Sociology of Health Overview

Overview of Sociology of Health

• Sociology of health studies the interaction between society and health

• It examines contemporary and historical factors impacting overall health and wellbeing

• Social processes from birth to death intertwine and influence health and wellbeing

• Influences include upbringing, how illness is understood, and technology

• Health and medical science are social constructs with socially interpreted interactions

• Sociology of Health and Illness focuses on conceptualization, measurement and social distribution, and justification of patterns in health and illness

• Researchers use a sociological lens to examine diseases

• Cultural differences affect disease prevalence and response

• Researchers examine the effects of bad health on social regulations or controls

• Official statistics and community surveys help measure health and illness distribution

• Official statistics show the use of health services and the infected person's view

• Community surveys assess people's health ratings and discrepancy between clinical and self-reports

• Disparities in health exist within the same society among different social classes and ethnicities

• Health related behaviors like alcohol consumption, smoking, diet, and exercise significantly impact health

• Sociologists see health and illness through a broad lens

• Analyzing cultural factors related to alcohol, smoking, diet, and exercise is important

• The effects of the productive process on health and illness is a consideration

• Industrial pollution, environmental pollution, accidents at work, and stress-related diseases also have an effect

• Social factors significantly contribute to health and illness

• Epidemiology studies show that autonomy and control in the workplace affect heart disease

• Effort-reward imbalance is one cause of disease

• Decreasing career advancement and control at work correlate with negative health consequences

• Pension rights may explain mortality differences between retired men and women of different socioeconomic statuses

• External factors are significant in influencing health and illness

• Health disparities can last for generations

• Addressing social determinants of health is the key to closing the gap

• Differences in health are linked to social or economic disadvantages

• Discrimination and income inequality perpetuate health disparities

The Concept of Health

• Health has been defined differently by various professional groups

• Medical professionals define the concept of health in terms of health or disease

• These definitions are expressed in terms of mental or physical/physiological disorder

• The concept of health is largely based on pathology, focusing on the presence or absence of disease

• It is concerned with how invasive it is

• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being

• Health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

• The definition covers all aspects of welfare: physical, mental, and spiritual

• Health is achieved through physical, mental, emotional and social well-being

• The physical, mental, and emotional and social wellbeing is commonly referred to as health triangle

Dimensions of Health

• Additional health dimensions include spiritual, emotional, vocational, and political aspects

• All dimensions of health are interrelated, interdependent, and impact each other

• The physical dimension is a biological condition

• All cells and organs are operating at maximum capacity and in harmony with the body

• Signs of physical health include a healthy complexion, clean skin, bright eyes, and glossy hair

• It also includes a well-clothed body with firm flesh (not too fat), sweet breath, and a good appetite

• Peaceful sleep, regular bowel and bladder activity, and smooth coordinated bodily motions are other indicators of the signs of physical health

• Organs must be of normal size and function

• All unique senses should be intact

• Resting pulse rate, blood pressure, and exercise tolerance are within the normal range for the age and sex of the individual

• Consistent weight growth is an important factor in the young and developing

• Evaluation of physical health includes:

• Self-evaluation

• Clinical examination

• Risk factor assessment

• List of illnesses and medications

• Nutritional assessment

• Various indices and health rates like MMR, morbidity pattern, IMR and expectancy of life are used to measure community health

• The mental dimension is a condition of equilibrium between an individual and their surroundings

• It is a state of harmony between oneself, others, and cohabitation of people's realities, as well as the environment

• Characteristics of being Mentally Healthy includes:

• Freedom from internal problems

• Being well-adjusted and adapted

• Being on the lookout for his or her true identity

• Having high self-worth

• Awareness of one’s wants, difficulties and objectives

• Excellent self-control

• Intelligence and confrontation with challenges and intelligently solving them.

• Mental health is assessed using a mental status assessment and standardized tests

• Testing can include adjustment scales, self-esteem/self-concept tests, problem-solving tasks, intelligence, and personality tests

• The social dimensions of health is harmony and integration within the individual

• Harmony between each individual and other members of their society and the world is also an important part of social health

• Social health is defined by the quantity and quality of interpersonal relationships and community involvement

• Social health stems from a healthy physical environment and a positive human environment related to individual social networks

Sociological Perspectives on Health

• Functionalist Perspective

• Political Economic Perspective

• Interactionist Perspective

• Critical Perspective

• Sociology can be used to health and disease in two ways

• Applying health and health disorders as well as by institutions offering treatment and cure

• Medical sociology has an applied orientation to better understand and improve health

• Important subject for healthcare practitioners

• Contributing to medical practice and health policy is essential role of sociology

• Providing systematic analyses and conclusions is key

• Rights of Sick Role include:

• The sick person has the right to be excused from social duties

• The severity of the disease will determine how far the individual can play the sick role and evade routine responsibilities

• Not being criticised for

• The individual has no control over

• Having the right to have others look after them.

• Responsibility of their social deviation.

• Obligations of Sick Role include:

• The sick person must accept that the situation they are in is undesirable

• Seek to get better as soon as possible

• Seek professional help and cooperate with the medical profession to get better.