Healthcare Models and System (D511)

Correct Answer A. Agent-Host-Environment (Ecologic Model)

Explanation

The Agent-Host-Environment Model (also known as the Ecologic Model) considers disease as the result of multiple factors, including the agent (e.g., bacteria, viruses), the host (e.g., the person affected by the disease), and the environment (e.g., the conditions that allow the disease to spread). This model acknowledges the complex interactions between these factors, rather than attributing disease to a single cause.

Why other options are wrong

B. High Level Wellness

This concept focuses on achieving optimal health and well-being, rather than explaining the multiple causes of disease. It is more concerned with improving overall health rather than identifying the origins of illness.

C. Dunn's Health Grid

Dunn's Health Grid is a model that emphasizes the balance between environmental factors and personal health status, but it does not specifically address the multiple causes of disease like the Agent-Host-Environment Model does.

D. Health Promotion

Health promotion focuses on improving health and preventing disease, but it is not a model for explaining the causes of disease. It emphasizes strategies to improve public health rather than analyzing the multiple factors that lead to illness.

Correct Answer B. Indian health service

Explanation

IHS stands for the Indian Health Service, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing healthcare services to federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native tribes. It focuses on improving health outcomes in these communities through direct healthcare services and health policy initiatives.

Why other options are wrong

A. Indigenous health system

While IHS serves indigenous populations, the term "Indigenous health system" is not the official name of the agency. IHS specifically refers to the Indian Health Service.

C. Insurance Health service

This is a misrepresentation of IHS. It is not focused on insurance services but on direct healthcare services for Native Americans.

D. Indiana health service

This is a regional reference and does not apply to the Indian Health Service, which serves tribal communities across the U.S., not just in Indiana.

Correct Answer C. To determine the prevalence and impact of health issues

Explanation

The primary goal of public health surveillance is to gather data on the frequency, distribution, and determinants of diseases and health conditions within a community. By identifying health problems through surveillance, health authorities can assess the scope and impact of various conditions, prioritize interventions, and track changes over time. This data is crucial for informing health policies and targeting resources effectively.

Why other options are wrong

A. To develop new medical treatments for diseases

While surveillance data can help identify health trends, the primary objective is not to develop treatments. The development of treatments is typically the focus of clinical research and pharmaceutical efforts, not surveillance.

B. To monitor the effectiveness of healthcare policies

Monitoring healthcare policies is an important aspect of public health, but it is a secondary objective of surveillance. The main goal is to assess the health issues themselves, which can then inform policy development and evaluation.

D. To increase funding for health organizations

Surveillance aims to inform public health actions, not directly to increase funding. While the results of surveillance may lead to calls for more resources, the primary goal is understanding and addressing health problems.

Correct Answer A. engage in less risky behaviors

Explanation

Women generally have a longer life expectancy than men, and one major reason for this is that women tend to engage in fewer risky behaviors, such as excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and reckless driving, which are factors that negatively impact health and longevity. These behaviors contribute to a higher risk of developing chronic diseases or dying prematurely, which explains the gender disparity in life expectancy.

Why other options are wrong

B. Experience less stress – While stress may affect life expectancy, research suggests that both men and women experience stress, though they may cope with it differently. The impact of stress on life expectancy is not the primary reason for the life expectancy gap.

C. Work harder and for more years – This statement is not supported by evidence as a contributing factor to life expectancy. Gender differences in life expectancy are not mainly due to the amount of work done.

D. Deserve to live longer – This option is subjective and not scientifically based. Life expectancy is influenced by biological, behavioral, and environmental factors, not notions of what individuals "deserve."

Correct Answer C. Treating individuals

Explanation

Public health primarily focuses on improving the health of populations through broad strategies such as disease prevention, health promotion, and policy development. Treating individuals is more in the domain of clinical healthcare, which differs from public health's broader, population-based focus. Public health interventions typically aim at preventing illness and promoting wellness within communities rather than providing individualized medical treatment.

Why other options are wrong

A. Promotion of healthy lifestyles through education and policies

This is a core function of public health, as it involves educating communities and implementing policies to encourage healthy behaviors. This approach helps prevent diseases and improves quality of life across entire populations.

B. Research for prevention of disease and injuries

Research is a fundamental part of public health, as it provides the evidence needed to develop strategies for preventing diseases and injuries. Public health initiatives rely on data and research to understand health risks and to devise interventions to mitigate those risks.

D. Detection and control of (infectious) diseases

Public health is heavily involved in detecting and controlling infectious diseases. This includes surveillance, outbreak investigation, vaccination programs, and other initiatives aimed at reducing the spread of diseases.

E. Promote healthcare equity, quality and accessibility

Public health seeks to ensure that all populations, regardless of background or socio-economic status, have access to high-quality healthcare. Promoting equity, improving access, and enhancing healthcare quality are central goals in the field of public health.

Correct Answer B. An ongoing health issue that requires continuous management and may not fully resolve

Explanation

Chronic diseases are long-lasting health conditions that often persist for a year or more and require ongoing management. They may not completely resolve and can often lead to long-term health complications. Examples include conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Management of chronic diseases typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and regular medical check-ups.

Why other options are wrong

A. A condition that is short-term and resolves completely with treatment

This describes acute illnesses, not chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that usually require continuous care, unlike acute conditions that tend to resolve after treatment.

C. A temporary illness that can be cured with medication

Chronic diseases are not temporary; they are ongoing. While medications may help manage symptoms, they often do not fully cure chronic conditions.

D. A health condition that only affects individuals over the age of 65

While chronic diseases are more common in older adults, they can affect individuals of all ages. Chronic conditions are not exclusive to those over 65.

Correct Answer D. Availability of cure

Explanation

When identifying health problems for surveillance, public health officials focus on factors such as knowledge of the disease, the prevalence of the condition, and morbidity and mortality data. These elements help prioritize public health surveillance efforts to monitor the incidence, spread, and impact of diseases. The availability of a cure is not typically a criterion for selecting which health problems to track, as surveillance is more about understanding disease patterns and trends, not necessarily how easily a disease can be cured.

Why other options are wrong

A. Knowledge of the disease

This is a key criterion for identifying health problems for surveillance. The more is known about a disease, its transmission, and its impact on public health, the better equipped authorities are to monitor and address it effectively.

B. Impressions of public and political concerns

Public and political concerns are often considered when prioritizing health issues for surveillance. These concerns can influence decisions about which health issues to monitor, particularly if they have widespread public interest or affect vulnerable populations.

C. Review of available morbidity and mortality data

Morbidity and mortality data are essential in surveillance efforts as they provide evidence of disease burden, trends, and potential outbreaks. These data are vital for prioritizing which diseases require ongoing monitoring and intervention efforts.

Correct Answer D. A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being

Explanation

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition emphasizes that health is more than just the absence of illness, but involves overall well-being in multiple areas of life, including emotional and social health, which are integral to a person’s quality of life.

Why other options are wrong

A. A condition free from all diseases – While the absence of disease is an important aspect of health, it does not fully capture WHO's broader perspective on health, which includes mental and social well-being in addition to physical health.

B. A balance of physical, mental, and social wellness – While this option is close, it does not fully encompass WHO's definition, which specifically includes "complete well-being" rather than just a balance of wellness.

C. The ability to perform daily activities without limitations – This focuses on physical functioning and independence but omits the mental and social dimensions of health, which are key components of WHO's definition of health.

Correct Answer C. Policy development

Explanation

Policy development refers to the process of creating policies that are aimed at improving public health. This involves using scientific evidence and data to guide decision-making and create laws or regulations that will help prevent disease, promote health, and ensure that health services are accessible. Policy development is essential in addressing health issues at the population level and ensuring effective health interventions.

Why other options are wrong

A. Assessment – Assessment refers to the process of monitoring and evaluating the health of a community or population. It involves collecting data to identify health issues and determine the needs of the population, but it does not specifically focus on policy creation.

B. Research – Research involves studying and investigating various aspects of health and healthcare systems to generate new knowledge. While research informs policy development, it is not the same as developing policies themselves.

D. Assurance – Assurance refers to ensuring that the health services and policies are implemented effectively to meet the needs of the population. While it is important, it is focused more on making sure policies are carried out rather than developing those policies.