This course provides an overview of social, cultural, and behavioral aspects that influence public health. Students examine socio-cultural structures related to behavioral health, and apply concepts and theories to begin to address community health issues.
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Articulate behavioral and psychological factors that affect a population’s health.
- Distinguish social determinants of health from biological and other determinants of health.
- Analyze the social structures that influence health status and behavior in individuals and populations.
- Use an ecological or systemic analysis to analyze individual, community, and population level problems in mental health, addiction, obesity/nutrition, and violence.
- Identify the most important considerations in choosing the right theory to address a health behavior problem in a particular population and context.
- Apply basic theories, concepts, and models used in public health interventions.