SOCIETAL HYGIENE - COURSE 154

 

I. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this course is to prepare the individual for, and induce
him to take an active intelligent part in, shaping the health policy and
practices of his own community, state, and nation.

II. PLAN

meen

In the brief time available for the course, our aim will be to:

1. Explore some of the sources and forms of our societal or community
health practices.

2. Evaluate the soundness of these practices.

5. Estimate the adequacy of our present facilities for protecting
the individual through the group.

4. Project the essentials of a public health program that promises
the best results with our present knowledge of the principles of
hygiene.

ItI. DEFINITION OF THE FIELD

 

For purposes of more accurate description, the field of hygiene has been
classified under a number of distinct but inter-related divisions. These have
been presented in former courses.

Societal or intergroup hygiene is defined by Storey as "the application of
the scientific facts of general hygiene in and by the public for the health wel-
fare of the public." It is frequently called community or public hygiene. It
conceives the public as being made up of associated groups of humans dominated
by common health interests and exposed to comnon health dangers and competent
to enforce standards of hygiene through the various units of government and by
force of community custom.

 

IV. BASIS OF SOCIETAL HYGIENE

 

A brie# consideration of the bases of a societal or public hygiene program
will be of value.

1. Economic Basis
a. Values of reduced morbidity and mortality
b. Values of increased efficiency

ec. Values to communities.

2« Seientifie Basie

 

a. Known causes and modes of transmission of disease.
b. Known methods of cure and prevention of disease.
c. Known methods of promotion of health.

5. Legal Basis

a. Power to establish legal regulations
b. Power to enforce regulations
c. Power to appropriate money for health purposes.