Health-definition, concepts and dimensions

Definition of health -a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity and the ability to lead a socially and economically productive life

CONCEPTS OF HEALTH -biomedical concept -ecological concept -psychosocial concept -holistic concept

Biomedical concepts -traditionally health has been viewed as absence of disease -base of this concept is germ theory of disease (germs cause disease) -human body is considered as a machine and disease as a consequence of the breakdown of the machine and the doctors task is repair of the machine

-this concept minimized the role of environmental , social , psychological and cultural determinants of health -it is inadequate to solve some of the major health problems of mankind eg. malnutrition, accidents, drug abuse etc.

Ecological concept -health as a dynamic equilibrium between man and his environment and disease is a maladjustment of the human organism to environment -this concept raises two issues ie imperfect man and imperfect environment -human adaptation to his natural environment can lead to longer life expectancies and a better quality of life

Psychosocial concept -health is not only a biomedical phenomenon but one which is influenced by social, psychological, cultural, economical, and political factors of the people -health is a biological and social phenomenon

Holistic concept -synthesis of all the above concepts -health implies a sound mind in a sound body in a sound family in sound environment -all sectors of the society have an effect on health in particular agriculture, animal husbandry, food, industry, education, housing, communication etc. -it emphasize on the promotion and protection of health

DIMENTIONS OF HEALTH Heath is multidimensional DIMENTIONS OF HEALTH Heath is multidimensional. It include -physical -mental -social -spiritual -emotional -vocational -others

Physical dimension -implies perfect functioning of the body -every cell and every organ is functioning at optimum capacity and in perfect harmony with the rest of the body

-physical health can be evaluated by self assessment, clinical examination, nutrition assessment, lab investigations etc. -at community level, health can be assessed by indicators such as death rate, infant mortality rate and expectation of life

Mental dimension -it is the state of balance between the individual and the surrounding world, a state of harmony between oneself and others , coexistence between realities of the self and that of other people and that of environment

Characteristics of a mentally healthy person -free from internal conflicts -well adjusted -he searches for identity -strong self esteem -he knows himself, his needs, problems etc. -good self control -face the problems couragesly and solve them intelligently

Social dimension -social well being implies harmony and integration within the individual and other member of the society and between individuals and the world in which they live. -quaintly and quality of individuals interpersonal ties and the extent of involvement within the community

-social dimension include the level of social skill one possesses, social functioning and ability to see oneself as a member of large society -health habits are influenced by persons economic level, life style, social status etc -eg. Low income group are less likely to seek medical care

Spiritual dimension -it refers to that part of individual which reaches out and strives for meaning and purpose in life -it include principles and ethics, purpose in life, commitment to some higher being etc. -spiritual beliefs and values are important components of a persons health and illness

-eg. Roman catholic requires baptism for both live birth and still born babies -certain religion prohibit the intake of pork and shellfish -opposition to blood transfusion among Jehovah witnesses

Emotional dimension -emotional health refers to feeling -long term stress affects body systems and anxiety affects health habits Eg. Student always have diarrhea before examination Vocational dimension -part of human existence -when the work is fully adapted, it promote physical and mental health

Environmental dimension -housing, sanitation, climate, pollution etc affects health -increase risk of skin cancers in people who live in sunny areas -increase risk of asthma in polluted areas

Others -philosophical dimension -cultural dimension -socio economic dimension -environmental dimension -educational dimension -nutritional dimension -curative dimension -preventive dimension