Community Development
What is community development?
A process where community members work together to identify needs, make decisions and take action to improve their health and wellbeing.
What is a chronic condition?
A chronic condition is a long-term health condition that generally persists for an extended period, often requiring ongoing management rather than a short-term cure. Examples include asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis.
What are determinants of health?
The range of factors that influence the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
What is verbal communication?
Communication using spoken words to share information, thoughts and feelings.
What is a contemporary health technology?
A modern technological tool, device or system used to monitor, diagnose, treat or improve health.
Identify TWO principles of community development?
Social justice and sustainability. Other examples include diversity, human rights and addressing disadvantage.
Identify TWO examples of chronic conditions and briefly describe each.
Type 2 diabetes: A condition where the body does not use insulin effectively, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels.
Asthma: A chronic respiratory condition involving inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can cause wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulties.
Identify the FOUR broad categories of health determinants.
Social, environmental, socioeconomic and biomedical determinants.
What is the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication?
Verbal communication uses spoken or written words, while non-verbal communication uses body language, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact and tone of voice.
Give TWO examples of contemporary health technologies.
Wearable fitness trackers and telehealth consultations. Other examples include electronic health records and medical diagnostic equipment.
What is the difference between community participation and empowerment?
Participation involves community members being involved in decisions and activities. Empowerment is giving people the knowledge, skills and control to influence decisions about their own health.
Explain the difference between a communicable disease and a non-communicable chronic condition.
A communicable disease can be transmitted between people or through other infectious pathways, such as influenza. A non-communicable condition is not transmitted from person to person, such as cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.
Give TWO examples of socioeconomic determinants of health.
Income and education. Other examples include employment and housing security.
Identify THREE communication styles.
Assertive, aggressive and passive.
Explain how wearable technology can improve an individual's health.
It can monitor physical activity, heart rate and sleep patterns, encouraging individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices and monitor progress towards health goals.
Explain the five levels of community participation.
Information: providing information. Consultation: asking for opinions. Joint decision-making: sharing decisions. Acting together: working collaboratively. Supporting community interests: enabling communities to lead and advocate for their needs.
Explain why chronic conditions can place pressure on Australia's healthcare system.
Chronic conditions often require ongoing medical appointments, medication, monitoring, hospital treatment and rehabilitation. This increases healthcare expenditure, demand for health professionals and pressure on healthcare resources.
Explain how the environment can influence an individual's health.
Access to clean water, safe housing, green spaces and clean air can support good health. Pollution, overcrowding and unsafe neighbourhoods can increase illness and negatively affect wellbeing.
What is the difference between a social norm and a cultural norm?
A social norm is an accepted behaviour or expectation within a group or society. A cultural norm is a behaviour or expectation shaped by the values, traditions and beliefs of a particular culture.
Identify TWO benefits and TWO limitations of telehealth.
Benefits: improves access to healthcare for rural and remote communities and reduces travel time. Limitations: relies on internet access and may prevent physical examinations or direct assessment.
A disadvantaged community has high rates of obesity. Explain how community development could help improve health outcomes.
Community members identify barriers and priorities, then work with health professionals and local organisations to develop accessible activities, such as walking groups and affordable healthy food initiatives. This builds ownership, empowerment and long-term sustainability.
Explain TWO ways chronic conditions can affect an individual's holistic health and wellbeing.ANSWER
Physical health: Pain, fatigue, reduced mobility or limitations in daily activities can affect physical functioning.
Mental and emotional health: Living with an ongoing condition may contribute to stress, anxiety, frustration or depression.
Chronic conditions can also affect social wellbeing through reduced participation in relationships, work, school and community activities.
A person lives in a remote community with limited healthcare services, low employment opportunities and poor access to fresh food. Analyse how THREE determinants of health may affect their health outcomes.
Environmental determinants: limited access to services and fresh food can make healthy living difficult. Socioeconomic determinants: low employment and income can reduce access to nutritious food and healthcare. Social determinants: geographical isolation and reduced access to community support can negatively affect mental and social wellbeing. These factors can combine to increase the risk of poor health outcomes.
A teenager feels pressured by friends to vape because it is considered normal in their friendship group. Explain how social norms influence their health behaviour and identify an assertive communication strategy they could use.
The perceived social norm creates pressure to conform, increasing the likelihood of vaping. The teenager could confidently say, "No thanks, I don't want to vape because I care about my health." This communicates their boundaries while respecting others.
Evaluate how contemporary health technologies can improve community health while potentially increasing health inequalities.
Technologies can improve access to health information, early diagnosis and healthcare services. However, people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, limited digital literacy or poor internet access may be unable to use them. Therefore, technologies need to be affordable, accessible and culturally appropriate to reduce inequalities.