smc-5502-20-Different meanings of health

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 046

Compare and contrast how gender might influence perspectives on health, and explain why these differences exist. (5 marks)

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Different perspectives:

Gender significantly influences health perspectives, with research showing distinct patterns between genders.
Men often conceptualise health primarily through physical capability and absence of illness that would prevent work or physical activities. Symptoms are often addressed only when they interfere with daily functioning.
In contrast, women’s health perspectives, tend to be more multidimensional, encompassing physical, emotional, and relational aspects.
Women are more likely to include mental wellbeing, stress management, and prevention in their health definitions.

Why differences exist:

These different perspectives stem from societal pressures where men are less likely to show vulnerability while women are encouraged to be attuned to both their own and others’ wellbeing.
Additionally, women’s reproductive health necessitates earlier and more regular healthcare engagement.
The implications of these differing perspectives are significant, contributing to disparities in healthcare utilisation. Men are less likely to seek health treatment which contributes to higher mortality and morbidity rates compared to women.

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Different perspectives:

Gender significantly influences health perspectives, with research showing distinct patterns between genders.
Men often conceptualise health primarily through physical capability and absence of illness that would prevent work or physical activities. Symptoms are often addressed only when they interfere with daily functioning.
In contrast, women’s health perspectives, tend to be more multidimensional and are more likely to include mental wellbeing, stress management, and prevention in their health definitions.

Why differences exist:

These different perspectives stem from societal pressures where men are less likely to show vulnerability while women are encouraged to be attuned to both their own and others’ wellbeing.
Additionally, women’s reproductive health necessitates earlier and more regular healthcare engagement.
The implications of these differing perspectives are significant, contributing to disparities in healthcare utilisation. Men are less likely to seek health treatment which contributes to higher mortality and morbidity rates compared to women.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 044

Explain how socioeconomic status might influence a person's understanding and definition of health. (4 marks)

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Socioeconomic status significantly shapes how individuals view health.
People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often define health in functional terms. They focus on being able to work and manage daily tasks.
This practical view reflects their immediate needs. Physical capability directly impacts survival and financial stability.
In contrast, higher socioeconomic individuals adopt broader health definitions. These include preventative aspects, psychological wellbeing and work-life balance.
With basic needs secured, they can prioritise personal fulfilment and optimal performance.
These different perspectives develop from varied life experiences and resource access. Those facing economic hardship view health as a means to maintain livelihood. They see it differently from those who view health as an end in itself.

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Socioeconomic status significantly shapes how individuals view health.
People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often define health in functional terms. They focus on being able to work and manage daily tasks.
This practical view reflects their immediate needs. Physical capability directly impacts survival and financial stability.
In contrast, higher socioeconomic individuals adopt broader health definitions. These include preventative aspects, psychological wellbeing and work-life balance.
With basic needs secured, they can prioritise personal fulfilment and optimal performance.
These different perspectives develop from varied life experiences and resource access. Those facing economic hardship view health as a means to maintain livelihood. They see it differently from those who view health as an end in itself.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 043

Discuss how the evolution of health definitions has affected our understanding of whether a person with a chronic condition can be considered "healthy". (5 marks)

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*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

[P] On one hand, traditional definitions excluded chronic condition sufferers.
[E] This created a binary view of health status.
[Ev] Before 1948, anyone with diabetes or arthritis was automatically labelled “unhealthy”.
[L] This approach offered clear medical categories but limited understanding of wellbeing.
[P] From another angle, modern definitions enable inclusion.
[E] This allows people with chronic conditions to be considered healthy.
[Ev] WHO’s “resource for everyday life” approach means someone managing asthma can be healthy if they maintain quality of life.
[L] This creates opportunities for positive health identity despite ongoing conditions.
[P] Supporters argue this evolution promotes holistic care.
[E] It encourages focus on function over diagnosis.
[Ev] A person with controlled epilepsy who works, exercises and socialises demonstrates health across multiple dimensions.
[L] This broader view supports better treatment approaches.
[P] Critics contend it may minimise medical needs.
[E] This could reduce urgency for treatment.
[Ev] Emphasising coping abilities might overshadow the real challenges of chronic illness management.
[L] Despite benefits, this raises concerns about adequate healthcare provision.

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[P] On one hand, traditional definitions excluded chronic condition sufferers.
[E] This created a binary view of health status.
[Ev] Before 1948, anyone with diabetes or arthritis was automatically labelled “unhealthy”.
[L] This approach offered clear medical categories but limited understanding of wellbeing.
[P] From another angle, modern definitions enable inclusion.
[E] This allows people with chronic conditions to be considered healthy.
[Ev] WHO’s “resource for everyday life” approach means someone managing asthma can be healthy if they maintain quality of life.
[L] This creates opportunities for positive health identity despite ongoing conditions.
[P] Supporters argue this evolution promotes holistic care.
[E] It encourages focus on function over diagnosis.
[Ev] A person with controlled epilepsy who works, exercises and socialises demonstrates health across multiple dimensions.
[L] This broader view supports better treatment approaches.
[P] Critics contend it may minimise medical needs.
[E] This could reduce urgency for treatment.
[Ev] Emphasising coping abilities might overshadow the real challenges of chronic illness management.
[L] Despite benefits, this raises concerns about adequate healthcare provision.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 003

Explain why people from different backgrounds may give different meanings to health. In your answer, discuss how cultural, socioeconomic and individual factors influence these different perspectives. (6 marks)

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People from different backgrounds may give different meanings to health because health is a social construct rather than a universally agreed concept.
WHO’s comprehensive definition aims to encompass these diverse viewpoints.

Cultural factors significantly shape health definitions:

Indigenous cultures often view health holistically. They emphasise connection to Country, community and spiritual wellbeing, rather than just physical absence of disease.
In contrast, Western cultures traditionally emphasise a biomedical view focused primarily on physical functioning.

Socioeconomic circumstances influence health priorities:

People with limited resources may define health functionally as the ability to work and provide for family. This definition prioritises an individual’s immediate capacity to work over long-term wellbeing.
Their definition centres on absence of illness that prevents work.
In contrast, those with greater resources might define health more comprehensively to include optimal fitness and mental wellbeing.

Individual factors such as age also influence health definitions:

Younger people might emphasise physical performance aspects, while older individuals may focus on independence and mobility.
People who have experienced chronic illness often develop more nuanced definitions that accommodate living well despite health challenges.

Show Worked Solution

People from different backgrounds may give different meanings to health because health is a social construct rather than a universally agreed concept.
WHO’s comprehensive definition aims to encompass these diverse viewpoints.

Cultural factors significantly shape health definitions:

Indigenous cultures often view health holistically. They emphasise connection to Country, community and spiritual wellbeing, rather than just physical absence of disease.
In contrast, Western cultures traditionally emphasise a biomedical view focused primarily on physical functioning.

Socioeconomic circumstances influence health priorities:

People with limited resources may define health functionally as the ability to work and provide for family. This definition prioritises an individual’s immediate capacity to work over long-term wellbeing.
Their definition centres on absence of illness that prevents work.
In contrast, those with greater resources might define health more comprehensively to include optimal fitness and mental wellbeing.

Individual factors such as age also influence health definitions:

Younger people might emphasise physical performance aspects, while older individuals may focus on independence and mobility.
People who have experienced chronic illness often develop more nuanced definitions that accommodate living well despite health challenges.