Theoretical Foundations in

Nursing MODULE 3F: CONCEPT OF HEALTH

BIOCHEMISTRY
HEALTH WELLNESS

 Is a state of complete physical, mental and social The quality or state of being in good health especially as
well-being and not merely the absence of disease or an actively sought goal.
infirmity. (WHO, 1948)
IMMUNITY
 Talcott Parsons (1951), conceptualized health as the
ability to maintain normal roles. The ability to resist a particular infection or toxin by the
 American Nurses Association (ANA) defined state of action of specific antibiotics or sensitized white blood
being in which the developmental and behavioral cells.
potential of an individual is realized to the fullest
STAGES OF ILLNESS
extent.
 Pender et al (2006) suggest that for many people, Illnes can be categorized as:
conditions of life rather than pathological states are
what defines health. ACUTE CHRONIC
Characterized by severe Gradual, that lasts a long
HEALTH BEHAVIOR symptoms of relatively time, is irreversible
short period of time,
 Health Behavior can be positive or negative.
usually reversible.
 Positive Health behaviors are activities related to
Appear abruptly and Usually 6 months or
maintaining, attaining or regaining good health and
subsides quickly linger
preventing illness.
Fever, cough, colds, Cancer, diabetes
 EXAMPLES:
diarrhea mellitus, hypertension,
1. Sleeping early for 8 hrs. – 10 hrs.
arthritis
2. Immunization to protect the body form diseases
3. Eating fruits and vegetables
 Negative health behaviors are practices actually or STAGES OF ILLNESS (Suchman, 1979)
potentially harmful to health.
 EXAMPLES:
Stage 1:
1. Smoking and drinking alcohol.
2. Taking harmful or prohibited drugs. Symptom Experience
3. Consuming unhealthy foods.]

ILLNESS Stage 2:

 Inability of an individual’s adaptive responses to Assumption of the Sick Role

maintain physical and emotional balance that
subsequently results in an impairment of functional
Stage 3:
abilities
Medical Care Contact
ILLNESS BEHAVIOR

Involves ways an individual describes, monitors and

Stage 4:
interprets the symptoms, take remedial actions and
uses health care systems. Dependent Client Role
In other words, It is how people react, manage and
perceive to be ill. Stage 5:

Recovery or Rehabilitation
STAGE 1: Symptom Experience

 The person is aware that something is wrong.

 Recognizing one or more symptoms such as fever,
rashes, pain etc.

Stage 2: Assumption of the Sick Role

 If symptoms persist and become severe, the person

assume the sick role.
 Sick people seek validation from family and social
group.

Stage 3: Medical Care Contact

 The sick person seeks out health care provider for

diagnosis and treatment.
 May give up independence.

Stage 4: Dependent Client Role

 The client depends on the health care professionals

for the relief of symptoms.
 Requires assistance in carrying out the activities of
daily living; needs emotional support.

Stage 5: Recovery or Rehabilitation

 The client may return to health at a higher level of

functioning.
 Resumes normal activities and responsibilities.

IMPACT OF ILLNESS ON THE CLIENT

1. Behavioral and emotional changes

2. Changes in self-concept and body image
3. Lifestyle changes

IMPACT OF ILLNESS ON THE FAMILY

1. Role changes
2. Task reassignments and extra demands on time
3. Increased stress and conflict
4. Financial problems
5. Loneliness
6. Change on social customs