Sick role behavior

Sick role is a term used in medical sociology regarding sickness & the rights and obligations of the affected.

1. DISCUSSION ON:- SICK ROLE OR ILLNESS BEHAVIOUR BY:- PREETI SHARMA MSC. NSG. 1 ST YR.

2. INTRODUCTION Sick role is a term used in medical sociology regarding sickness & the rights and obligations of the affected. It is a concept created by American sociologist Talcott Parsons in 1951. Health related behaviors of healthy people and those who try to maintain their health care considered as behaviors related to primary prevention of disease.

3. DEFINITION Disease refer to objective physiological or mental disorder at the organic level and confined to the individual organism . Illness is a subjective state, a psychological awareness of dysfunction at the personal level also confined to the individual .

4. CONT…. Sick role derived its meaning from Parson’s concept and it refers to a state of social dysfunction, a social role assumed by the individual that is variously specified according to the expectations of a given society, it extends beyond the person to include relation with others. Illness behavior is the behavior of a person in the sick role .

5. Illness Illness is a state in which the physical, social, developmental, intellectual, emotional or spiritual functioning of the individual is diminished or impaired Acute illness Chronic illness

6. Acute illness Short duration Mostly severe Starts abruptly and subsides in relatively short period (less than 6 months) Chronic illness Persist for more than six months May affect functioning of body in any dimension Up to the level of disability Major health problem

7. Illness behavior The way the sick person acts is called illness behavior. Factors How the interpret and view the symptoms Use remedial measures Utilize the health care facilities Nature of illness

8. STAGES OF ILLNESS BEHAVIOUR Edward suchman (1972) identified stages of illness behavior. Symptoms experience Assumption of the sick role Medical care contact Dependent patient role Recovery and rehabilitation

9. Impact of illness on patient and family

10. Impacts on family roles family dynamics ? Client is bread winner of the family ? Financial problems ? Role reversal Family dynamics : it is the process by which the family functions, makes decisions and gives support to the individuals If the parent is ill ? Family activities Decision making Nurses role : – Help the family to gain maximum level of functioning

11. Impact on self concept and self esteem Self concept : is that what a person views about his own strengths and weakness in all aspects of personality Components Identity Body image Role performance Self esteem : is a person’s overall feeling of self worth. It is the emotional appraisal of self concept

12. Impact on self concept and self esteem Self concept the client with illness : Not be able to perform as per the family expectations Affect the interaction with the family members Nurses role : Observe the changes in client and family members Help them overcome the changes

13. Behavioral and emotional changes Illness always puts a patient under stress Serious illness Frustration and he may lose his hope for life Anger Resentment Anxiety Hopelessness Shock Denial Withdrawal

14. Impact on body image Changes in the physical appearance Depending on the type of change Short term : they will accept Permanent :show reaction Shock Withdrawal Acknowledgment Acceptance Rehabilitation Use of prosthesis Change life style

15. SICK ROLE BEHAVIOR INVOLVES Exemption from normal social responsibilities and other people are expected to take over duties . Is not expected to get well without being taken care of. Has an obligation to want to get well and seek appropriate medical help . Other people are under obligation to be kind and sympathetic to.

16. Nurses role

17. Assist the client and family to cope up with stress Spirituality and spiritual leaders Help slowly accept the illness and will try to adjust with it Help to make changes in daily routine and occupation Involve family members for patient care Should act as a counsellor Nurses role

18. CONCLUSION Sick role behavior is the activity undertaken, for the purpose of getting well, by those who consider themselves ill. It includes receiving treatment from appropriate therapists, generally involves a whole range of dependent behaviors, and leads to some degree of neglect of one’s usual duties.