Health and Illness Quizzes for Sociology Year 13

Question 1

How does the use of technology in healthcare present both ethical challenges and opportunities? Consider issues like data privacy, patient autonomy, and potential bias.

Accepted Answer

Technology can improve healthcare access, data sharing, and research, but it also raises ethical concerns that must be addressed.

Answer

Technology should not be used in healthcare because it violates patient trust.

Answer

Technology in healthcare is always beneficial and raises no ethical concerns.

Answer

Healthcare professionals should have complete control over technology use, regardless of patient preferences.

Question 2

How do cultural factors shape individuals' perceptions and responses to health and illness?

Accepted Answer

Cultural values, norms, and beliefs transmitted through socialization processes shape health beliefs and practices.

Answer

Culture has no discernible influence on how people perceive and respond to health and illness.

Answer

Cultural influences on health are limited to non-Western societies.

Answer

Cultural factors have a minimal impact on health beliefs and practices compared to other factors like biology and healthcare access.

Question 3

In healthcare, resource allocation involves distributing resources fairly and equitably. Discuss the ethical challenges and dilemmas involved in this process.

Accepted Answer

Both medical need and social factors should be considered to promote health equity and reduce disparities.

Answer

Healthcare resources should be allocated solely based on medical need, prioritizing urgent medical needs.

Answer

A lottery system should be used to allocate resources fairly and impartially.

Answer

Healthcare resources should be allocated based on individuals' ability to pay, ensuring the best care for those who can afford it.

Question 4

Define 'syndemics' and explain how it helps us understand health inequalities.

Accepted Answer

Syndemics refers to the combined effect of multiple health conditions, which can worsen health outcomes more than each condition would on its own.

Answer

Syndemics only considers individual factors that affect health, not social or environmental factors.

Answer

Syndemics only applies to infectious diseases, not chronic conditions.

Answer

Syndemics is only found in developing countries and has no relevance to health inequalities in developed countries.

Question 5

Define the concept of 'health citizenship' and discuss its significance for individuals and society.

Accepted Answer

Health citizenship refers to the rights and responsibilities of individuals to maintain their own health and participate in the healthcare system.

Answer

Health citizenship is a form of social activism that advocates for better healthcare for all.

Answer

Health citizenship is a legal concept that defines the healthcare entitlements of citizens.

Answer

Health citizenship has no real-world implications for individuals or society.

Question 6

How do austerity measures affect health and health inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Austerity measures can lead to increased unemployment and poverty, which are linked to poorer health outcomes.

Answer

Austerity measures have no impact on health or health inequalities.

Answer

Austerity measures only affect the health of vulnerable populations.

Answer

Austerity measures can improve health by reducing government spending.

Question 7

How do cultural norms and beliefs impact health-seeking behaviors and health outcomes? Provide specific examples to illustrate your answer.

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms and beliefs can influence health-seeking behaviors and health outcomes, potentially both positively and negatively.

Answer

Cultural norms and beliefs have no significant influence on health-related behaviors and outcomes.

Answer

Cultural norms and beliefs always promote positive health-seeking behaviors and health outcomes.

Answer

The impact of cultural norms and beliefs on health is only evident in developing countries.

Question 8

How do social and cultural factors shape health beliefs and practices?

Accepted Answer

Social and cultural factors influence health beliefs and practices by shaping access to healthcare, health information, and health-promoting resources.

Answer

Social and cultural factors have no influence on health beliefs and practices.

Answer

Social factors, such as social class and education, primarily influence health beliefs and practices.

Answer

Health beliefs and practices are solely determined by individual choices and preferences.

Question 9

How does health education empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being?

Accepted Answer

Health education gives people the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their health.

Answer

Health education only provides medical information, ignoring people's social and cultural backgrounds.

Answer

Health education programs always succeed in changing health behaviors and improving health outcomes.

Question 10

According to the social class theory, which social class is considered to have the lowest health status?

Accepted Answer

Lower class

Answer

Upper class

Answer

Middle class

Answer

Working class

Question 11

Which gender is known to experience higher rates of chronic illnesses?

Accepted Answer

Female

Answer

Male

Answer

There is no significant difference between genders

Answer

It depends on the specific illness

Question 12

The belief that illness is a consequence of supernatural or divine forces is central to which theory of health?

Accepted Answer

Magical-religious model

Answer

Biomedical model

Answer

Social constructionist model

Answer

Health belief model

Question 13

According to the lifestyle risk theory, what primary factor is responsible for poor health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Unhealthy behaviors

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Social class

Answer

Ethnicity

Question 14

The process of labeling individuals as sick or diseased is known as:

Accepted Answer

Medicalization

Answer

Stigmatization

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Social construction

Question 15

In the context of health, what does 'social capital' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The network of relationships and resources that individuals have within their community

Answer

The amount of money individuals have in the bank

Answer

The level of education individuals have attained

Answer

The physical environment in which individuals live

Question 16

What is a key finding of the Black Report (1980)?

Accepted Answer

Health inequalities in the UK were primarily caused by structural and social factors

Answer

Health inequalities in the UK were primarily caused by individual lifestyle choices

Answer

Health inequalities in the UK were primarily caused by genetic factors

Answer

Health inequalities in the UK had not changed significantly in recent decades

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Social class

Answer

Gender

Answer

Ethnicity

Question 18

According to the Biomedical Model, health is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Social factors

Answer

Psychological factors

Answer

Lifestyle choices

Question 19

Research indicates that women are more likely to experience chronic illnesses than men. Which sociological theory best explains this disparity?

Accepted Answer

A combination of all three

Answer

Social construction of gender

Answer

Biological differences

Answer

Cultural expectations and roles

Question 20

What is the primary goal of health promotion?

Accepted Answer

To prevent illness and improve well-being

Answer

To cure existing health conditions

Answer

To reduce healthcare expenditure

Answer

To increase life expectancy

Question 21

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), which of the following is considered a primary determinant of health?

Accepted Answer

Social and economic factors

Answer

Personal healthcare choices

Answer

Access to healthcare services

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a 'healthy community'?

Accepted Answer

High levels of income disparity

Answer

Strong social connections

Answer

Access to green spaces

Answer

Availability of adequate healthcare facilities

Question 23

Which of the following is a key characteristic of the biomedical model of health and illness?

Accepted Answer

It focuses on the physical body as the primary site of disease.

Answer

It considers social factors to be the primary determinants of health.

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices.

Answer

It is a holistic approach considering the whole person

Question 24

Which of the following is a central concept in the social constructionist perspective on health and illness?

Accepted Answer

Illness is a social phenomenon influenced by cultural beliefs and values.

Answer

Disease is a natural and inevitable part of life.

Answer

The doctor-patient relationship is essential for effective healthcare.

Answer

Health is a commodity that can be bought and sold.

Question 25

How do social media influencers impact the public's views on health and well-being?

Accepted Answer

Social media influencers can positively and negatively influence the public's perceptions of health and well-being.

Answer

Social media influencers have little effect on public perceptions of health and well-being.

Answer

Social media influencers are always reliable sources of health information.

Answer

Social media influencers should be banned from discussing health-related topics.

Question 26

How do austerity measures potentially affect the health of disadvantaged communities?

Accepted Answer

Increased mortality rates

Answer

Increased healthcare spending

Answer

Improved health outcomes

Answer

Reduced risk of chronic conditions

Question 27

Which factor is not considered a social determinant of health?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Social class

Answer

Gender

Answer

Ethnicity

Question 28

According to the social constructionist perspective on illness, what is a key characteristic of illness?

Accepted Answer

It is a socially defined and experienced phenomenon

Answer

It is a biological condition that can be objectively diagnosed

Answer

It is always caused by external factors

Answer

It is only relevant in certain cultures

Question 29

Research consistently shows that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have:

Accepted Answer

Worse health outcomes than those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds

Answer

Better health outcomes than those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds

Answer

Similar health outcomes to those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds

Answer

Equal access to healthcare services

Question 30

In what way does social support influence an individual's health?

Accepted Answer

It can provide emotional and practical support, improving overall well-being

Answer

It can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases

Answer

It has no significant impact on health outcomes

Answer

It only affects the mental health of an individual

Question 31

Which theory of illness emphasizes the influence of psychological factors on illness onset?

Accepted Answer

The psychosocial theory

Answer

The microbial theory

Answer

The social structural theory

Answer

The lifestyle theory

Question 32

Which perspective on health and illness views illness as a socially constructed phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

The social constructionist perspective

Answer

The biomedical perspective

Answer

The functionalist perspective

Answer

The conflict perspective

Question 33

Which is a primary distinction between primary and secondary health prevention?

Accepted Answer

Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of illness, while secondary prevention focuses on early detection and treatment

Answer

Secondary prevention is more cost-effective than primary prevention

Answer

Primary prevention is less accessible than secondary prevention

Answer

Secondary prevention has a greater impact on reducing mortality rates

Question 34

According to the 'inverse care law', which group receives the least healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Lower socioeconomic groups

Answer

Higher socioeconomic groups

Answer

People living in rural areas

Answer

People with pre-existing health conditions

Question 35

Bourdieu's concept of 'cultural capital' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The cultural knowledge and skills that individuals possess.

Answer

The economic resources that individuals possess.

Answer

The social connections that individuals possess.

Answer

The human capital that individuals possess.

Question 36

How do patient advocacy groups influence health policy and improve health outcomes for specific populations?

Accepted Answer

Patient advocacy groups empower patients by providing them with a voice in healthcare decision-making and improving health outcomes.

Answer

Patient advocacy groups primarily focus on legislative changes, neglecting other aspects of health policy.

Answer

Patient advocacy groups have a negligible impact on health policy and health outcomes.

Answer

Patient advocacy groups solely represent the interests of affluent individuals.

Question 37

How does the pharmaceutical industry influence our health and illness experiences? Discuss both the positive and negative aspects.

Accepted Answer

Developing new treatments and cures for diseases

Accepted Answer

Influencing healthcare providers and patients' decisions

Accepted Answer

Lobbying governments for favorable drug regulations

Answer

Providing unbiased information about health and illness

Question 38

How has globalization influenced the global spread of infectious diseases?

Accepted Answer

Globalization has significantly increased the spread of infectious diseases due to increased travel and trade.

Answer

Globalization has had no impact on the transmission of infectious diseases.

Answer

Globalization's effects on infectious disease spread are limited to developing nations.

Answer

Globalization has reduced the incidence of infectious diseases in both developed and developing countries.

Question 39

Which of the following is a potential negative impact of poor housing quality on health?

Accepted Answer

Increased likelihood of chronic diseases

Answer

Reduced risk of respiratory infections

Answer

Improved cognitive function

Answer

Enhanced immune system response

Question 40

Evaluate the effectiveness of community-based participatory research in reducing health inequalities. Consider both its potential benefits and limitations.

Accepted Answer

Community-based participatory research is most effective when community members are actively involved throughout the research process.

Answer

Community-based participatory research always eliminates health disparities.

Answer

Community-based participatory research is ineffective in reducing health disparities.

Answer

Community-based participatory research is only effective in addressing health disparities in underprivileged communities.

Question 41

What is a key advantage and disadvantage of combining qualitative and quantitative research methods in health studies?

Accepted Answer

Advantage: Stronger validity through triangulation; Disadvantage: Requires more time and resources.

Answer

Advantage: Findings can be generalized to a wider population; Disadvantage: May lack in-depth understanding.

Answer

Advantage: Cost-effective approach; Disadvantage: Potential for biased results.

Answer

Advantage: Easy data analysis; Disadvantage: Superficial findings.

Question 42

According to the Social Class Theory, which social class experiences the highest mortality rate?

Accepted Answer

Working class

Answer

Retired class

Answer

Upper class

Answer

Middle class

Question 43

Which theory of health and illness emphasizes the significance of social and environmental factors in shaping health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Social Causation Theory

Answer

Germ Theory

Answer

Lifestyle Theory

Answer

Biomedical Model

Question 44

What is the overarching argument of the Health Inequalities Framework?

Accepted Answer

Health disparities are the result of avoidable and unfair social and economic factors.

Answer

Health inequalities are an inevitable part of society.

Answer

Health inequalities are primarily caused by individual choices and behaviors.

Question 45

Which of the following is recognized as a social determinant of health?

Accepted Answer

Education

Answer

Climate

Answer

Age

Answer

Genetics

Question 46

What is the primary role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in addressing health inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Advocating for health equity and providing technical assistance to member states.

Answer

Enforcing global health regulations.

Answer

Delivering healthcare services directly to populations.

Question 47

Which of the following is a criticism of the biomedical model of health?

Accepted Answer

It disregards the impact of social and psychological factors on health.

Answer

It is overly focused on disease prevention.

Answer

It is prohibitively expensive.

Question 48

What is the concept of 'health literacy'?

Accepted Answer

The ability to access, understand, and use health information effectively.

Answer

The knowledge of specific health facts.

Answer

The ability to read and write about health topics.

Question 49

What is the most accurate definition of 'social capital'?

Accepted Answer

The connections and relationships between people that offer support and resources.

Answer

An individual's financial wealth, including income and savings.

Answer

The level of education and skills an individual possesses.

Answer

The shared cultural values and beliefs of a group.

Question 50

Which ethical concerns should be considered when using social media data for health research?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Accepted Answer

Data ownership

Accepted Answer

Privacy

Question 51

Which theory of illness emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping health experiences?

Accepted Answer

Sociocultural theory

Answer

Biomedical model

Answer

Psychosocial model

Answer

Ecological model

Question 52

Which of the following is a characteristic of health inequalities?

Accepted Answer

They are systematic and avoidable.

Answer

They are caused by individual choices.

Answer

They are random and unpredictable.

Answer

They only affect certain population groups.

Question 53

How does social class influence health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Lower social class is associated with poorer health.

Answer

Higher social class is associated with poorer health.

Answer

Social class has no influence on health.

Question 54

Which of the following is a criticism of the biomedical model of health?

Accepted Answer

It overlooks the social and cultural factors that influence health.

Answer

It is not evidence-based.

Answer

It is too holistic.

Question 55

How does gender affect health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Women experience different health risks and life expectancies than men.

Answer

Gender has no influence on health.

Answer

Men experience different health risks and life expectancies than women.

Question 56

Which of the following is a key concept in the ecological model of health?

Accepted Answer

Multilevel determinants

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Individual responsibility

Question 57

How can health inequalities be addressed?

Accepted Answer

Through policy changes and interventions that target social determinants of health.

Answer

Through increased healthcare spending.

Answer

Through individual lifestyle changes.

Question 58

How does illness behavior vary across different cultures?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms and values influence how people experience and respond to illness.

Answer

Illness behavior is determined solely by psychological factors.

Answer

Illness behavior is the same across all cultures.

Question 59

Which of the following is **not** a key social factor that influences health and illness?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Social class

Answer

Ethnicity

Answer

Gender

Question 60

Which theory of health and illness emphasizes the importance of **lifestyle choices** in determining health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

The behavioral model

Answer

The biomedical model

Answer

The social stress model

Question 61

Which of the following is a characteristic of **health inequalities**?

Accepted Answer

They are avoidable differences in health outcomes between different population groups.

Answer

They are not a significant public health concern.

Answer

They are caused by genetic factors.

Question 62

Which of the following is a key criticism of the **biomedical model** of health and illness?

Accepted Answer

It ignores the social and environmental factors that influence health.

Answer

It is too reductionist.

Answer

It is not evidence-based.

Question 63

Which of the following is a key factor in **reducing health inequalities**?

Accepted Answer

Improving access to healthcare

Answer

Encouraging unhealthy lifestyles

Answer

Increasing individual responsibility

Answer

Reducing social spending

Question 64

Which of the following is a key difference between **acute and chronic illnesses**?

Accepted Answer

Acute illnesses are typically short-term and self-limiting, while chronic illnesses are long-term and require ongoing management.

Answer

Acute illnesses are always more serious than chronic illnesses.