Module One: Determinants Of Health

     

Health and Social Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical health as a state of complete physical, emotional and social well being, not just the absence of disease. While this definition may appear utopian at first glance, it is supported by the truth that economics, education, agriculture, housing, transportation, family stability, and political systems all have a profound effect upon physical health. Where social institutions are functioning well, health status is generally good. The opposite is profoundly true as well.

It is also important to address health within its social and behavioral context because:

• Most health problems cannot be fully addressed without understanding the behaviors that prompt them. Physical injuries, for example, are usually an end result of behavioral issues and can only be effectively prevented by modifying that behavior.
• Most health problems do not affect isolated individuals; instead, they affect groups of people. The principles of equity and efficiency demand that interventions benefit the entire group.

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