Based on the various definitions of health, define health and explain if you agree with one definition more than the other? Why? Use an . Provide The scholarly source needs to be: 1) evidence-based, 2) scholarly in nature, 3) Sources should be no more than five years old ( citations and references are included when information is summarized/synthesized and/or direct quotes are used, in which standards apply. Our nation has been a melting pot of cultures since its birth and this multiculturalism is increasing rapidly. This diversity is creating a significant challenge for interactions at all levels of society, particularly in healthcare. In order to meet this challenge,  advanced practice nurses must first understand the concept of culture, as well as health and illness. Culture is defined by Dayer-Berenson, as “the shared values, traditions, norms, customs, arts, history, folklore, and institutions of a group of people who are unified by race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sexual orientation, and/or religion.”(2014). In order to help our patients connect with their healthcare providers, it is vital as advanced practice nurses to provide culturally sensitive and competent care. This will help us identify healthcare disparities and their impact on current health care in the United States. At the end of this module, the student will be able to: The concepts of health and illness are not easily defined and are difficult to understand. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.”  Other definitions include the state of being free from illness or injury or a general condition of the body or mind in equilibrium. The many definitions of health make it difficult to grasp and understand its meaning. The definitions of illness are just as elusive. Is it the absence or opposite of health or is it better defined as a disease or condition?  No matter the definition we need to understand that the experience of being ill is also defined by the patient.   What health may mean to a 21-year-old athlete versus a 60-year-old diabetic will vary greatly. Therefore we find individuals defining health and illness according to their own definitions. We also must realize that culture greatly affects one’s definition of health and illness, therefore as advanced practice nurses in order to provide competent care we must understand health and illness from our client’s perspective.

Health is a concept that is not easily defined and can be understood and interpreted in different ways. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.” This definition highlights the importance of not only the absence of illness but also the presence of well-being in all aspects of a person’s life. However, there are other definitions that focus on different aspects of health.

For example, some definitions of health focus on the absence of illness or injury. According to these definitions, health is simply a state of being free from any physical or mental ailments. This perspective views health as a binary concept – either one is healthy or one is not. This definition may overlook the importance of overall well-being and the presence of positive factors that contribute to a person’s health.

Another perspective defines health as a general condition of the body or mind in equilibrium. This definition recognizes the importance of balance and homeostasis in maintaining health. It suggests that when all aspects of the body and mind are in balance, a person is considered to be in a healthy state. However, this definition may overlook the dynamic nature of health and the fact that it can change over time.

Personally, I agree more with the WHO’s definition of health. This definition provides a comprehensive understanding of health that includes physical, mental, and social well-being. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of these different aspects and emphasizes the importance of holistic care. By considering the broader context of a person’s life, this definition recognizes that health is not solely determined by the absence or presence of disease, but also by the quality of one’s overall well-being.

I believe that this definition is more relevant and applicable in the context of healthcare. As an advanced practice nurse, it is essential to provide culturally sensitive and competent care to patients. Understanding the concept of health from the perspective of the individual is crucial in delivering patient-centered care. By embracing the WHO’s definition of health, healthcare providers can take into account the unique needs and beliefs of each individual patient, which can ultimately lead to better health outcomes.

In order to support my perspective, I have referred to the scholarly source “Culture and Health Disparities” by Dayer-Berenson (2014). This source explains the importance of culture in healthcare and emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to understand the concept of culture, as well as health and illness. It highlights that cultural factors can significantly impact a person’s definition of health and illness. By recognizing these cultural influences, healthcare providers can provide culturally sensitive care that respects and addresses the unique beliefs and values of each individual patient.

In conclusion, health is a complex concept that can be defined in various ways. While different definitions of health exist, I agree more with the WHO’s definition, which emphasizes complete physical, mental, and social well-being. This comprehensive understanding of health aligns with the goal of providing holistic and patient-centered care. Advanced practice nurses, therefore, should strive to understand health and illness from their patients’ perspective in order to provide culturally sensitive and competent care.