Introduction to Public Health PDF

Introduction to public health BPH 212 6. Determining and Influencing the Public’s Health 1 Dr. Abdulrahman Almujaidel 2 Determinants of Health  Definition: Determinants of health are factors that influence how healthy p...

Introduction to public health BPH 212 6. Determining and Influencing the Public’s Health 1 Dr. Abdulrahman Almujaidel 2 Determinants of Health  Definition: Determinants of health are factors that influence how healthy people are. Categories:  Social: Related to how people live and interact.  Economic: Money-related factors that impact health.  Environmental: Conditions around us that affect health.  Behavioral: Choices people make about their health. 3 Social Determinants of Health These are conditions that affect health based on where people live and their social context. Examples:  Education Level: More educated people often have better health.  Social Support Networks: Friends and family contribute to health.  Community Safety: Safe neighborhoods encourage outdoor activities. 4 Economic Determinants of Health Economic factors significantly impact health outcomes. Examples:  Income Level: Higher income often means better healthcare access.  Employment Opportunities: Good jobs can lead to better health.  Access to Healthcare Services: Affordable healthcare is essential. 5 Environmental Determinants of Health The physical surroundings where people live can greatly affect their health. Examples:  Air and Water Quality: Clean air and water are vital for good health.  Housing Conditions: Safe homes promote better health.  Access to Healthy Foods: Availability of fresh fruits and vegetables matters. 6 Behavioral Determinants of Health Personal choices and habits can influence health. Examples:  Smoking: Tobacco use leads to serious health issues.  Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight.  Dietary Habits: Eating balanced meals supports overall health. 7 Health Disparities Definition: Health disparities are differences in health outcomes between different groups. Importance: Recognizing these disparities helps identify groups needing more support for better health. 8 Factors Contributing to Health Disparities Several factors lead to health disparities in communities. Examples:  Socioeconomic Status: Lower income can limit healthcare access.  Access to Healthcare: Some areas have fewer healthcare providers.  Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: Language differences can hinder health information access. 9 Impact of Health Disparities Health disparities can lead to negative outcomes for affected groups. Effects:  Higher Rates of Chronic Diseases: Disparities can lead to more illnesses like diabetes.  Increased Mortality Rates: Higher death rates due to lack of care.  Greater Healthcare Costs: Disparities can result in more expensive emergency care. 10 Influencing Health Behavior Changing how people behave regarding their health is key to improving public health. Strategies: Education: Teaching people about health can lead to better choices. Community Engagement: Involving communities encourages participation. Policy Initiatives: Creating supportive laws can lead to positive changes. 11 Educational Strategies Providing knowledge about health topics can motivate people to change behaviors. Examples: Workshops on Nutrition: Teaching people how to eat healthily. Health Education in Schools: Educating children about healthy habits. Media Campaigns: Using TV and social media to spread health messages. 12 Community Engagement Involving local communities in health programs ensures relevance and effectiveness. Examples: Community Health Fairs: Events for people to learn about health. Support Groups for Lifestyle Changes: Networks for sharing experiences and support. Local Health Improvement Projects: Engaging community members in health initiatives. 13 Policy Initiatives Health policies can create environments that encourage healthy choices. Examples: Smoking Bans in Public Places: Reducing smoking protects everyone’s health. Taxation on Sugary Drinks: Making unhealthy drinks more expensive can reduce consumption. Improved Access to Recreational Spaces: Creating parks encourages physical activity. 14 Role of Policy in Health Policies set the rules that can improve or harm health outcomes for the population. Key Areas: Regulation of Substances: Laws controlling tobacco and alcohol reduce use. Nutrition Labeling on Food Products: Clear labels help consumers make healthier choices. Access to Preventive Services: Policies ensuring everyone can get vaccinations and screenings. 15 Key Takeaways Determinants of Health: Factors like social conditions, economics, environment, and behavior all influence health. Health Disparities: Recognizing and addressing health disparities is crucial for fairness in health. Influencing Health Behavior: Education, community involvement, and supportive policies are effective for promoting health. 16 Questions