MPH308: Aspects of Social and Behavioural Sciences in Public Health
Course Title: Aspects of Social and Behavioural Sciences in Public Health
Course Number: MPH308
Credit Hours: 1
Introduction:
Psycho-social-cultural and political structures of society affect different spheres of public health, including
the type and distribution of illness and disease. They also determine modes of intervention used in the
prevention of illness, disease, and injury as well as the organization of health services at the national,
international, and community levels.
Learning Goal:
The goal of this course is to introduce the MSPH participants to the various facets of the public health in
light of the social determinants of health. The main emphasis is on a holistic view keeping under
consideration the social, cultural, ecological, political and economic factors and their mutual interaction
that influences the occurrence of disease and its management at individual and community level.
Learning Objectives:
By end of the course the participants should be able to:
1.
Explain key concepts in the social and behavioural aspects of public health: culture, race/ethnicity,
gender, poverty/disparities,
2.
Describe the factors related to behavior change, community, organizational climate and family
structure
3.
Demonstrate understanding of the social determinants of health
4.
Describe how social determinants influence population health
5.
Critically assess the relevance of ethics in public health
Contents:
The following areas will be covered during the course:
1.
Role of Social Sciences in Public Health
2.
Equity in health care
3.
Politics of Health
4.
Gender and Health
5.
Socio-cultural factors and their impact on health
6.
Economics and Health
7.
Health impact of rapid economic change
8.
Role of Civil Society in Health Care
