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Biopsychosociocultural Approach to Health and Illness


Course Description

Students gain advanced knowledge, understanding, and intervention skills in relation to pathophysiology of chronic diseases (cardiovascular, cancer, etc.) and the pathways among psychosocial (cognitive/affective/behavioral) and biological phenomena as they relate to health, illness prevention, and disease.


Athena Title

Integrated Health


Prerequisite

Permission of department


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Students will: 1.Understand the general systems of the body and the pathophysiology of disease and illness as they relate to these systems of the body. 2.Evaluate the empirical evidence that links the reciprocal interactions among psychosocial (cognitive/affective/behavioral) and biological phenomena as they relate to health promotion, illness prevention, and disease progression. 3.Conduct a critical review of the scientific literature pertaining to health behaviors and health promotion. 4.Develop skills in evidence-based approaches to behavioral and psychosocial health-related interventions. 5.Develop a greater awareness of the sociocultural context of health and its impact on health inequities in the U.S.


Topical Outline

1. Healthcare System and Affordable Care Act 2. Models of Integrative Healthcare Services/ Interprofessionalism 3. Biopsychosociocultural Approach to Musculoskeletal System: 4. Chronic Pain 5. Biopsychosociocultural Approach to Diseases of the Cardiovascular System 6. Biopsychosociocultural Approach to Diseases of the Neuroendocrine 7. Biopsychosociocultural Approach to Diseases of the Immune System: Cancer and HIVI AIDS 8. Biopsychosociocultural Approach to Consultation and Interventions 9. Evidence-based Psychosocial Interventions and Assessments: Neurobiofeedback, Motivational 10. Interviewing, Cognitive behavioral therapies, Mindfulness- based Interventions, etc.