Lecture on Public Health

Introduction to Public Health

• Public health has significantly improved population health and increased life expectancy.
• In the US, life expectancy increased by over 30 years from 1900 to 1999, with 25 years attributed to public health interventions.

Definition of Health

• World Health Organization (WHO) Definition: Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
• Encourages a holistic view beyond diseases, including mental and social aspects.

What is Public Health?

• Public Health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized societal efforts.

Public Health vs. Clinical Medicine

• Example: A broken leg incident.
  • Clinician's Focus: Immediate health problem (fixing the leg).
  • Public Health Approach: Holistic examination of the incident to prevent recurrence.
    • Investigates broader causes (vision issues, driving skills, substance use, etc.)
    • Considers social support, road safety, car maintenance, and economic factors.

Determinants of Health

• Health is influenced by a complex interaction of factors known as the determinants of health:
  • Individual Characteristics
  • Lifestyles and Behaviors
  • Physical, Social, Economic Environments
• Social Determinants of Health: Addressed in public health to improve population health.

Responsibility for Public Health

• Shared Responsibility across:
  • Health departments (central role)
  • Other government sectors
  • Private sector
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • International Organizations
  • Communities
• Collaborative effort to improve public health.

How Public Health Works

• Framework by World Federation of Public Health Associations:
  • Core Service Areas:
    1. Protection
       • Control of infectious diseases
       • Manage environmental hazards
       • Ensure healthy workplaces
       • Manage health emergencies
    2. Promotion
       • Improve overall health
       • Promote healthy behaviors across life stages
       • Improve social determinants of health
    3. Prevention
       • Prevent health issues (vaccination, screening)
  • Enablers:
    • Good governance
    • Advocacy (support for health goals)
    • Capacity (trained public health workforce)
    • Accurate, timely information (research, surveillance)

Conclusion

• Overview of public health, its differentiation from clinical medicine, responsible parties, and operational framework.
• Emphasized broad, coordinated efforts for effective public health management.