Understanding Health and Disease Concepts

Core Concepts of Health

Defining health is complex and involves considering two primary aspects:

• Subjective health: This does not always correspond with reality (how I feel).
• Objective health: The aspect that influences the body's ability to function (how my body actually is).

Until the mid-twentieth century, health was defined in various ways. One common definition was: "Health is the absence of disease and invalidity." However, this definition was not valid because it is not always possible to establish a clear boundary between health and disease. It does not allow for intermediate situations, implying that the absence of disease always results in great health.

The World Health Organization (WHO, 1948) defined it as: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

Current definitions now refer not only to physical health but also to mental and social health assessments. Health is no longer just the absence of disease. However, this definition also has shortcomings: it is a somewhat utopian definition, equates health with general wellness, is a static definition, and relies on subjective health.

In 1985, the WHO updated the concept: "The ability to develop one's own personal potential and to respond positively to the challenges of the environment." This relates to Health Professional Education (EPS).

Factors Influencing Individual Health

• Human biology: Genetics and the aging process unique to each person.
• The healthcare system: The quality of the health system, coverage, and accessibility.
• The environment: This includes socio-cultural aspects and extrinsic factors such as the physical environment, biological environment, and socio-economic environment.
• Lifestyle: A set of habits, behaviors, and attitudes people maintain in their daily lives.

Behaviors Harmful to Health

• Inadequate nutrition
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Consumption of toxic substances
• Unsafe sexual practices
• Reckless driving

WHO Requirements for Maintaining Health

Peace, education, clothing, food, housing, a stable ecosystem, and social justice.

Understanding the Concept of Disease

Disease: The result of the intersection between the causal agent, the individual subject, and the environment.

Three Elements Causing Disease

1. Causal agent: The specific cause of the illness.
2. Environment: A decisive factor in disease development.
3. Susceptible host: The person who comes into contact with the causal agent and contracts the disease.

The accepted definition of disease is a state in which physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development is impaired compared to a specific person's previous experience.