Lesson 03 Introduction to Life Course and Its Theories (Behavioral Sciences and Ethics) BIU 2024 PDF

Behavioral Sciences and Ethics Lesson 03 Part 01 Medical Sciences Program Semester 01 Year 01 BIU Professor Dr. Ejaz Ahmed Khan Medical Sciences Program BIU Learning Outcomes After completion of this session...

Behavioral Sciences and Ethics Lesson 03 Part 01 Medical Sciences Program Semester 01 Year 01 BIU Professor Dr. Ejaz Ahmed Khan Medical Sciences Program BIU Learning Outcomes After completion of this session students will be able to: – Discuss the concept of the life course, including its stages and how it influences health and development. – Identify key life events and their impact on The Life Course Stages: Overview What is the Life Course? – Definition: A sequence of socially defined stages individuals pass through from birth to old age. Significance in healthcare: – Each stage has unique health needs and challenges. Goal: – Understand how cumulative life experiences Stages of the Life Course Infancy Childhood Adolescence Adulthood Old Age Infancy: (0 to 365 Day or Year 01) Key Characteristics: – Rapid physical and cognitive growth – Development of trust and attachment Health Influences: – Importance of nutrition, immunization, and family support – Long-term effects: Early experiences impact physical, emotional, and social development Childhood: (366 Day to 13 Years) Key Characteristics: – Development of basic cognitive and social skills – Education and social interactions become central Health Influences: – Safety, positive reinforcement, and mental stimulation are essential – Risks of developmental delays or health issues if neglected  Adolescence (13 to 19 years) Key Characteristics: – Physical and hormonal changes; identity formation – Increased independence and social influence Health Influences: – Mental health and behavior patterns, substance use risks, and peer relationships – Establishment of lifestyle habits that impact long- term health. Adulthood (20 to 64 years) Key Characteristics: – Career development, family responsibilities, and social roles – Health conditions like hypertension, diabetes may emerge Health Influences: – Lifestyle choices, stress management, and preventive health practices Old Age (65 and 65 Plus Years) Key Characteristics: – Physical aging, possible cognitive changes. – Retirement and shifts in social roles. Health Influences: – Chronic conditions, mobility challenges, and mental health needs. – Importance of social support, physical activity, and healthcare access.  Introduction to Life Course Theory What is Life Course Theory? – Framework to understand how health experiences across the lifespan. – Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors. Significance: – Emphasizes the cumulative effects of life stages and their effects on health outcomes.  Key Concepts of Life Course Theory Cumulative Effects: – How health risks and advantages build over time. Critical and Sensitive Periods: – Certain stages (e.g., infancy, adolescence) have heightened vulnerability or opportunity. Longitudinal Impact: – Life stages are interlinked, where early experiences affect future stages. Importance of Life Course Theory in Healthcare Holistic Approach: – Allows healthcare providers to view health as a product of lifelong experiences. Cumulative Effects: – Considers how events at different life stages (e.g., stress, nutrition) accumulate to influence current health. Prevention Focus: Life Course Theory and Cumulative Effects on Health Example 1: – Childhood Dietry Habits → Increased risk of adult chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease). Example 2: – Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) → Mental health challenges in adulthood. Example 3: – Education and Socioeconomic Status → Influences access to healthcare and lifestyle choices. Applying Life Course Theory in Patient Care Individualized Care: – Recognizing each patient’s unique history and its impact on current health. Preventive Interventions: – Addressing early life influences to improve health outcomes in later stages. Supporting Transitions: – Preparing patients for life transitions, e.g., adolescence to adulthood, adulthood to old age. Social Determinants in the Life Course Socioeconomic Status: – Poverty, education, and access to healthcare affect health at every stage. Environmental Factors: – Clean water, housing, and pollution exposure impact physical health. Impact: – Social and economic environments shape the Implications for Healthcare Professionals Comprehensive Patient Care: – Account for life experiences in diagnosis and treatment. Preventive Strategies: – Emphasize early interventions, especially for at- risk populations. Longitudinal Perspective: – Support patients by considering potential long-