Social Medicine
- Health Sciences
- 800 level
- 2 credit units
- 153 pages
- 9 units
This course explores the intricate relationships between health and social factors. It delves into the social causes and consequences of human behaviors, particularly as they relate to health and illness. The course emphasizes the importance of a sociological approach to understanding health and medical practice, examining the organization of healthcare, the social functions of health institutions, and the social patterns of health services.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 40 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHS809, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHS809 · UNIT 1: CONCEPT OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
Health is conceived from various perspectives resulting in the different definitions of health available in literatures today. These definitions are proffered from varied dimensions which include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the concepts of health, disease, and illness.
- Analyze human behavior in relation to health and illness.
- Apply social epidemiology to understand disease patterns.
- Describe the organization and delivery of healthcare in Nigeria.
- Evaluate healthcare options and factors influencing utilization.
- Assess behavioral maladjustment and its causes.
- Explain HIV and AIDS, including prevention and treatment.
- Discuss the concept and consequences of sexual violence.
What it prepares you for
- Public Health Officer
- Health Educator
- Social Worker
- Healthcare Administrator
- Epidemiologist
- Healthcare
- Public Health
- Social Services
- Government Agencies
- Non-Governmental Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module I: Health and Disease
Unit 1: Concept of Health and Disease
Understanding the nuances between the biomedical, ecological, psychosocial, and holistic concepts requires critical thinking and synthesis of various perspectives.
- Module 3: Marginality and Mental Disorder
Unit 1: Behavioural Maladjustment
The complex interplay of social, psychological, and biological factors in behavioral maladjustment demands a comprehensive understanding of human behavior.
- Module 3: Marginality and Mental Disorder
Unit 2: HIV and AIDS
The progression stages of HIV and the associated mental health disorders require a deep understanding of both medical and social aspects.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module I: Health and Disease
Unit 1: Concept of Health and Disease · 2 hours
Read the introduction to understand the varied perceptions of health.. Study the WHO's definition of health and its criticisms.. Examine the biomedical, ecological, psychosocial, and holistic concepts of health..
- Week 2Module I: Health and Disease
Unit 2: Human Behaviour in Relation to Health and Illness · 2 hours
Differentiate between health behavior and risk reduction behavior.. Analyze the factors influencing illness behavior.. Discuss the situational factors that influence health-seeking behavior..
- Week 3Module I: Health and Disease
Unit 3: Social Epidemiology · 2 hours
Define social epidemiology and its underlying assumptions.. Trace the brief history of social epidemiology.. Study the bio-psychosocial paradigm and population perspective..
- Week 4Module 2: Pathways to Healthcare
Unit 1: Organisation and Delivery of Modern Healthcare in Nigeria · 2 hours
Examine the elements of organization of healthcare system.. Study the ownership of healthcare agencies.. Identify the Nigerian public health agencies and their functions..
- Week 5Module 2: Pathways to Healthcare
Unit 2: Healthcare Options · 2 hours
Differentiate between complementary and alternative healthcare.. Study the types of complementary and alternative healthcare practices.. Examine acupuncture, massage, acupressure, osteopathy, chiro-practice, aromatherapy, and phyto-medicine..
- Week 6Module 2: Pathways to Healthcare
Unit 3: Factors Influencing Health Services Utilisation · 2 hours
Analyze the socio-cultural factors influencing health service utilization.. Examine the role of education, income, gender roles, and religion.. Discuss the impact of geographic accessibility on healthcare access..
- Week 7Module 3: Marginality and Mental Disorder
Unit 1: Behavioural Maladjustment · 2 hours
Define behavioural maladjustment and its dimensions.. Study the characteristics of a maladjusted individual.. Examine the family, social, psychological, and personal causes of maladjustment..
- Week 8Module 3: Marginality and Mental Disorder
Unit 2: HIV and AIDS · 2 hours
Explain the concepts of HIV and AIDS, including HIV transmission.. Study the HIV risky behaviors, risk factors, and vulnerable groups.. Examine the progression stages of HIV..
- Week 9Module 3: Marginality and Mental Disorder
Unit 3: Sexual Violence · 2 hours
Define sexual violence and its various forms.. Study the magnitude of the problem of sexual violence.. Examine the types and contexts of sexual violence, including sexual assault and rape..
- Week 10Module 3: Marginality and Mental Disorder
Unit 3: Sexual Violence · 2 hours
Review the types and contexts of sexual violence.. Focus on intimate partner sexual violence and incest.. Study drug-facilitated sexual assault..
- Week 11Module I: Health and Disease
Unit 1: Concept of Health and Disease · 2 hours
Review the concepts of health and disease.. Focus on the dimensions of health and determinants of health.. Revise the concepts of disease and illness..
- Week 12Module 2: Pathways to Healthcare
Unit 3: Factors Influencing Health Services Utilisation · 2 hours
Review the factors influencing health services utilization.. Focus on socio-cultural factors and perception of benefit and quality of care.. Revise the factors influencing compliance with health professionals' orders..
- Week 13Module 3: Marginality and Mental Disorder
Unit 2: HIV and AIDS · 2 hours
Review the concept of HIV and AIDS.. Focus on the progression stages of HIV and prevention activities.. Revise the treatment options for HIV infection and mental health disorders..
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts.
- Develop case studies applying social epidemiology principles to real-world health issues.
- Practice essay questions on the organization of healthcare systems and factors influencing utilization.
- Prepare concept maps linking behavioral maladjustment, HIV/AIDS, and sexual violence.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Allocate specific study time for each module, ensuring balanced coverage of all topics.
- Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and share insights.
- Use online resources and additional readings to deepen understanding of key topics.
- Focus on understanding the Nigerian healthcare context and its unique challenges.
- Practice time management during mock exams to improve speed and accuracy.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHS809 about?
This course explores the intricate relationships between health and social factors. It delves into the social causes and consequences of human behaviors, particularly as they relate to health and illness. The course emphasizes the importance of a sociological approach to understanding health and medical practice, examining the organization of healthcare, the social functions of health institutions, and the social patterns of health services.
How many units does PHS809 have?
PHS809, Social Medicine, has 9 units across 3 modules, over 153 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHS809?
PHS809 carries 2 credit units, at 800 level in Health Sciences.
Is PHS809 hard?
PHS809 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PHS809 take to study?
About 40 hours of study, spread across its 9 units.
How is PHS809 assessed?
PHS809 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with PHS809?
Public Health Officer, Health Educator, Social Worker, Healthcare Administrator and Epidemiologist.