Question 1

In Canada in the twentieth century, many First Nations women were surgically sterilized without their knowledge or consent, due to prevailing beliefs that they had too many children. What is this practice an example of?

Accepted Answer

This practice is an example of the medicalization of deviance, where behaviors or conditions are treated as medical issues. In this case, the reproductive rights and autonomy of First Nations women were infringed upon by viewing their fertility as a 'problem' to be solved through medical intervention, without their consent.

Question 2

Doctor Brian Day is a physician who argues that the Canada Health Act violates the constitutional rights of Canadians by refusing patients access to private clinics. If the Supreme Court of Canada agrees with his position, what might be the outcome?

Accepted Answer

If the Supreme Court of Canada agrees with Doctor Brian Day's position, it could lead to the establishment of a two-tier system of health care. This would mean that alongside the public health care system, there would be a private system where individuals could pay for faster or different services, potentially leading to quicker access to care for those who can afford it.

Question 3

Which of the following situations is privatized health care believed to cause?

Accepted Answer

Privatized health care often leads to inequality of access to health care because individuals' ability to pay determines their access to services, creating disparities between different socioeconomic groups.

Question 4

Americans spend almost twice as much per person on health care as in Canada, yet life expectancy in the United States is less than that of Canada. Which of the following would account for the fact that Americans are not as healthy as Canadians?

Accepted Answer

The presence of a large population of poor people in the United States could contribute to overall lower health outcomes and life expectancy compared to Canada. Poverty is closely linked to health issues due to factors like limited access to healthcare, healthy food, and safe living conditions, which can lead to worse health outcomes.

Question 5

Several years ago, the province of Alberta contracted with an organization called Networc Health to provide knee, foot, and ankle surgeries. It was the only organization outside of the Alberta Health Authority's government-run medical facilities to provide any surgical services. What term best describes Alberta's agreement with Networc Health?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Several years ago, the province of Alberta...

Question 6

According to the textbook, when determinants of health pertaining to individual behaviour (such as lifestyle) are identified as causes of negative health consequences, who or what gets blamed?

Accepted Answer

When determinants of health related to individual behavior, such as lifestyle choices, are identified as causes of negative health consequences, the person themselves often gets blamed. This perspective focuses on personal responsibility for health outcomes.

Question 7

Who is regarded as "the father of medicare" in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Tommy Douglas is regarded as "the father of medicare" in Canada due to his pivotal role in the introduction of universal health care to the country, first in Saskatchewan and later influencing its adoption nationwide.

Question 8

According to the textbook, how is Canada's health care system generally viewed?

Accepted Answer

Canada's health care system is generally viewed as socialized medicine, where the government provides health care services through taxes paid by citizens, ensuring universal coverage for all residents.

Question 9

In earlier eras, how was deviant behaviour usually viewed?

Accepted Answer

Deviant behavior was often viewed as evil in earlier eras, with individuals being punished or ostracized for actions that were considered morally wrong or against societal norms.

Question 10

In comparing Canada to other countries, what does research reveal about life expectancy?

Accepted Answer

Canadian life expectancy is generally high, but it is slightly lower than in some countries with the highest life expectancies, such as Japan. This is due to a variety of factors including healthcare systems, lifestyle, and social determinants of health.

Question 11

As a result of his low education and inability to speak English or French, Frankie has unsteady employment, mainly working in low-wage jobs in toxic environments. Which of the following is Frankie most likely to experience?

Accepted Answer

Frankie is most likely to experience social exclusion due to his low education, language barriers, and employment in low-wage, toxic environments. These factors can lead to limited access to social, economic, and cultural opportunities, isolating him from mainstream society.

Question 12

According to the textbook, how does the average life expectancy of Indigenous Canadians compare to that of non-Indigenous Canadians?

Accepted Answer

The average life expectancy of Indigenous Canadians is 5 to 12 years shorter than that of non-Indigenous Canadians, reflecting disparities in access to healthcare, social determinants of health, and historical and ongoing systemic inequalities.

Question 13

Travis checks himself into a rehabilitation centre to help him kick his cocaine addiction. Which of the following assumptions underlies the existence of such facilities?

Accepted Answer

Addiction is often treated as an illness, which is why rehabilitation centers exist—to provide medical and therapeutic care to help individuals recover.

Question 14

From a sociological perspective, how do social inequalities lead to poorer health in disadvantaged groups?

Accepted Answer

Social inequalities often result in lower incomes and poorer material living conditions for disadvantaged groups, which can lead to poorer health outcomes due to limited access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe living environments.

Question 15

Johan is complaining to his brother about medical services in Canada. Which of the following is most likely to be his main complaint?

Accepted Answer

The most common complaint about the Canadian healthcare system is the long wait times for services, including surgeries and specialist appointments, due to the public nature of the system and high demand.

Question 16

Over time, medical definitions of atypical or harmful behaviour have become more prevalent. What do we call this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

The term "medicalization of deviance" refers to the process by which behaviors or conditions that were once seen as moral, social, or legal issues are redefined as medical issues, often involving a diagnosis and treatment by health professionals.

Question 17

People who need to see a physiotherapist on a referral from their doctor can wait to see one for free at a hospital. However, many people who have private health insurance or who can afford it go to a clinic and pay cash for their services. What is the term for the health care offered at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

The health care offered at the clinic is considered a privatized service because it is accessed directly by patients who can afford to pay out-of-pocket or through private health insurance, bypassing the public health system.

Question 18

Jason is addicted to methamphetamine. According to the textbook, how would he most likely have been viewed in the nineteenth century?

Accepted Answer

In the nineteenth century, addiction was often viewed through a moral or spiritual lens, with individuals sometimes seen as being possessed by evil forces or demons.

Question 19

Which of the following groups is most likely to report poor health in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Indigenous Canadians are statistically more likely to report poor health outcomes compared to other ethnic groups in Canada. This is due to a variety of factors including socio-economic disparities, access to healthcare, and historical injustices.

Question 20

Olga is an 80-year-old woman living with constant pain caused by arthritis in her fingers and toes. She self-medicates with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication (taken as recommended) and lives with her situation. What term best describes her ailment?

Accepted Answer

Chronic condition is the correct term because it describes a long-standing, persistent illness or disease, such as arthritis, that Olga is experiencing in her fingers and toes. Chronic conditions typically require ongoing management and do not resolve quickly.

Quiz 19: Health and Medicine