Social history
Social History (Medicine)
Social history (pronunciation: /ˈsoʊʃəl ˈhɪstəri/) in the context of medicine, refers to the aspects of a patient's lifestyle, habits, and living conditions that have a direct impact on their health and wellness.
Etymology
The term "social history" is derived from the Latin word "socialis" meaning "of companionship" and the Greek word "historia" meaning "inquiry, knowledge acquired by investigation". In the medical context, it refers to the investigation of a patient's social circumstances that could influence their health.
Related Terms
- Medical History: A record of information about a patient's health, including illnesses, surgeries, and medications.
- Family History: Information about health conditions and diseases that run in a patient's family.
- Lifestyle: The way in which a person lives, including their habits, behaviors, and social relations.
- Healthcare: The organized provision of medical care to individuals or a community.
- Patient: A person who is receiving medical care, or who is cared for by a particular doctor or other medical professional.
Importance
The social history is an essential part of a patient's medical history. It provides valuable information about the patient's lifestyle, including their occupation, living conditions, diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, drug use, and sexual behavior. This information can help healthcare providers understand the patient's risk factors for certain diseases, guide preventive measures, and plan appropriate treatments.
Components
A comprehensive social history includes the following components:
- Occupation: The patient's job can affect their health in various ways. For example, certain occupations may expose the patient to harmful substances or stressful conditions.
- Living Conditions: The patient's housing situation, including the cleanliness and safety of their home, can influence their health.
- Diet and Physical Activity: The patient's eating habits and level of physical activity can contribute to their risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions.
- Substance Use: The patient's use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can lead to a variety of health problems.
- Sexual Behavior: The patient's sexual behavior can affect their risk of sexually transmitted infections and other health issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the social history is a crucial part of medical practice. It provides a holistic view of the patient's health, taking into account not only their physical condition but also their social circumstances. By understanding the patient's social history, healthcare providers can deliver more personalized and effective care.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Social history
- Wikipedia's article - Social history
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