The Biopsychosocial Model of Health

1320 Words3 Pages

Firstly, as a GP, it is crucial to explore the biopsychosocial model of health. One must realise that biological, psychological and social factors all contribute to a person’s overall health. The social dimension cannot be ignored in Anne’s case. According to the World Health Organisation, the social determinants of health are ‘the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.’ (World Health Organisation. 2013) From the information provided, one could suggest that various social factors have contributed to Anne’s obesity. Anne grew up in a deprived area of the inner city. Growing up in a deprived area does not directly cause obesity, however, social determinants are known as causes of the causes of ill health. (WMA. 2011) Obesity can be caused by consuming too many calories, leading a sedentary lifestyle and not sleeping enough. (Christian Nordqvist. 2011) These, in turn, could be referred to as consequences of living in the inner city. Studies have shown that ‘inner city parents have high levels of anxiety about neighbourhood safety. While these concerns may not entirely explain the discrepancy in activity levels between inner city and suburban children, a safe environment is crucial to increasing opportunities for physical activity.’ (Weir, L.A., Etelson, D. & Brand, D.A. 2006) Similarly, it is possible that Anne’s socio-economic status has influenced her smoking since a person below the poverty threshold is more likely than somebody at or above the threshold to be both a current smoker and not to have quit. (Flint, A.J. & Novotny, T.E. 1997)
Ideally, a GP would like to promote good health and prevent disease. Anne’s children are at high risk of becoming diabetic, given that they are obese. I would do blood a...

... middle of paper ...

...ttempts: Results from a general population study",American Journal of Public Health, vol. 90, no. 2, pp. 251-257.
American Academy of Pediactrics. (2003). Family-Centered Care and the Pediatrician’s Role. Available: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/112/3/691.full. Last accessed 23/01/14.
Department of Children and Youth Affairs. (1999). Children First-National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children. Available:http://www.dcya.gov.ie/documents/publications/Children_First_A4.pdf. Last accessed 23/01/14.

World Health Organisation. (2013). Social determinants of health.Available: http://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/. Last accessed 23/01/14.
Janssen, I., Craig, W.M., Boyce, W.F. & Pickett, W. 2004, "Associations between Overweight and Obesity with Bullying Behaviors in School-Aged Children", Pediatrics, vol. 113, no. 5 I, pp. 1187-1194.

Open Document