Practice questions Health in Society
Exam practice questions
Lecture 1
1. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion outlines several
key action areas to improve global health. Which of the
following is NOT one of these action areas?
A) Build healthy public policy
B) Create supportive environments
C) Focus on treating illness through advanced medical
technologies
D) Strengthen community action
2. Critically compare the biomedical model of health and the
WHO definition of health. How do these perspectives differ
in their conceptualization of what it means to be healthy?
- The biomedical model views health as the absence of disease,
treating the body like a machine that must function properly without
physical malfunctions. This model focuses exclusively on physical
aspects, ignoring social, psychological, and emotional factors. The
WHO definition of health, however, extends beyond the absence of
disease to encompass physical, mental, and social well-being. For
example, a person who broke their leg might be considered
unhealthy in the biomedical model but could still be considered
healthy according to the WHO definition if they have good mental
health and social support.
3. In the history of public health, which of the following periods
was marked by a focus on sanitation reforms, housing
improvements, and working conditions to reduce disease
prevalence?
A) The era of epidemics and infectious diseases (pre-1800s)
B) Nineteenth-century public health movement (1800s)
C) The golden age of medicine (1950s-1970s)
D) Economic recession and public health resurgence (1970s-1980s)
4. Explain how social determinants of health contribute to
health inequities. Provide examples of at least two social
determinants and describe their impact on health outcomes
in different social groups.
- Social determinants of health, such as income, education, and
access to resources, play a significant role in contributing to health
inequities. Health inequities are unfair and avoidable differences in
health outcomes that arise from structural factors like poverty and
education. For instance, individuals from lower-income groups may
have limited access to healthy food, leading to poorer health
outcomes, while wealthier individuals can afford healthier lifestyles.
Education is another key determinant—those with higher levels of
education may be more aware of health-promoting behaviors, such
as regular physical activity, and have better access to information
, and resources. These social determinants create preventable but
deeply entrenched disparities in health.
5. Which of the following best reflects the "Political Economy
Perspective" on public health?
A) Health is primarily a matter of individual responsibility and
behaviour.
B) Social inequities and economic structures are the main
factors impacting health outcomes, overshadowing individual
choices.
C) Diseases are caused by harmful environmental odors and pollution.
D) Medical advancements are the most important driver of population
health improvements
6. How is it that a person with disabilities can experience
health?
- A person with disabilities can still experience health by achieving
well-being and functioning within their capabilities. The WHO's
broader definition of health emphasizes not just the absence of
disease, but physical, mental, and social well-being, meaning
that even with physical limitations, a person can live a healthy life
through adaptation, support, and maintaining mental and social
health.
7. How do an individual clinical and a population health
response to a health issue of your choice differ?
For a health issue like diabetes:
Individual clinical response: Focuses on the specific patient,
providing treatment (e.g., insulin, medications), managing
symptoms, and monitoring lifestyle changes. The goal is personal
care and symptom control.
Population health response: Focuses on prevention and
education at a community level, addressing the causes like diet,
exercise, and social determinants (e.g., access to healthy food). This
response works to reduce the incidence of diabetes in the broader
population through policies, public health campaigns, and structural
changes.
8. To what extent do you think the quote from Virchow at the
start of the chapter applies today? (Medicine is a social science,
and politics is nothing but medicine on a grand scale)
Rudolf Virchow's famous quote, “Medicine is a social science, and politics
is nothing but medicine on a grand scale,” still holds true today. Health
inequities continue to be shaped by political and social structures, and
economic factors heavily influence who has access to healthcare. For
example, the political economy perspective highlights how capitalism can
prioritize profit over health outcomes, creating structural barriers to health
equity. Today’s healthcare policies still reflect the intersection between
politics and health, especially in addressing social determinants of health.
9. Do you think that the WHO Ottawa Charter for Health
Promotion is still relevant to your country today?
Yes, the Ottawa Charter is still relevant today as it emphasizes equity,
social justice, and addressing social determinants of health. In many
, countries, including those with growing health disparities, focusing
on building healthy public policies, creating supportive environments, and
strengthening community action is crucial for tackling modern health
challenges such as chronic diseases, mental health, and environmental
sustainability.
10. To what extent do you agree that health systems
should be based on primary health care?
Health systems should strongly be based on primary health care
(PHC) because it provides comprehensive and accessible healthcare,
focuses on prevention, and addresses the root causes of health issues
rather than just treating symptoms. PHC is cost-effective and strengthens
the healthcare system by focusing on the social determinants of health
and promoting equity.
11. Why do you think that comprehensive primary health
care is likely to be more effective than a selective approach?
Comprehensive PHC is more effective because it takes a holistic view of
health by addressing both individual and community needs,
including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services. In contrast, a
selective approach tends to focus on specific diseases or conditions, which
can lead to fragmentation and fail to address the underlying social and
economic factors that contribute to poor health. Comprehensive
PHC supports long-term health improvements by promoting equity,
access, and a broad range of health services, from nutrition and
sanitation to mental health support.
Lecture 2
1. Which of the following statements best describes the
relationship between neoliberalism and public health?
A) Neoliberalism promotes government intervention in healthcare to
ensure equal access for all.
B) Neoliberalism advocates for minimal government intervention,
free markets, and privatization, which can exacerbate health
inequalities.
C) Neoliberalism emphasizes collective well-being over individual freedom,
supporting universal healthcare.
D) Neoliberalism focuses on public health interventions that prioritize the
poorest segments of society.
2. What is the main criticism of the ‘lifestyle drift’ in public
health policies?
A) It focuses too much on economic factors without addressing individual
behavior.
B) It acknowledges structural determinants of health but
ultimately focuses on changing individual behaviors, ignoring the
broader social and economic context.
C) It places too much emphasis on individual autonomy, neglecting
collective welfare.
D) It does not account for global health disparities between high-income
and low-income countries.
