CONCEPT NOTES IN HEALTH 10

GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA IN THE SELECTION AND EVALUATION OF HEALTH

INFORMATION, HEALTH PRODUCSTS AND HEALTH SERVICES

Consumer health is not just about buying health products and services. It also involves the facts and
understanding that enable people to make wise choices.
Health information, health products, and health services are all related to bringing consumer
health. Health information is important to decide what health products and health services to acquire. Health
service personnel are also sources of health information. These three factors are important to consider in
consumer health.
Health Consumer
A health consumer is someone who examines health information in products and services. The
consumer is the one who purchases and utilizes the goods and services.
Health Information
Health information is everything that is seen, read, or heard in relation to human and community
health. Knowing them helps in choosing which can be trusted, which is fake, or which advertisement is risky.

Sources of Trusted Health Information Sources of Risky Health Information

• Family doctor or school • Outdated culture and traditions

• Medical specialists referred by doctors • Personal options and incomplete
• Local health officials of health centers information
• Management or head of a hospital • Unreliable media and testimonials
• Health teachers or workers • Quack or pseudo healers
• Bureau of Food and Drugs
• Philippine Dental Association
• National voluntary agencies like the
Philippine National Red Cross
• Editors of health magazines, question-and-
answer articles which are referred to
concerned government officials

Health Products
Health products include medicines, medical equipment, and related devices.
Filipinos spend a lot of money each year on health products ranging from over-the-counter (OTC)
drugs to cosmetics. Health products help relieve symptoms, aid in curing illnesses, and provide cosmetic
effects. Sadly, many of these are not needed, do not provide the advertised effect, and have the potential to
harm health.
A. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs
More than a half million of OTC health care products are available,
varying from mouthwashes to pain relievers. Even some of the
most beneficial OTC drugs can be unsafe. The following are
examples of the risks of using these drugs:

• Pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can harm the

stomach lining and lead to ulcer, while large dosages can bring kidney damage.

• Acetaminophen, used for fever and pain reliever for children, if taken in heavy doses can
cause bleeding and liver pain. These pain relievers should be taken with food and a glass
of water to avoid irritation to the stomach lining.
 • Prolonged use of nasal sprays that relieve congestion can cause blood vessels in the nose
to swell and worsen congestion. This is called the rebound effect. It can also result to
bleeding and loss of the sense of smell.

• Frequent use of laxatives destroys flora in the intestinal tract,

making constipation even worse. Exercise and high-fiber diet are
safer alternatives for promoting normal defecation.
B. Cosmetic Products
Many health care products are intended for external use. Some have
little effect but due to advertising campaigns and misconceptions, they are
extensively used.
• Skin Care Products - O TC skin rejuvenators have never shown
efficacy in changing skin properties. Moisturizers prevent the skin
from dying for only limited period of time. Deodorants and anti-
perspirants help control body odor but no product can prevent
sweating in extremely hot weather or during exercise. Sweating is
the primary means of cooling the body. Regular washing is
essential if the bacteria and other odor- causing substances are to
be removed.
• Hair Care Products – Several products are designed to remove hair, like shaving.
Tweezers used to pluck unwanted hair might present some danger of infection when
adjacent skin is not clean. Chemical products are usually safe but there is always the
possibility of skin reactions, irritations, and infections. A dermatologist should be
consulted whenever symptoms appear.
• Oral Care Products – Oral products include toothpaste,
mouthwashes, and gargles. Water supply containing fluoride also
helps prevent dental cavities. It is unwise to purchase toothpaste
with whiteners because they contain abrasive elements that
damage the teeth. Mouthwashes and gargles do little to eliminate
bad odor or treat a sore throat. Odors are carried from the
intestines to the lungs. Bad breath may be a symptom of
infections, tumors, or diabetes. Excessive use of mouthwash can
dry the mucous membranes, making the throat even more
irritated.
Health Services
Activities that are done to assess, maintain, or improve the individual’s health can be considered as
health services. These also include the diagnosis and the treatment of illnesses, injuries, or disabilities.
Evaluation of health services is an important element in the definition of an adequate and affordable
health care system. For a health care company, it is essential to understand how its consumers perceive and
value its products. Every company should know how its image is perceived by potential consumers and,
when necessary, redesign products and services according to this perception.
In evaluating health services, the consumer’s preferences may be measured in relation to these five
attributes, namely:
1. location of service points;
2. effectiveness of doctors, clinics, and hospitals;
3. promptness and kindness when caring for patients and family members;
4. ease of access to the authorization forms of consultations;
5. price; and
6. diversity of available doctors, clinics, and hospitals.