Question

Discuss the tenets of the three primary models of health (Biomedical, WHO, Ecological). What is the connection between how a society defines health and how it shapes health policy? Which model do you believe is most dominant in the United States and why?

Answer 1

#. Tenets of three primary models of health :-

1. The Biomedical Model

- views of health as the absence of diseases or disorders

- Disease prevention

2. The Behavioural Model

- views health as the product of making healthy lifestyle choices

- health promotion and education

3. The Socio-Environmental Model

- views health as the product of social, economic,and environmental determinants that provide incentives and barriers to the health of individuals and communities

- reduce the risks in community

#. Health is a state of complete physical, mental ,social and spiritual well being and not merely the absence of disease.

Four major ways society shapes health policy :-

1. Cultural patterns define health

2. Cultural standards of health change over time

3. A society's technology affects people's health

4. Social inequality affects people's health

I believe the Social model is most dominant in US .

Due to an increased rate of life-style related diseases, such as CVD, the Social Model of Health was developed.

This model acknowledges the relationship between the social determinants of health and health status overall. It is aware that factors such as SES, access to health care and social connectedness can bring about improvements in the health status. If these determinants can be addressed, many diseases and illnesses can be prevented.

The social model of health takes a community development approach (as opposed to the individual focus of the biomedical model). Policies, education and health promotion activities are key aspects of the social model of health.