552.609.84
Psychological and Behavioral Factors That Affect A Population's Health

Location
Internet
Term
Summer Term
Department
Extradepartmental
Credit(s)
0.5
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Contact Name
Course Facilitator
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

Introduction to Online Learning

Description
A continuum of socioecological factors, ranging from sub-individual to societal, affect a population’s health. Psychological factors shape health directly, or indirectly through influencing lifestyle, preventive, or care-seeking behavior. The course examines the direct influence of psychological factors such as stress, and the bi-directionality of psychological / mental health and physical health.
Shows the role of behavior in health, drawing from smoking and other risk behaviors. Examines factors along the socioecological continuum that influence such behavior. Highlights key determinants for achieving behavior change to improve health outcomes, such as feasibility, self-efficacy and social support. Introduces common types of behavior change interventions, such as counseling and social marketing.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Define psychological factors and explain their direct and indirect influence on population health
  2. Define and distinguish between behavior, behavioral factor and public health outcome
  3. Explain the role of behavior on poor and good health
  4. Name and define socioecological factors along the continuum that influence behavior
  5. Name and define key factors for behavior change
  6. Recognize common types of behavior change interventions
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 20% Participation
  • 40% Interim Assessment
  • 40% Final Exam
Enrollment Restriction
All MPH students
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

Special Courseplus Note: Content for both August sections, .84 and .80, are combined and listed under Term 1, section .80 in Courseplus.