Health and Illness: A Sociological Perspective

Question 1

Which of these is NOT a core focus in the sociology of health and illness?

Accepted Answer

Statistical analysis of health data

Answer

Social definitions of illness

Answer

Biopsychosocial model

Answer

Health disparities

Question 2

Which sociological theory emphasizes the influence of social inequality on health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Sociobiology

Question 3

Which of the following is not considered a key social determinant of health by the World Health Organization?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Education

Answer

Income

Answer

Social support

Question 4

How does the concept of the 'sick role' influence the social experience of illness?

Accepted Answer

It legitimizes the person's temporary withdrawal from responsibilities

Answer

It emphasizes the individual's responsibility for their illness

Answer

It prevents the individual from fully reintegrating into society

Answer

It has no significant impact

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT explicitly considered as a social determinant of health?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Education

Answer

Stress

Answer

Housing

Question 6

According to the World Health Organization, which of the following is considered a core health indicator?

Accepted Answer

Life expectancy at birth

Answer

Prevalence of communicable diseases

Answer

Number of physicians per 1,000 population

Answer

Health expenditure as a percentage of GDP

Question 7

What is the overarching objective of health promotion efforts in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Preventing disease and promoting well-being

Answer

Providing early detection and treatment of diseases

Answer

Managing chronic conditions and improving quality of life

Answer

Reducing healthcare costs and improving efficiency

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a social determinant of health?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Education

Answer

Access to healthcare

Answer

Environmental factors

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a social determinant of health?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Income

Answer

Education

Answer

Occupation

Question 10

According to the World Health Organization, what is the holistic definition of health?

Accepted Answer

A state of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being

Answer

Complete absence of any disease or physical limitations

Answer

The ability to perform daily tasks without discomfort or pain

Answer

Lack of any signs or symptoms of illness

Question 11

The 'inverse care law' suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Those in most need of healthcare have the least access to it.

Answer

Those in most need of healthcare have the most access to it.

Answer

Healthcare is distributed equally regardless of need.

Answer

Access to healthcare is based on the perceived value of the individual to society.

Question 12

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the social construction of health and illness?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Structuralism

Question 13

The 'sick role' is defined by:

Accepted Answer

Rights and responsibilities that define the behavior expected of sick individuals.

Answer

Medical procedures and treatments that are used to cure or manage illnesses.

Answer

Social norms and values that shape perceptions of health and illness.

Answer

Economic factors that influence access to healthcare and health outcomes.

Question 14

According to the 'healthy migrant effect', migrants generally have:

Accepted Answer

Better health outcomes compared to the native population

Answer

Worse health outcomes compared to the native population

Answer

Similar health outcomes to the native population

Answer

A rapid decline in health over time

Question 15

How does social stratification influence health inequalities between different socioeconomic groups?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification restricts access to quality healthcare and healthy environments, leading to health disparities.

Answer

Health disparities are primarily caused by personal choices and behaviors, with minimal impact from social factors.

Answer

Social stratification has no significant effect on the overall health of a population.

Answer

Health disparities are only found in developing countries and are not present in developed nations.

Question 16

Healthcare resources are finite. Which ethical challenge arises from this scarcity?

Accepted Answer

Balancing the healthcare needs of each individual with the health of the population as a whole

Answer

Ensuring everyone has equal access to healthcare services

Answer

Prioritizing cost-effective treatments

Answer

Eliminating the influence of personal values in healthcare decision-making

Question 17

Which of the following is not a social determinant of health?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Education

Answer

Income

Answer

Social support

Question 18

Health inequality refers to:

Accepted Answer

Differences in health outcomes between different social groups

Answer

Unequal distribution of health services

Answer

Lack of healthcare access for certain populations

Answer

Prevalence of chronic diseases

Question 19

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the influence of social structure and inequality on health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 20

The process of adopting a social group's values and beliefs is called:

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Acculturation

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Enculturation

Question 21

A key criticism of the medical model of illness is that it:

Accepted Answer

Ignores social and environmental factors contributing to illness

Answer

Overemphasizes individual responsibility for health

Answer

Is too focused on curing rather than preventing illness

Answer

Is not applicable to mental health conditions

Question 22

Health literacy refers to:

Accepted Answer

Ability to find, understand, and use health information

Answer

Educational level about health topics

Answer

Ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers

Answer

Knowledge of common illness prevention and treatment methods

Question 23

According to the World Health Organization, health is:

Accepted Answer

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being

Answer

Absence of disease or infirmity

Answer

Ability to function effectively in society

Answer

Presence of positive physical and mental health

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a social determinant of mental health?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Income and wealth

Answer

Racism and discrimination

Answer

Social support networks

Question 25

Which sociological theory posits that health and illness are influenced by the distribution of power and resources in society?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 26

Which key element underpins the biopsychosocial model of health?

Accepted Answer

The comprehensive consideration of biological, psychological, and social factors influencing health.

Answer

The exclusion of genetic factors in health assessment

Answer

The emphasis on individual responsibility for health outcomes

Answer

The adoption of a holistic approach to healthcare delivery

Question 27

What is the primary objective of health promotion initiatives in tackling health inequalities?

Accepted Answer

To address the underlying social determinants of health and reduce disparities in healthcare access and resources.

Answer

To solely target individual lifestyle changes.

Answer

To provide free healthcare to all citizens.

Answer

To eliminate health conditions entirely through medical advancements.

Question 28

What is the essence of 'empowerment' in the context of health?

Accepted Answer

Equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for informed health decision-making.

Answer

Eliminating health disparities through policy changes

Answer

Providing emotional support to individuals facing health challenges.

Answer

Granting free access to healthcare services.

Question 29

What is a primary advantage of employing a mixed-methods approach in health research?

Accepted Answer

It facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic by combining both qualitative and quantitative data.

Answer

It ensures the validity and reliability of the research findings.

Answer

It eliminates the need for rigorous research designs.

Answer

It reduces the time and resources required for data collection.

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a social determinant of health?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Education

Answer

Lifestyle choices

Answer

Income

Question 31

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), what is the definition of health?

Accepted Answer

A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Answer

The absence of physical illness or injury

Answer

The ability to live a long and active life.

Question 32

Which of the following is an example of a health inequality?

Accepted Answer

Higher rates of heart disease among lower-income populations.

Answer

The development of new medical technologies.

Answer

Increased access to healthcare services.

Question 33

What is the role of the sociologist in the study of health and illness?

Accepted Answer

To examine the social factors that influence health and illness.

Answer

To develop new medical technologies.

Answer

To diagnose and treat illnesses.

Question 34

Which of the following is a key concept in the sociology of health and illness?

Accepted Answer

Social construction of illness

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Germ theory

Question 35

What is the difference between illness and disease?

Accepted Answer

Illness is subjective, while disease is objective.

Answer

Illness is temporary, while disease is permanent.

Answer

Illness is caused by social factors, while disease is caused by biological factors.

Answer

Illness is curable, while disease is not.

Question 36

Which of the following is an example of a biopsychosocial approach to health?

Accepted Answer

Considering the physical, psychological, and social factors that contribute to health and illness.

Answer

Focusing solely on biological factors.

Answer

Ignoring the role of social factors.

Question 37

What is the impact of health inequalities on society?

Accepted Answer

They can lead to social unrest and economic instability.

Answer

They have no impact on society.

Answer

They only affect individuals.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT considered a social determinant of health?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Access to healthcare

Answer

Education level

Question 39

The concept of the 'sick role' suggests that individuals who are ill are expected to:

Accepted Answer

Seek medical help and attempt to recover

Answer

Ignore their symptoms and carry on as usual

Answer

Continue working despite illness

Question 40

The term 'health inequalities' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Disparities in health outcomes across different social groups

Answer

Differences in healthcare costs

Answer

Variations in medical technologies

Question 41

Which of the following is a key factor contributing to health inequalities in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Socioeconomic status

Answer

Dietary preferences

Answer

Religious affiliation

Answer

Gender identity

Question 42

The 'medical model' of health focuses primarily on:

Accepted Answer

Biological and physiological factors

Answer

Social and environmental influences

Answer

Psychological well-being

Question 43

The 'social model' of health emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Social and environmental factors in health

Answer

Medical interventions as the primary solution

Answer

Individual responsibility for health

Answer

Genetic factors as the main determinant of health

Question 44

Which of the following is an example of a health-promoting policy?

Accepted Answer

Investment in public transport infrastructure

Answer

Tax breaks for pharmaceutical companies

Answer

Increased funding for private hospitals

Answer

Deregulation of food labeling

Question 45

The concept of 'health literacy' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The ability to access, understand, and use health information

Answer

The level of education attained by individuals

Answer

The quality of healthcare services available

Question 46

A study examining the relationship between income level and life expectancy would be an example of:

Accepted Answer

A sociological approach to health

Answer

A philosophical approach to health

Answer

A psychological approach to health

Answer

A biomedical approach to health

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a key principle of the 'social model' of disability?

Accepted Answer

Disability is a personal problem

Answer

Disability is a social construct

Answer

Society creates barriers for people with disabilities

Answer

Focus on the needs of the individual