HLTH2101 Epidemiology for the Social Determinants of Health

2015

4.5

1 x 50-minute lecture weekly
1 x 50-minute tutorial weekly

1 Admission into BHS-Bachelor of Health Sciences
1a Admission into BBSC-Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
1b Admission into BND-Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics
1c Admission into BEDMSBHS-Bachelor of Education (Middle School), Bachelor of Health Sciences
1d Admission into BEDSBHS-Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Health Sciences
1e Admission into BCLSBMBS-Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
1f Admission into BEDMSSBHS-B Education (Middle & Secondary Schooling), B Health Sciences
1g Admission into BPSY-Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
1h Admission into BHSMOT-Bachelor of Health Sciences, Master of Occupational Therapy
1i Admission into BHSMPT-Bachelor of Health Sciences, Master of Physiotherapy
1j Admission into BPARA-Bachelor of Paramedic Science
1k Admission into BCLSMD-Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine
1l Admission into BPS-Bachelor of Psychological Science
1m Admission into BITDHSH-Bachelor of Information Technology (Digital Health Systems) (Honours)
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e or 1f or 1g or 1h or 1i or 1j or 1k or 1l or 1m))

HLTH2003 has been successfully completed

Students enrolled in other undergraduate awards may be permitted to undertake this topic but only with the permission of the course coordinator, BHlthSc.

Tutorial participation; Quizzes; Group project; Written assignments

The topic provides an introduction to critical social analysis of descriptive health statistics. Drawing on sociological theories of power, the topic provides an analytical framework for understanding patterns and risks of illness and disease in Australia. It provides an awareness of how certain groups in society are vulnerable in relation to health status. The topic is a cornerstone for students' understanding of the need for health care to be non-discriminatory and culturally safe. The topic combines analysis of qualitative and quantitative sources, demonstrating the importance of pairing evaluation of large-scale health data with simultaneous evaluation of how personal, social, political and institutional contexts shape health statistics. This equips students with the ability to comprehend the complexities of contemporary health issues. The topic prepares students for professional practice in health related fields by providing practical, applied examples of how power relations can impact on health. The topic focuses on the ways in which health care models and health care professionals are themselves embedded within power relations and therefore, fosters skills in critically reflective and transformative practice.

The aim of this topic is to;

• To develop and apply knowledge of key sociological concepts and theories relating to health in order to gain critical understanding of how cultural, personal, social, and institutional factors impact on health

• To demonstrate the importance of cultural safety and non-discriminatory practices and policies in health care

• To promote critical evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative data relating to health issues and experiences, in order to ensure high quality evidence-based practice

• To develop skills in communication, time management and organisation for professional and interprofessional practice.

On completion of this topic, students will have had the opportunity to undertake both weekly discussions and exercises as well a major assignment which will enhance their skills in:

• Critical social analysis of statistics on health in Australia through the application of sociological theories and concepts

• A questioning and ‘transformative’ approach to health issues

• Sourcing and presenting high quality statistical data on a particular health issue in Australia

• Identifying population patterns and inequalities evident in health statistics, especially in relation to vulnerable groups

• Understanding of the relationship between individuals and society, and the impact of power relations on health

• Understanding of the implications of inequalities and diversity for health care and professional practice, especially in relation to cultural safety and non-discriminatory practice

• Communication and justification of the value of critical social analysis of health to a practice-based audience

• Management of workload and resources to complete tasks within required timeframes

• Consistent critical engagement with topic materials

• Active engagement with peers and teaching staff in the topic