In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This definition was groundbreaking, expanding our understanding of health beyond mere absence of illness. But how does this definition hold up in today’s context?
The WHO's definition of health has consistently sparked lively debates. There are fervent proponents of its holistic perspective, while others voice legitimate concerns. The primary criticism revolves around the notion that achieving "complete well-being" may be an unattainable ideal. Critics argue that life inherently involves fluctuations in health, making the concept of perpetual well-being seem unrealistic.
Opponents also voice apprehensions that this all-encompassing definition may inadvertently lead to the over-treatment of minor health variations, potentially fueling over-medicalization and driving an insatiable demand for healthcare services. Another challenge lies in practicality. How exactly do we quantify and measure "complete well-being"? The inherent vagueness of the concept hampers its real-world application and implementation.
As we navigate the intricacies of the modern era, it's imperative to acknowledge the limitations of the past. The WHO's 1948 definition has indeed made a significant contribution to our understanding of health. However, given the dynamics of an aging population and the rise in chronic illnesses, we must embrace fresh perspectives. Ongoing efforts to define health span from biologically oriented definitions to those rooted in psychological and sociological viewpoints
Health is complex and constantly evolving, influenced by societal change. Instead of seeking a single definition, it's time to embrace individual perspective of health and consider developing definitions that continue to evolve and reflect the realities of our contemporary world.
References
Huber, M. (2011). Health: How should we define it? British Medical Journal, 343, 235-237. https://www.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bmj.d4163
Krahn, G., et al. (2021). It's time to reconsider how we define health: Perspective from disability and chronic condition. Disability and Health Journal, 14(4),101-129. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1936657421000753
Leonardi, F. (2018). The Definition of Health: Towards New Perspectives. International Journal of Health Services, 48(4), 735-748. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0020731418782653
Schramme, T. (2023). Health as Complete Well-being: The CHO Definition and Beyond. Public Health Ethics, XX (XX), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1093/phe/phad017
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