Human Dimensions of Illness Experience
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Studying human-beings nature is a complex thing.It is not a matter of black and white thing , there are too many aspects to be considered while getting to know the human nature and there are more than just medical problems that people face while having an illness .there are emotional, social, cultural and even personal dimensions as well.
What is illness experience?[1][edit | edit source]
The phrase “illness experience” refers to the ways in which people define and adjust to perceived interruptions in their health.
Is there a difference between illness &disease?[1][edit | edit source]
“Illness” refers to people's lay or subjective definitions of health problems, while “disease” refers to professional or objective definitions of health problems, which are based on signs and symptoms. The value of this distinction is that it allows us to acknowledge that people can be ill without having a disease and can have a disease without being ill.
Human dimensions of illness experience:[edit | edit source]
Emotional :[2][3][edit | edit source]
The emotional dimensions of chronic conditions are often overlooked when medical care is considered.
Patients with chronic conditions often have to adjust their aspirations, lifestyle, and employment. Many grieve about their predicament before adjusting to it. But others have protracted distress and may develop psychiatric disorders, most commonly depression or anxiety. & it is also known that Chronic stress puts you at higher risk of heart disease and digestive problems.
Healthy coping implies the capacity to tolerate and express concerns and emotions not just the ability to put anxieties aside. Being able to discuss the anxieties, uncertainties and fears, losses and sadness that usually accompany severe illness is generally helpful
Social:[4][5][6][edit | edit source]
Social determinants of health drive health differences or inequalities among social groups and include race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, geographic inequalities, and having a specific health condition. it determine the availability, accessibility, and affordability of services even when they are provided.
Cultural:[6][edit | edit source]
Culture is a system of thoughts & behaviours shared by a group of people . Our cultural backgrounds have a great impact on our lives ,Cultures conceptualise health and illness in different ways. Culture influences how health is viewed, how symptoms are expressed and how help is sough
References:[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781405165518.wbeosi015.pub2
- ↑ Turner J, Kelly B. Emotional dimensions of chronic disease. Western Journal of Medicine. 2000 Feb;172(2):124.
- ↑ Dimsdale JE. Psychological stress and cardiovascular disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2008 Apr 1;51(13):1237-46.
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/social-determinants-of-health
- ↑ https://www.rwjf.org/en/library/research/2010/11/executive-summary/the-social-construction-of-illness.html
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Armenakis A, Kiefer C. Social & cultural factors related to health, part A: recognizing the impact. University of Califormia San Francisco and Child Family Health International San Franciso, CA. 2007.
