Area of Study 1: Understanding health and wellbeing
In this area of study, students explore health and wellbeing, and illness as complex, dynamic and subjective concepts. They reflect on both the universality of public health goals and the increasing influence of global conditions on Australians. Students develop their understanding of the indicators used to measure and evaluate health status, and the factors that contribute to variations in health status between different groups.
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit, the student should be able to explain the complex, dynamic and global nature of health and wellbeing, interpret and apply Australia’s health status data, and analyse variations in health status.
Key knowledge
concepts of health and wellbeing (physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions), illness, and the dynamic and subjective nature of these concepts
benefits of optimal health and wellbeing and its importance as a resource individually, nationally and globally
indicators used to measure and understand health status:
– incidence
– prevalence
– morbidity
– burden of disease
– disability-adjusted life year (DALY)
– years of life lost (YLL)
– years lived with disability (YLD)
– life expectancy
– health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE)
– mortality (maternal, infant and under five)
– self-assessed health status
biological, sociocultural and environmental factors that contribute to variations in health status between population groups
the contribution to Australia’s health status of:
– smoking and vaping
– alcohol
– overweight and obesity
– nutritional imbalance (under-consumption of fruit and vegetables, and dairy foods; high intake of fat, salt and sugar; low intake of fibre).
Key skills
explain the dynamic and subjective nature of the concepts of health and wellbeing and illness
describe the relationship between dimensions of health and wellbeing
explain the individual, national and global importance of health and wellbeing as a resource
interpret and apply indicators used to measure health status
use data to evaluate the health status of Australians
describe how examples of biological, sociocultural and environmental factors can influence health outcomes
analyse health information to explain how factors can contribute to variations in health status between population groups.
Better Health Channel - Provides comprehensive and easiy accessible information on health and well-being. It focuses on Conditions and Treatments, Healthy Living and Services and Support.
Vic Health - Provides information on all the services provided by the Victorian Department of Health ("Supporting Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world") including Hospitals, Aged Care, Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs and Community Health.
Australian Goverment Department of Health and Aged care - Links to all government health services, legislation and reports (" Better health and well-being for all Australians, now and for future generations").
Victorian Agency for Health Information - Provides up to date information on health and health services in Victoria.
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