PDHPE Study Notes PDF

Core 1 study notes What does health mean to individuals? ➔ MEANINGS OF HEALTH DEFINITIONS OF HEALTH - In the 20th century, the view on health changed, whereby living standards and hygiene were noticed to impact an individual's health. - Environmental conditions saw th...

Core 1 study notes What does health mean to individuals? ➔ MEANINGS OF HEALTH DEFINITIONS OF HEALTH - In the 20th century, the view on health changed, whereby living standards and hygiene were noticed to impact an individual's health. - Environmental conditions saw that poor water quality and waste disposal contributed to disease and illness. - Improvements in medical technology saw that immunisation and medicinal care eradicated many communicable diseases, making health a possibility for most people. - In 1946, lifestyle choices were the most predominant cause of sickness and illness. - In 1984, the Ottowa Charter established health as a human right. - The WHO defined health as ‘ a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasising social and personal resources, as well as physical capabilities. DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH - In 1946, the WHO established the 5 dimensions of health; physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual (meaning of life). They are interrelated. - A person's level of health is related to the interaction and balance between these different dimensions. (For example, a knee injury is physical, but can lead to mental and spiritual problems also). - Physical health: The wellness of the body and the absence of chronic pain or discomfort. (An example on how to improve this is meeting physical activity requirements). - Cognitive/intellectual health: The health of the brain and its overall function. (An example of how to improve this is improving sleep to improve memory). - Social health: Our ability to interact with others in a cooperative and interdependent way. (An example of how to improve this is counselling). - Mental health: a state of wellbeing where we can realise our abilities, cope with stresses and work productivity (An example on how to improve this is increasing exercise). - Emotional health: Resilience/strategies to cope (An example of how to improve this is improving diet). - Spiritual health: Having a sense of purpose and meaning in our life and to feel connected with others and society. (An example of how to improve this is to change locations). RELATIVE AND DYNAMIC NATURE OF HEALTH - The relative and dynamic nature of health can be measured along a continuum. - Throughout life, we move along this continuum due to changing individual circumstances. - Different perceptions of health can affect what is thought as normal and optimal health. (For example, good health in the Middle East may be considered still having a house, where in Australia, good health is considered as having fresh vegetables.) - Relative nature of health: refers to a persons’ health status in comparison to other people's health status or to another place or time. One person's definition of health is different to another person's definition. (An example is an elderly person being able to walk well is considered good health, this would not be considered good health for a teenager). - Dynamic nature of health: refers to the constant fluctuations that occur in our level of health. (An example is a heart rate). ➔ PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH - Perception refers to the way something is seen or viewed by an individual or group. - It is influenced by our life experiences and our knowledge on health. - It is constantly changing and evolving and is influenced by age. PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR HEALTH - Our perceptions are influenced by the following factors; - socioeconomic factors - income. - Sociocultural factors - family, peers. - Environmental factors - access to health services - Previous injuries - How much health is valued to you? - How health is portrayed in the media. - How society perceives health. PERCEPTIONS OF THE HEALTH OF OTHERS - The way someone thinks about the health of others is shaped by their own perception of health developed through unique experiences.  IMPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENT PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH - Implications at an Individual Level - people’s perceptions of their health influence their lifestyle choices and behaviours towards health. (An example is someone who has knowledge about health is more likely to recognise symptoms of depression and seek help than someone who doesn’t know about health). - A stereotype is a simplified or fixed image, opinion or concept to which people may feel expected to conform. (An example is being tanned and skinny). - Different perceptions of health may also contribute to varying expectations of people's capabilities and responsibilities towards health. (An example is the stereotype of old people being frail. This might discourage them from doing exercise). - Implications at a policy level - The health status of Australians is likely to influence government policy, expenditure and provision of resources. - The analysis of trends of illness and disease (epidemiology), impacts the health care for Australians and is used to determine risk factors contributing to ill health and to target prevention and intervention strategies. - Morbidity - the level of sickness in a given population. - Mortality - the number of deaths in a given population from a particular cause of period of time. PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT - A social construct is a construct that recognises that people have different views based on their social circumstances and ways of seeing, interpreting and interrelating with their environment. - Health perceptions as a social construct are shaped by the people that live in a society. - Perceptions as a social construct of health are influenced by; level of education, cultural background, geographical location, gender, age, community values and socioeconomic status. IMPACT OF THE MEDIA, PEERS AND FAMILY The media - The media influences our individual construct of health as it spreads information widely. (An example of this is skin cancer and awareness for this). They also provide continued exposure to the topic or issue. - This awareness can lead to changing government policy and health expenditure. (Increased exposure to young P plate drivers and crashes, can lead to changing policy). - Misleading messages in the media about health can contribute to distorted perceptions of health. (Photoshop). Peers - When group members share similar ideas about good health, the individual is more likely to behave in ways that enhance their health and well-being. This can work in a negative way as well. - Peers promote certain behaviours and ideas. - They influence our attitudes towards health. Family - Our parents communicate what health means and the value they place on health from a young age. This develops our perception of health. - The effort they make to make health a priority (taking to sports carnivals), influences the priority of health to us. - The living conditions of families (socioeconomic factors), impact our thoughts on health. (People living in socioeconomic disadvantage generally have a lower life span and live a lower quality of life). ➔ HEALTH BEHAVIOURS OF YOUNG PEOPLE THE POSITIVE HEALTH STATUS OF YOUNG PEOPLE - The health of young Australians has continued to improve over time. (aged 12-24 years old). - The life expectancy is increasing and the rate of mortalities and morbidities is dropping. (vaccinations). - Anxiety and depression are the leading causes of illness and death for young people. - The leading causes of disease and illness (morbidity), in females; are anxiety, depression, asthma and migraine. - The leading causes of disease and illness (morbidity), in males; are anxiety, depression, road traffic accidents, Schizophrenia and self-harm/suicide. - The burden of disease - is the quantified impact of a disease or injury on a population. - Trends; - Mental health - anxiety disorders were the leading cause of mental health issues. Males are more likely to have ADHD. Females are more likely to have depressive and anxiety disorders. - Females had the highest rate of self-harm. - Disability - The prevalence of disability amongst males and females was even and has stayed stable (same amount). - Deaths - Overall, the death rate amongst young people has dropped. - The leading cause of death was injuries. Injuries are self-harm, accidental poisoning and land transport accidents. - Death rates were higher amongst males. - The rate of suicides has increased and is higher amongst males. - Obesity - higher among males. - Substance abuse - The rate of people who have never smoked has increased drastically. - The amount of people drinking alcohol has dropped as well as the amount being drunk. - Sexual health - Young people are seeking advice on sexual health, through the internet and trusted adults. PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOURS AND RISK BEHAVIOURS Societal perceptions - Society often has misconceptions about the health of youths, with the media running negative stories about youths (getting drunk every weekend, taking illicit drugs). - Health issues faced by teenagers; - Mental health issues - protective behaviours (exercise). Risk behaviours (excessive social media use). - Physical inactivity - protective behaviours (family support). Risk behaviours (obesity). - Drug use- protective behaviours (good mental health). Risk behaviours (low socioeconomic status). - Road injury - protective behaviours (no alcohol). Risk behaviours (drunk driving). - Eating disorders- protective behaviours (routine). Risk behaviours (poor mental health). - Overall, health in young people has improved such as longer life expectancy, survival of serious illnesses and living longer with genetic conditions. However, obesity, chronic disease and mental and behavioural problems are on the increase among young people. What influences the health of individuals? ➔ THE DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH - The factors recognised as major influences on our health and well-being are generally referred to as determinants of health. - Health determinants are the ‘factors that have a positive or negative influence on health at an individual or population level’. - Each determinants influence the other and are interrelated, affecting the individual's or population's health.  INDIVIDUAL FACTORS - Individual factors are those factors unique to each person that can determine their level of health. - These include; - Knowledge and skills - empower them to make healthy lifestyle choices, maintain healthy attitudes and access appropriate health care. (knowledge about exercise allows the individual to complete exercise and stay active). - Attitudes - influence the way they view health and the decisions they make (attitudes towards drugs affect their drug use). - Genetics - make individuals susceptible to certain diseases. It contributes to intellect, life expectancy and physical ability (someone with fair skin and red hair is more susceptible to skin cancer). SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS - Relates to the society in which people live and the cultural practices and expectations that exist within these communities. - These include; - Family - Family cohesion, parental health, provision of food and emotional support contribute to good health. (Parents who are drug addicts, tend to neglect their children). - Peers - Peers are a large influence on developing you own set of values (boys seeking approval from their peers, may take part in risk-taking behaviour). - Media - The media presents all aspects of modern life. (demonstrates how you should celebrate if you are successful through sports). - Religion - Affects decisions such as sexual activity before marriage and dietary habits. Can also be positive for health in times of stress (not eating meat on certain days). - Culture - Gender, ethnicity, age and interest groups can develop culture. (greek culture). SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS - Relates to a person's level of income, education and employment. - These include; - Employment - Safe employment offers a sense of control, self-confidence and social contact. Unsafe employment offers low self-esteem and mental health problems. - Education - Education provides greater knowledge and understanding about health. With higher education, people are often paid more and therefore (improves diet, injury risk and stress level). - Level of employment - Higher income increases the ability to purchase health products and services. Higher-income leads to a greater sense of control.  ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS - The environment that people work and live in can affect their health in a positive or negative way. - These include; - Geographical location - People living in remote locations have reduced access to health services and support. (Remote areas don't have drug rehab services). - Access to health services and technology - Access may be restricted due to socioeconomic status. Technology can positively affect health by providing awareness and information but also negatively affect health through (video games). ➔ THE DEGREE OF CONTROL INDIVIDUALS HAVE OVER THEIR HEALTH MODIFIABLE AND NON-MODIFIABLE HEALTH DETERMINANTS Some factors that are influential on health can be changed and some can not; modifiable and non-modifiable determinants of health. - Modifiable health determinants - the determinants that can be changed and controlled. - These include; - Diet - Exercise - Drug use - Control over our health increases when we can acquire information, make choices, and use the skills we possess. We can believe we can make a change. - The mutual relationship between the individual and their social and economic circumstances is crucial to what control we have over our health. (To get health insurance, you need money, which will then look after your health). - Our sense of self-efficiency (belief in our ability to bring change). The higher our self-efficiency is, the greater the feeling of control we have. If there is low self-efficiency, we feel more powerless which leads to poorer health outcomes. - People need to possess an interest and desire to improve their health knowledge and skills. - People's attitude to health is a determinant that can be modified. (‘Speeding, no one thinks big of you’, is a health campaign aimed to improve people's attitudes towards speeding). - An individual is more likely to change their attitudes when they can recognise there are significant benefits from doing so. - A person's age affects their likelihood of changing attitudes. - Non-modifiable health determinants - Non-modifiable determinants - are determinants that cannot be changed or altered. - Factors that are seen as non-modifiable include; - Genetics/heredity - Environmental factors - Age - The genetic material received from our parents, can not be modified or altered. - Environmental factors such as geographical location, access to health care and availability of technology are not modifiable. (People who live in highly polluted areas are not able to control the level of air pollution). THE CHANGING INFLUENCE OF DETERMINANTS THROUGH LIFE STAGES - At different stages of our lives, certain determinants have a greater or lesser influence on our health status and health decisions. - The health determinants will change throughout the following life stages; - 1. Mothers and babies - 2. Children and young people - 3. Working-aged adults - 4. Older people - Mothers and babies - Social support and income have a major influence on the health of mothers and babies. (Vaccinations can assist in a healthier life for both) - The degree of control over the determinants can be very low for mothers who lack adequate social and financial support. - Children and young people - Children are developing skills and attitudes that assist them in living a healthy lifestyle. Families are heavy influences in teaching them the skills and attitudes they adopt. - The presence of risk and protective factors during childhood heralds the beginning of a cumulative effect of exposure to these factors. - Many determinants of health have a cumulative effect, (The risk of having a heart attack is far away, so the health attitudes are not influenced by this, rather they are influenced by social pressures). - Working-age adults - This group has the greatest capacity to control their health determinants. - An individual's employment influences income, access, time availability and social status. - Changing employment during this stage has a large influence on health status. - Older people - During older age, the influence of determinants that have been accumulating for years become evident. (The negative health effects of smoking, catch up to you). - Control over the determinants begins to decline during this stage of life with reduced income and increased levels of dependence. (retirement homes or assisted living). ➔ HEALTH AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT RECOGNISES THE INTERRELATIONSHIP OF DETERMINANTS - The social construct of health recognises that people have different views of health based on their social circumstances and ways of seeing and interpreting their environment. - People's ability to achieve good health varies according to the; - Personal skill development - Supportive health and social environments - Awareness of the impacts on the health of public policy (medicare) - Health services orientated towards health promotion (moving to a preventative approach rather than a curative approach). (sun safety - hats) (wearing seatbelts). - The recognition that individuals do not have full control over their health has contributed to the acceptance that health is a social construct. The determinants of health (socioeconomic, environmental, sociocultural and individual factors) are the foundation for Australia's levels of health and well-being (mortality, life expectancy and injury). These are affected by the resources and systems (material, financial and human) which provide support for interventions (Prevention and health promotion (empowering people to take control of their health) and treatment and care). This then affects the determinants of health and Australia's well-being. CHALLENGES THE NOTION THAT HEALTH IS SOLELY AN INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY - A social view of health recognises that health risk can not be attributed to the individual solely and is influenced by the determinants of health. These can diminish and support the individual's health. (Unemployment can lead to illness due to social isolation and the stigma associated with unemployment by society, diminishing health. Society also provides assistance to people during unemployment therefore supporting health). - Governments can influence the determinants of health to improve health status by setting legislation (seatbelt laws, alcohol age limits). - Businesses can influence the determinants of health to improve health status by creating supportive environments (putting showers in), and providing private health care (therefore fewer sick days). - Communities can influence the determinants of health to improve health status by establishing recreational areas (bike paths) and surf clubs (lifesaving). What does health mean to individuals? ➔ WHAT IS HEALTH PROMOTION - Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over their health and to improve their health. - Examples of current health promotion campaigns; - ‘Stop it or cop it’ - ‘Smoking kills’ - Methods used to promote health in Australia; - PDHPE lessons - Supportive environments The Ottowa Charter outlines essential actions for effective health promotion and is based on the understanding that health is socially determined. - It recognises the importance of a broad range of approaches to achieve better health. - These approaches need to; - Aim to take a preventative approach rather than a curative approach. - Providing resources - Create supportive environments (lifeguards, wearing long shirts). - Including legislation/laws to protect people from harm (disturbing images on cigarette packets). - Health promotion recognises the social, economic, behavioural, environmental and lifestyle factors (determinants of health), that contribute to health problems. - It aims to address these issues in order to support behavioural change. Without supportive environments, improvement in health can not be made. The following includes environmental and educational support; 1. Government legislation - laws create a supportive environment (mandatory seat belts) 2. Government regulations - these controls ensure that communities maintain certain standards in health practises. (used by date). 3. Physical support - (Provision of hospitals and community health centres). 4. Economic support - allocation of sufficient money to support health and welfare. (medicare) 5. Social support - health personnel and community groups who are trained in health care (doctors and nurses). 6. Education support - traditional health education programs in schools or community education groups (quitline website) ➔ RESPONSIBILITY FOR HEALTH PROMOTION - Responsibility for health is shared among individuals, community groups/schools, health professionals, health service institutions and governments. They must work together to create a health system, that supports health. (Cancer Council is a health institution). INDIVIDUALS - Health is created by caring for oneself. - Health promotion includes and encourages individual responsibility and action. - It encourages the individual to have control over their life circumstances and ensuring that the individual creates conditions to optimise their health. COMMUNITY GROUPS/SCHOOLS - Schools have a vital role in delivering health education through (PDHPE) lessons and creating habits from a young age (wearing hats- no hat, no play). - Architects, engineers and urban planners contribute to health through planning and creating a supportive environment (allowing room for bike paths and recreational activities). NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS - They play an important role in community education, providing health services, research and workplace development. - Examples of these organisations (the National Heart Foundation and Cancer Council). Governments work closely with NGOs, to improve the quality and availability of human and financial resources. GOVERNMENTS - Local government - is responsible for environmental and land use planning (eg, by putting regulations in for new developments). They are responsible for community development, waste management and food safety. - State government - responsible for the supervision of health protection functions (ie, food safety). They are responsible for disease prevention and control (they do this through immunisation and cancer screening). They are responsible for operating and running hospitals and allocating funds. - Federal government - responsible for how well the health system serves the needs of the people. They ensure all state governments work together and distribute funding to state governments. They set up specialist agencies (Food Standards Australia - to monitor food imports), to monitor health and improve health.  INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS - They work to improve global health. - They assist in guiding countries to achieving the best health for their citizens (eg, World Health Organisation). - The UN maintains peace and security between countries cooperates in solving international problems and promotes res ➔ HEALTH PROMOTION APPROACHES AND STRATEGIES - Health promotion uses strategies focused on individuals, groups and communities to bring about behavioural and environmental changes that lead to better health. - Summary of health promotion: - LIFESTYLE/BEHAVIOURAL APPROACHES - Lifestyle/behavioural approaches are to help individuals whose behavioural or social situations place them at greater risk of developing unhealthy lifestyles. - These approaches therefore target smaller ‘at risk’ groups within a population to change their behaviour. - These therefore assist in the belief that if more people do it (the change), then MORE people will do it. Meaning people will be more likely to follow in the footsteps of the people surrounding them. (wearing hats in playgrounds). - This is all based on the principle that the major causes of morbidity and mortality are diseases resulting from poor lifestyle behaviour choices. It presumes that, with the relevant information, people will change their actions and way of thinking to improve their health. However, the individual lifestyle approach to health promotion fails to recognise the other factors that affect health such as (social, economic and environmental factors). - (Smoking shows how despite the warnings on smoking and their packets, people continue to smoke. This therefore shows that although people know it is bad for you, they still do it. To promote health amongst the individuals smoking, there has been restricted access, it has been made anti-social and increased taxes). Socioenvironmental approaches - these approaches work by addressing the social determinants of health, such as (education, housing, income and early life experiences). - Health promotion actions the socio-environmental approach by creating supportive environments (shaded areas), working with communities to strengthen their development policies (school developing nutrition policy to promote healthy eating) and advocating public policy (a school becoming a health-promoting school). Harm-minimisation Approach (HMA) - this accepts that no matter what, people will still do risk-taking activities (drug use). - HMA aims to reduce the adverse health and the consequences by limiting both the harms and the hazards for both the community and the individual. - HMA approaches the drug use risk-taking behaviour by demand reduction, supply control (legislation), controlled use and safer drug use, (where they supply the needles, accepting that they are going to do drugs, so they may as well do them safely (minimising harm)). Zero-Tolerance Approach - this approach doesn’t consider (drug use) as a health issue but rather a legal issue (leads to increased victimisation - jail). - This strategy suggests people ‘should just say no to drugs’. This strategy is not successful as it is not that simple. PREVENTATIVE MEDICAL APPROACHES - This is the traditional approach. - This health promotion occurs in stages; 1. Primary prevention - preventing the initial illness (immunisation) 2. Secondary prevention - stopping or slowing an existing illness. (cervical screening services). 3. Tertiary prevention - reducing the reoccurrence of the illness (rehabilitation services) PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACHES - This health-promotion approach aims to provide the maximum benefit for the largest number of people. It targets ‘top killers’ - (cancer). - Aims to prevent disease or injury from occurring, promoting health and returning health to disaster-stricken communities.  - The public health approach follows the key steps; 1. Defining and monitoring the extent of the problem. 2. Identifies the causes of the problem. 3. Formulating and testing ways of dealing with the problem. 4. Applying widely the measures that are found to work. (immunisation). Health Promoting schools - A school that has a whole-school commitment to improving and protecting the health of the school community. (counselling services). - The curriculum, the school environment and the partnerships and services (catholic care and different sporting services). Health Promoting workplaces - Workplaces influence the physical, mental, economic and social well-being of workers and their families. (discounted gym fees or access to private healthcare). ➔ THE OTTOWA CHARTER AS AN EFFECTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION FRAMEWORK - The Ottowa Charter was achieved in 1986 and outlines the 5 action areas. - It is significant because it gave health promotion more direction through clear definitions, action plans and positive involvement. - The Ottowa Charter is based on the understanding that health is socially determined. The Ottowa Charter identified the prerequisites for health which included; 1. The basic necessities for health (peace, shelter, education, food, income, a stable ecosystem, sustainable resources, social justice and equity). 2. Health is a positive concept emphasising social and personal resources. 3. All people should be able to achieve their health potential through the provision of equal opportunities and resources (social justice principles). With the idea that health is socially constructed, the Ottowa Charter established 5 action areas; - Developing personal skills - Creating supportive environments - Strengthening community action - Reorientating health services - Building Health Public Policy (Dead cats smell really bad) - phrase to remember. DEVELOPING PERSONAL SKILLS Definition - Personal and social development through providing information, education for health and enhancing life skills. - By doing this, it improves people's ability to take control over their health and environments and it also improves their understanding of health risk behaviours. - It promotes protective behaviours (seat belts) - It provides the individual with knowledge to navigate the health system and critically analyse health information. (nutrition labels on food). - Examples - health education in schools on (road safety), through organisations (RYDA). - This requires a multi-sectoral approach. This Ottowa charter action area focuses on developing skills, maintaining good health, changing poor health behaviours and teaching life skills, education and information. CREATING SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS Definition - creating environments which allow people to be healthy in them. - ‘The Ottowa charter states that, if respect is not paid to our environment, it is likely society will pay the penalty in terms of ill-health and social problems’. - Supportive environments include the online, social and natural environment. - Examples - creating supportive environments includes providing showers at workplaces to encourage people to get to work in a physical way. - Another example is having healthy canteens at schools to encourage healthy eating and eliminating the option for unhealthy food. - Creating legislation to ban smoking indoors, it makes smoking anti-social and therefore creates an unsupportive environment for smokers. This Ottowa charter action area focuses on the community and the environment, organising communties and workplaces and recognising and supporting healthy lifestyles. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY ACTION Definition - empowers communities through setting priorities, making decisions, planning strategies and implementing them for better health. - Examples - the Lions Club driver reviver stations and ‘close the gap’, (helps ATSI with their health). This Ottowa charter action area focuses on community action, priorities, making decisions, planning actions and better communities. REORIENTATING HEALTH SERVICES Definition - moves health from a curative response to a preventative response. - All levels of health contributors (individuals, health professionals, government etc.) must work together to pursuit good health. - They improve access to health services. - Examples - vaccinations attempt to move healthcare from curative to preventative (COVID-19 vaccine). This Ottowa charter action area focuses on health services cure and prevention.  BUILDING PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY Definition - to guide public policy so that it provides an environment in which healthy choices are made easily through legislation - Examples - provides incentives for private healthcare. (through medicare rebate) - Another example is the legislation to restrict the advertisement of cigarettes. ➔ PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE - Social justice is a value that favours the reduction or elimination of inequality, the promotion of inclusiveness of diversity and the establishment of environments that are supportive of all people. EQUITY - The allocation of resources according to the needs of individuals and populations. - The goal is to achieve equality of outcomes. - (Medicare for South Coast Medical Centre, for ATSI people). DIVERSITY - The variety or difference between individuals and groups of people. - Eg, providing brochures in different languages. SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS - The social environment in which people live and work. - A good example of unsupportive environments affecting health is the rural and remote people. Their health is poor due to a lack of health services and limited employment services.