Kong study showed 9.2% believed they had undiagnosed mental illness, and 2.8% were suggested to have it by family). Family members and doctors are consulted frequently.

Medicalization of Health and Illness

Illness presence isn't solely determined by scientific methods.
Health isn't simply the absence of disease.
Diseased individuals may not feel ill; conversely, those feeling ill may not have diseases.
Medicalization of emotions (e.g., worry, shyness) is discussed (Conrad, 2005).

Paxil's marketing redefined social anxiety disorder as common (reducing stigma) and treatable medically (Conrad, 2005).
Sophisticated marketing campaigns created a perception that social anxiety disorder could affect anyone (Koerner, 2002).

Ten key determinants are identified: social gradient, stress, early life, social exclusion, work, unemployment, social support, addiction, food, and transport.
The social gradient shows shorter life expectancy and higher disease prevalence down the social ladder; risk of serious illness and premature death is at least doubled among lower social status individuals.
Stressful circumstances negatively impact health and can lead to premature death.
Early life experiences significantly influence lifelong health (e.g., slow growth and poor emotional support increase risks of poor health in adulthood).

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Description

This quiz focuses on understanding the perceptions of COVID-19 through the lens of public health. It examines the impact of illness perception and the competencies required in public health training, including health behavior change theories and evaluation strategies. Test your knowledge on the crucial elements that shape health perspectives in the context of a global pandemic.