Health Education
What the domain covers
Health education covers the WHO definition of health, dimensions of health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, immunity and school health programmes. The exam tests definitions, modes of disease transmission and prevention.
Core content
- WHO (1948) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.
- Dimensions include physical, mental, social, emotional, spiritual and environmental health.
- Factors affecting health: heredity, environment, lifestyle and health services.
- Communicable diseases spread by air, water, food, contact, vectors and blood. Examples include tuberculosis, cholera, malaria and dengue.
- Non-communicable diseases include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease.
- Immunity: innate (natural) and acquired. Active immunity follows infection or vaccination; passive immunity comes from maternal antibodies or antibody preparations.
- Health education uses lectures, discussions, demonstrations, role play, campaigns and school health services.
Worked example
Malaria is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito. Breaking the chain can target the vector: draining stagnant water, using nets and repellents, and early diagnosis and treatment. The reasoning identifies the mode of transmission before choosing prevention, rather than giving a generic "stay clean" answer.
Traps that cost marks
Calling health only the absence of disease; mixing active and passive immunity; classifying diabetes as communicable; and naming a disease without its transmission route.