SRH3001

Rural health issues 1: Health in the rural context ( 6 points, SCA Band 0, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms Michelle Richardson

Offered:
Gippsland Second semester 2005 (OCL)
MILDURA Second semester 2005 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit examines health and illness patterns in rural/remote communities and factors that shape these including culture, fluctuant social and economic demographics, lifestyle choices and differential access to limited health care services. Students will learn to critically analyse the psycholsocial dimensions of health and gain an understanding of how these relate to the epidemiological data on health and illness patterns in Australia, including that of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI). Students will develop skills in planning rural health services and programs that reflect a community's health needs and thus enable them to improve health outcomes.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students are expected to be able to: 1. understand rural diversity from geographical, environmental, social and cultural perspectives; 2. explain the nature of rurality from a global, national, state and cultural perspective; 3. critically analyse the characteristics of 'community'; 4. describe the health advantages and risks associated with living and working in a rural/remote community; 5. describe the psychosocial dimensions of health and their relationship to the epidemiological data on rural health; 6. critically examine the notion of 'Burden of Disease' as it relates to rural health; and 7. apply knowledge of rural/remote communities' health patterns and needs to critically evaluate the planning and delivery of rural health services and programs.

Assessment: On-line participation and teleconference discussions: 10% + Community health services profile: 25% + Media article: 25% + Assignment: 40%

Prerequisites: AIS3807, NUR1202, NUR2202, NUR3106