Social Determinants of Health Quiz

Tertiary Prevention

• Correction and prevention of a disease state

Public Health

• WHO's definition: applying science in the context of politics to reduce inequalities in health while ensuring the best health for the greatest number
• Purdom's definition: prioritizing the survival of the human species and recognizing each phase in human development is of equal importance
• Dr. Charles Edward Winslow's definition: science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health and efficiency through an organized community effort

Core Elements of Community

• Locus
• Sharing
• Joint action
• Social ties
• Diversity

Goal and Objective of CHN

• Goal: assisting individuals, families, and communities in attaining holistic health through multidisciplinary efforts
• Objective: achieving the highest possible level of community health by developing and enhancing the capabilities of individuals, families, and the community

Determinants of Health

• Physical Environment: safe water, clean air, healthy workplaces, safe houses, communities, and roads
• Employment and working conditions: people in employment are healthier, particularly those with control over working conditions
• Social support networks: greater support from families, friends, and communities is linked to better health
• Culture: customs, traditions, and beliefs affect health
• Genetics: inheritance plays a part in determining lifespan, healthiness, and likelihood of developing certain illnesses
• Personal Behavior and coping skills: balanced eating, keeping active, smoking, drinking, and coping with life's stresses affect health
• Health Services: access and use of services that prevent and treat disease influence health
• Gender: men and women suffer from different types of diseases at different ages

Preventive Approach to Health

• Health promotion
• Disease prevention
• 3 Levels of Prevention:
  • Primary Prevention: prevention of problems before they occur (e.g., immunization, water purification, good nutrition)
  • Secondary Prevention: early detection and intervention (e.g., mammography, BP screening)
  • Tertiary Prevention: correction and prevention of disease state

Community Health Nursing (CHN)

• Definition: a unique blend of nursing and public health practice woven into a human service
• Focus: promotion of health, prevention of disease, care of the sick, and rehabilitation
• Characteristics:
  • Autonomy
  • Continuity of care
  • Collaboration
  • Interactivity
  • Accountability
  • Intimacy with reality of client's situations

Philosophy of CHN

• Based on the worth and dignity of men
• Focus on health promotion and care directed to individuals, families, and groups contributing to the healthcare of the population as a whole

Concepts and Principles of CHN

• Primary focus on health promotion
• Family as the unit of care and community as the patient
• Four levels of clientele: individuals, families, population groups, and communities
• Partnership: working with, not for, the individual patient, family, group, or community
• Change: CHN practice is affected by developments in health technology and societal changes
• Healthcare delivery system: CHN is part of the larger human services system

Test your knowledge on the various social determinants of health including safe environments, employment conditions, social support networks, and cultural influences.