Health and Illness in the Community

by Taylor, Ross J.; Smith, Blair H.; van Teijlingen, Edwin R.

• ISBN13: 9780192631688
• ISBN10: 0192631683
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-05-15
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

In line with major changes in medical education over the last decade, 'Community-based Medicine' stresses the importance of the community and health of the population which play an integral part in becoming a good doctor. Through the use of case histories, summary panels, bullet lists the book looks at the context within which illness is experienced, health is sought and medicine is practiced. It explains to the readerhow the determinants of health and illness are much wider than the influence of medicine, or indeed healthcare. It is generally recognised that the effectiveness of clinical decisions made for each patient is increased if the doctor takes account of the patient's family and community setting. Equally the impact of these decisions is mediated through the environment, economic and political conditions of the day. This concise multi-disciplinary textbook for medical students takes a practical approach to the subject, integrating the subjects that are being taught within the community. Taking health and normality as a starting point, the book considers the environmental and social factors which influence the health of a community, discussing the nature, distribution and determinants of illness. Students need a solid understanding of medicine in the community encompassing elements of public health, general practice, child health, geriatrics, mental health, psychology and sociology and this book provides the material required. OXFORD CORE TEXTSThe Oxford Core Text series provides concise, yet comprehensive coverage of a range of essential topics in the medical curriculum. Written and tested in concultation with students, each book offers a clear and accessible account of the core material, supported by many case studies, learning aids and clinical examples. All titles include the key information which the reader will need to prepare for successful clinical practice - making these texts ideal for all stages of the medical curriculum and beyond.

Table of Contents

Contributors	xi
PART I Society, health and illness	1	(54)
Introduction: society, health, and illness	3	(8)
Description of society	11	(8)
An epidemiological picture of society	19	(16)
How do we know we are healthy?	35	(10)
What do we mean by illness?	45	(10)
PART II Influences on health	55	(60)
Introduction: influences on health	57	(4)
Social influences on health	61	(10)
Economic and political influences on health	71	(8)
Environmental influences on health	79	(14)
Influence of mental processes on health	93	(12)
Influence of age on health	105	(10)
PART III Illness and healthcare in the community	115	(88)
Introduction: illness and healthcare in the community	117	(4)
Health promotion	121	(12)
Organization of medical care	133	(14)
Chronic illness	147	(12)
Physical impairment, disability, and handicap	159	(18)
Psychological problems in the community	177	(14)
Death and dying	191	(12)
Index	203