CHRONIC PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Chronic Physical Health Problems

Health problems present for extended periods and that are characterized by nonreversible pathological changes a need for lifestyle adjustment, or a prolonged period of supervision

and care by health professionals

Personal Effects of Chronic Health Problems Impairment: Loss of psychological,

physiological, or anatomical, structure or function

Disability: Limitation in functional ability Handicap: Disadvantage resulting from

impairment or disability that impedes role fulfillment

Financial burden

Population Effects of Chronic Health Problems

Societal costs

Morbidity

Mortality

Assessing Risk for Chronic Health Problems

Biophysical considerations Psychological considerations Physical Environmental considerations Sociocultural considerations Behavioral considerations Health system considerations

Biophysical Considerations

Age Gender Race/ethnicity Genetic inheritance Physiologic function Physical and functional effects

Psychological Considerations

Stress Depression Anxiety Bereavement Psychological effects

Physical Environmental Considerations

Pollution

Physical safety hazards

Environmental justice

Environmental effects on physical

function

Sociocultural Considerations Poverty/unemployment Social norms for unhealthful behavior Culture Lack of education Legislation Occupational factors Social support Social effects

Behavioral Considerations

Dietary patterns Smoking Drug and alcohol use/abuse Exercise and leisure Safety practices Self-assessment behaviors

Health System Factors

Failure to education clients to

prevent chronic health problems

Lack of screening services

Lack of access to care

Aggressiveness of treatment

Primary Prevention

Health promotion/illness

prevention

Risk factor modification

Health Promotion/Illness Prevention

Education for prevention and promotion

Political activity Immunization

Risk Factor Modification

Smoking cessation Weight control Hypertension control Use of safety precautions Elimination of environmental

pollutants

Secondary Prevention Screening Early diagnosis Prompt treatment

Stabilization Establishing a treatment regimen Motivating compliance Promoting self-management Monitoring treatment effects

Tertiary Prevention Preventing loss of function in affected

systems Preventing loss of function in

unaffected systems Restoring function Monitoring health status Promoting adjustment End-of-life care