Concepts and Definitions Worksheet
Concepts Definitions
Social
Determinants of
Health
Communicable
disease
Non-
communicable
disease
Maternal
mortality
Infant mortality
Tuberculosis
HIV/AIDS
Malaria
Vector
Obesity
Health Status
Health disparities
Mental Health
Universal Health
Coverage
Global Health
Well-being
Catastrophic
Health Spending
Health System
Example Answer key
Social Determinants of Health: societal features, constructs and history that contribute to the
unequal burden of disease experienced by socially disadvantaged populations
Communicable disease: transmitted from person to person or through a vector
Non-communicable disease: chronic diseases that do not spread from person to person
Maternal mortality: the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of
pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or
aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes
Infant mortality: the death of an infant before his or her first birthday
Tuberculosis: a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs
HIV/AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-
threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging your
immune system, HIV interferes with your body's ability to fight infection and disease.
Malaria: a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite
Vector: mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, most commonly, that spread pathogens
Diabetes: refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose).
Obesity: a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat, and increases the risk for
other diseases and health problems
Health Status: a measure of how people receive their health. It is an important predictor of
health outcomes, such as mortality, morbidity and functional status
Health disparities: preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or
opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by socially disadvantaged
populations
Mental Health: Human’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we
think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make
choices
Universal Health Coverage: all people have access to the full range of quality health services
they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship
Global Health: an area for study, research, and practice that places a priority on improving
health and achieving equality in health for all people worldwide
Well-being: a positive state experienced by individuals and societies, and encompasses quality
of life and the ability of people and societies to contribute to the world with a sense of meaning
and purpose
Catastrophic Health Spending: occurs when people have to spend a significant amount of their
income on health expenses
Health System: comprised of many actors, but mainly comprise the providers, facilities, and
infrastructure that provide health services and insurance to individuals seeking health coverage
and care.
Student Research Worksheet
Research Questions Student Notes
What disease or illness are
you studying?
Is this disease found in a
specific country or region?
Please include a definition
of Global Health and how
it connects to this disease
Is this disease a
communicable or
noncommunicable disease?
Please explain the
difference.
How is this disease spread?
If the disease is a non-
communicable disease,
explain what factors lead to
developing the disease.
What is the history of this
illness? For example, when
was it first contracted in
humans? What predictions
or trends can we establish
considering the disease's
history?
What age group is
primarily impacted by this
disease and how many
people are currently
impacted in the world?
Describe how one of the
SDG 3 targets would help
improve outcomes related
to this disease.
What solutions exist for
controlling this illness?
Define Universal health
Coverage. Describe how
this might help the illness
you are researching
How is this disease related
to climate change and
environmental
factors/sustainability?
School Investigation Worksheet
Investigate Notes and Observations
Does your school
educate the students
about the dangers of
tobacco/drug use?
Does your school
have a water filtration
system for drinking
water?
Does your school
have an air filtration
system?
Is there a cafeteria at
your school? If yes,
how many students
consider the food
provided by the
cafeteria to be clean
and healthy?
Does your school
provide guides on
healthy eating or
incorporate healthy
eating into the school
curriculum?
Does your school
provide mental health
services to its students
and teachers?
What does first aid
care look like at your
school?
Does your school
organize blood
drives?
How does your school
determine whether
students need to stay
at home based on
being sick?
If your school has a
wellness plan, what
does it encompass?
Are there physical
education classes for
students to remain
healthy?
Given all these
questions and notes
above, what is the
biggest problem in
your school? How can
you help your school
community in this
area? Write down your
ideas here:
Action Planning Template (For Students):
Describe your idea
or action.
Describe your idea
or action.
Why do you feel
this action is
necessary, and what
evidence have you
gathered to show
this?
What do you know
about this topic?
Use research, facts,
and statistics you
gathered.
What is your #1
goal in completing
this action? How
many people do you
want to reach?
What exactly will
you accomplish?
How will you
implement this
action?
Where will you
implement your
action? Your
school, classroom,
or local
community?
What outside
resources might you
need to accomplish
your action/project?
Are there any local
organizations,
aligned with your
vision, that you
could partner with?
What are your next
steps for completing
this action?
