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