THE CONCEPT OF HEALTH
THE CONCEPT OF HEALTH
Structure
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Health-A Changing Concept
2.3 Definition of Health
2.4 Dimensions of Health
2.4.1 Physical Dimension
2.4.2 Mental Dimension
2.4.3 Social Dimension
2.4.4 Spiritual Dimension
2.4.5 Vocational Dimension
2.5 Health-A Relative Concept
2.6 Determinants of Health
2.6.1 Heredity
2.6.2 Environment
2.7 Importance of Good Health for the Development of the Child
2.4 DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH
Health is a multidimensional concept that goes beyond the traditional view of the absence of disease. Various dimensions contribute to the overall well-being of an individual. Let’s explore these dimensions:
2.4.1 Physical Dimension:
The physical dimension of health relates to the well-functioning of the body and its organs. It involves factors such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, and the absence of illness. A person with good physical health can perform daily activities efficiently and has a lower risk of developing diseases.
2.4.2 Mental Dimension:
Mental health encompasses emotional and psychological well-being. It involves managing stress, coping with challenges, maintaining positive relationships, and having a sense of purpose. Mental health is crucial for cognitive functioning, emotional stability, and overall life satisfaction.
2.4.3 Social Dimension:
The social dimension of health emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships, community involvement, and social support. Strong social connections contribute to a sense of belonging and provide emotional support, reducing the risk of mental health issues and promoting overall well-being.
2.4.4 Spiritual Dimension:
Spiritual health involves finding meaning and purpose in life. It doesn’t necessarily relate to religious beliefs but encompasses a sense of connection to something greater than oneself. Individuals with strong spiritual health often report greater life satisfaction and resilience in the face of challenges.
2.4.5 Vocational Dimension:
The vocational dimension of health considers an individual’s satisfaction and well-being in their work or vocation. It involves factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, and fulfillment in one’s chosen career. A positive vocational dimension contributes to overall life satisfaction.
2.5 HEALTH – A RELATIVE CONCEPT
Health is a relative concept, meaning that it can be interpreted differently by individuals and communities. What one person considers healthy may not align with another’s perspective. Factors such as culture, beliefs, and personal experiences influence how people perceive and prioritize their health.
The relative nature of health also implies that it is not an absolute state but exists on a continuum. Individuals may experience varying degrees of health at different times, and the goal is to strive for positive health rather than an unrealistic state of complete well-being.
2.6 DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
Several factors influence an individual’s health, and these determinants can be categorized into various dimensions:
2.6.1 Heredity:
Genetic factors inherited from parents play a role in determining susceptibility to certain diseases and overall health outcomes.
2.6.2 Environment:
The physical, social, and cultural environment significantly impacts health. Access to clean water, air quality, housing conditions, and community resources all contribute to an individual’s well-being.
2.7 IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HEALTH FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILD
Good health is crucial for the overall development of a child. Healthy children are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Adequate nutrition, regular exercise, and proper healthcare contribute to physical and cognitive development. Additionally, a supportive social environment enhances emotional well-being and helps children build positive relationships.
2.4.4 Spiritual Dimension
Spiritual Dimension in Health: The spiritual dimension of health, considered in the context of holistic health, involves the pursuit of understanding the meaning and purpose of life. While challenging to precisely define, it encompasses concepts such as integrity, principles, ethics, belief in the unexplained, commitment to a higher being, and a sense of connection to the universe.
Importance of Spiritual Health:
- Spiritual health contributes to an individual’s perception of the meaning and purpose of life.
- It goes beyond physiological and psychological aspects, addressing a person’s connection to something greater than themselves.
- Integrity, ethical values, and a commitment to higher principles are integral components of spiritual well-being.
Challenges in Defining Spiritual Health:
- The spiritual dimension is relatively new, and its definition lacks precision and universality.
- Despite challenges in defining it concretely, there is a growing recognition of the importance of spiritual health, particularly in coping with the stresses of modern life.
2.4.5 Vocational Dimension
Importance of Vocational Health:
- The vocational dimension plays a crucial role in an individual’s overall health and well-being.
- When aligned with personal goals, capacities, and limitations, vocational activities contribute to physical and mental health.
- Job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment from work enhance overall health and self-esteem.
Diversity in Vocational Significance:
- For some, vocational activities may primarily be a source of income, while for others, they represent success in life.
- Vocational success is not solely measured by financial returns; many find fulfillment in non-monetary pursuits.
Interaction with Other Dimensions:
- The vocational aspect is influenced by and influences other dimensions of health, illustrating the interconnected nature of health.
- Dissatisfaction with one’s job can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem, impacting overall health.
2.5 HEALTH – A RELATIVE CONCEPT
Positive Health as a Relative Concept:
- Positive health is often viewed not as an “ideal” state but as a “biologically normal” state based on statistical averages.
- Health standards vary among cultures, and each region should establish its norms based on its unique conditions.
Spectrum of Health and Sickness:
- Health is dynamic and exists along a continuum, ranging from optimum well-being to various levels of dysfunction.
- The health-sickness spectrum illustrates the continuous changes in an individual’s health status.
- Health is not a fixed state; it constantly evolves, and an individual may experience shifts from good health to illness or vice versa.
What are the determinants of health mentioned in the text?
- Genetic factors or heredity
- Environmental factors (physical and social influences)
- Socio-economic conditions and lifestyle
- Health services
Why is heredity considered an important determinant of health?
- Heredity influences several physical and mental characteristics.
- Genetic factors determine individual traits and may contribute to the development of certain diseases.
- Some diseases, like Down’s syndrome and haemophilia, are known to be genetic in origin.
- Positive traits conducive to well-being are also influenced by heredity.
How does the environment contribute to health, and what are the components of the environment mentioned in the text?
- The environment has a direct impact on the well-being of individuals.
- Components of the environment include physical factors (ecological conditions) and social factors (family, culture, religion, social class).
- Socio-economic conditions and lifestyle are part of the environment.
- The environment influences health through factors like food, housing, water supply, sanitation, industry, health services, and psychosocial stress.
Explain the concept of “lifestyle” and its relation to health. Provide a couple of examples of lifestyle factors that promote health.
- Lifestyle refers to the way people live, encompassing social values, attitudes, behaviors, and personal habits.
- It is both a consequence and a determinant of health.
- Examples of lifestyle factors promoting health include adequate nutrition, sufficient sleep, physical activity, hygiene, and clean drinking water.
How does socio-economic status influence health, and what are the implications of poverty for health in developing countries?
- Socio-economic conditions, including poverty, are closely related to health.
- Poverty-related lifestyles often involve factors detrimental to health, such as lack of sanitation, inadequate shelter, poor nutrition, and harmful customs.
- Poverty is associated with higher rates of maternal mortality, infant mortality, chronic illness, respiratory infections, accidents, and hearing loss in children.
Explain the importance of primary health care and the role of health services in promoting health.
- Primary health care ensures that health services are accessible and socially acceptable to everyone in the population.
- Health services play a dual role: preventive (e.g., immunization, maternal and child health care) and curative (medical care for overcoming diseases).
- Adequate preventive services can reduce the need for curative services.
- Health services should be coordinated with efforts from various sectors such as food, agriculture, education, housing, and industry.
Why is good health important for the optimal development of a child, and how can poor health negatively impact a child’s development?
- Good health is crucial for the physical, mental, and social well-being of a child.
- Poor health can negatively impact a child’s development by causing low stamina, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and delayed developmental milestones.
- Ill-health during critical periods, such as pregnancy, can have lasting detrimental effects on the child’s health and development.
- Maternal health, nutrition, and environmental factors during pregnancy significantly influence the child’s well-being.
Question 1:
What is the World Health Organisation’s definition of health? List two positive aspects and two limitations of this definition.
World Health Organisation’s Definition of Health: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity.”
Positive Aspects:
Holistic Approach: The definition recognizes health as a holistic concept, encompassing physical, mental, and social dimensions. This reflects a comprehensive understanding of well-being.
Emphasis on Well-being: The inclusion of well-being emphasizes the positive aspects of health, promoting not just the absence of disease but the presence of positive attributes in an individual’s life.
Limitations:
Subjectivity: The definition lacks measurable terms for concepts like “mental well-being” or “social well-being,” making it challenging to objectively determine if someone has achieved complete well-being.
Idealistic Nature: Critics argue that the definition sets an idealistic goal rather than a realistic one, as few individuals may constantly experience complete physical, mental, and social well-being in their day-to-day lives.
Question 2:
How is the psychosocial concept of health different from the biomedical concept?
Biomedical Concept: Traditionally, health was viewed as the “absence of disease” in the biomedical concept. It focused on the physical aspects of health, considering the human body as a machine and disease as a consequence of the breakdown of this machine, primarily caused by germs.
Psychosocial Concept: The psychosocial concept of health recognizes health as not only a biological phenomenon but also a social one. It acknowledges the influence of psychological, socio-cultural, and economic factors on health. Unlike the biomedical concept, the psychosocial approach considers the broader context of an individual’s life and emphasizes the importance of social and psychological factors in determining health.
Check Your Progress Exercise 2
- List three characteristics each of physical, mental, and social well-being:
Physical Well-being:
- Optimal functioning of cells and organs.
- Normal size and function of body organs.
- Healthy appearance, including lustrous hair, good complexion, and clean skin.
Mental Well-being:
- Ability to handle situations without excessive tension.
- High self-esteem and confidence, recognizing one’s faults.
- Effective management of emotions, avoiding frequent strong negative feelings.
Social Well-being:
- Ability to fulfill social obligations to family and community.
- Positive interpersonal relationships with others.
- Contribution to the betterment of the community and a sense of involvement.
- Why has the vocational aspect of life been accepted as a dimension of health?
- The vocational aspect has been accepted as a dimension of health because it plays a significant role in an individual’s overall well-being.
- Aligned vocational activities contribute to physical and mental health, job satisfaction, and a sense of fulfillment.
- Job loss or dissatisfaction can lead to negative emotional states, impacting overall health.
- Vocational success is not solely measured by financial returns but is interconnected with other dimensions of health.
- What do you understand by the concept of “spectrum of health and sickness”?
- The concept of the “spectrum of health and sickness” denotes that an individual’s health is not static but continuously changes.
- Health and sickness lie along a continuum, ranging from optimum well-being to varying levels of dysfunction.
- The spectrum illustrates that an individual’s health may transition gradually or suddenly from good health to bad health or vice versa.
- It emphasizes that health is a dynamic state, and an individual’s well-being is constantly evolving.
Check Your Progress Exercise 3
i) Heredity has a significant influence on the health status of the individual.
- Reason: Heredity determines the genetic makeup of an individual, influencing physical and mental characteristics. Genetic factors contribute to the predisposition to certain diseases and the potential for positive traits conducive to well-being. Diseases like Down’s syndrome and haemophilia are examples of health conditions with a genetic origin.
ii) The effects of poverty on health are, to some extent, compensated by education.
- Reason: While poverty is associated with adverse health outcomes, education acts as a mitigating factor. Education can empower individuals to make informed health-related decisions, adopt healthier lifestyles, and access healthcare services. Research studies suggest that the negative impact of poverty on health can be partially offset by educational attainment.
iii) It is important to provide for the child’s physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Reason: A child’s development is multidimensional, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects. Neglecting any of these dimensions can have negative consequences on the child’s overall well-being. Physical health influences mental and social well-being, and vice versa. For optimal development, a child needs proper nutrition, a supportive environment, and opportunities for social interaction and learning.
What are the determinants of health mentioned in the text?
- Genetic factors or heredity
- Environmental factors (physical and social influences)
- Socio-economic conditions and lifestyle
- Health services
Why is heredity considered an important determinant of health?
- Heredity influences several physical and mental characteristics.
- Genetic factors determine individual traits and may contribute to the development of certain diseases.
- Some diseases, like Down’s syndrome and haemophilia, are known to be genetic in origin.
- Positive traits conducive to well-being are also influenced by heredity.
How does the environment contribute to health, and what are the components of the environment mentioned in the text?
- The environment has a direct impact on the well-being of individuals.
- Components of the environment include physical factors (ecological conditions) and social factors (family, culture, religion, social class).
- Socio-economic conditions and lifestyle are part of the environment.
- The environment influences health through factors like food, housing, water supply, sanitation, industry, health services, and psychosocial stress.
Explain the concept of “lifestyle” and its relation to health. Provide a couple of examples of lifestyle factors that promote health.
- Lifestyle refers to the way people live, encompassing social values, attitudes, behaviors, and personal habits.
- It is both a consequence and a determinant of health.
- Examples of lifestyle factors promoting health include adequate nutrition, sufficient sleep, physical activity, hygiene, and clean drinking water.
How does socio-economic status influence health, and what are the implications of poverty for health in developing countries?
- Socio-economic conditions, including poverty, are closely related to health.
- Poverty-related lifestyles often involve factors detrimental to health, such as lack of sanitation, inadequate shelter, poor nutrition, and harmful customs.
- Poverty is associated with higher rates of maternal mortality, infant mortality, chronic illness, respiratory infections, accidents, and hearing loss in children.
Explain the importance of primary health care and the role of health services in promoting health.
- Primary health care ensures that health services are accessible and socially acceptable to everyone in the population.
- Health services play a dual role: preventive (e.g., immunization, maternal and child health care) and curative (medical care for overcoming diseases).
- Adequate preventive services can reduce the need for curative services.
- Health services should be coordinated with efforts from various sectors such as food, agriculture, education, housing, and industry.
Why is good health important for the optimal development of a child, and how can poor health negatively impact a child’s development?
- Good health is crucial for the physical, mental, and social well-being of a child.
- Poor health can negatively impact a child’s development by causing low stamina, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and delayed developmental milestones.
- Ill-health during critical periods, such as pregnancy, can have lasting detrimental effects on the child’s health and development.
- Maternal health, nutrition, and environmental factors during pregnancy significantly influence the child’s well-being.