Ateneo - UPO

The course examines the main approaches in the sociology of health and illness, focusing on the social factors that influence individual well-being, the processes of the social construction of health, and the micro-, meso-, and macro-sociological dimensions of the health ecosystem. Particular attention is paid to gender issues, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and stigma within healthcare settings.

The course aims to provide students with knowledge and interpretative tools useful for understanding the social dimensions of health and illness. At the end of the course, students will be able to understand the role of social factors in shaping the concept of health and in influencing individual well-being, know the main sociological theories of health and illness, analyse health-related phenomena through micro-, meso-, and macro-sociological perspectives, understand the influence of social relationships, healthcare organizations, and social inequalities on health pathways, recognize the impact of stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and stigma within healthcare settings, and develop a professional awareness oriented toward respect for human dignity and equity in healthcare.

No specific disciplinary knowledge is required.

The teaching involves the holding of frontal lessons, with the aid of
PowerPoint presentations, in which the themes illustrated in the
reference texts will be explained, integrated and explored in depth and
with the possibility of teacher/student interaction for critical analysis,
debate and request for clarifications.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities.
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Learning assessment is achieved through a single exam covering all course subjects. The test consists of 54 multiple-choice questions, of which only one is correct, and three open-ended questions, structured as case studies in which students will apply their acquired knowledge. The three open-ended questions will focus on one case study from Therapeutic Education, one from Family and Community Nursing, and one from Mental Health Nursing. To evaluate the open-ended questions, instructors have specific grading grids available that take into account the data collected, objectives, interventions, strategies, and the final evaluation of the case study. Correct multiple-choice questions are worth 1 point; open-ended questions can earn a maximum of 10 points per question. A maximum total score of 84 points is awarded. A student passes the test if they obtain 60% of the total score and at least 30% of the individual subjects. Students have 105 minutes to complete the test. The test is administered in person on an online platform.

The module is divided into two parts. In the first part, the main concepts of Sociology, and in particular the Sociology of Health, will be examined, with a specific focus on the following topics at the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels. At the micro level, the course will address the following topics: the social construction of the body, illness as experience, narrative and social structure, psychological suffering and madness. At the meso level, the course will cover the following topics: family relationships, social networks and health, integration of health and social care services, and hospital organization. At the macro level, the course will address the following topics: social health inequalities, digital health, and big data in healthcare. In the second part, the following topics will be discussed: gender as a determinant of health, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion in mental illness.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: describe the main concepts of health sociology; understand the social factors that influence health and well-being; understand the main sociological theories of health and illness; understand the micro, meso, and macrosociological perspectives applied to health phenomena; and understand the role of gender in health and care processes.