Course Lecturer: Dr. George Kritsotakis, Assistant Professor in Public Health Nursing – Social Epidemiology

Abstract: 

This course aims at providing an introduction to the social determinants of health and their significant association with health outcomes. It offers an invaluable opportunity to understand how social variables form individual health behaviors and are linked to health. The course is greatly influenced by recent advances in behavioral economics and consists of lectures combined with class discussion. Students will be required to work on case studies and exercises that will enhance their understanding of the complex interplay of social variables and health during the classes. The course employs an interdisciplinary approach and is open to students of all academic backgrounds

Learning Outcomes: 

By the end of the course, the student will know:

1. Define the term “social determinant of health”2. Describe the major determinants of population health status and the complex interplay of the health care system, health risk behaviors, societal influences, and biological factors
3. Evaluate the differences between “individual” and “societal” approaches to explain health behaviors and prevent diseases
4. Explain the prevention paradox and the twin strategies of prevention
5. Describe the theory of “dual processing” in decision making
6. Enumerate and describe three mechanisms through which social networks promote or hinder health
7. Define the term “social capital” and explain how it is related to health
8. Describe how the lay beliefs about health are constructed

Awarded ECTS: 3 ECTS