Illness Behaviour

Introduction

Illness behaviour refers to the ways in which individuals respond to, interpret and cope with symptoms or perceived health problems. It encompasses the attitudes, beliefs and actions related to seeking medical help, adhering to medical advice, and managing one's health.

Factors that influence illness behaviour include

• Cultural norms
• Previous experiences with health problems
• Personal beliefs about the cause of illness
• The perceived severity of symptoms

NOTE: Illness is the patient's subjective experience of ill health, sometimes when no disease can be found.

Theory of Sick Role

American sociologist Talcott Parsons developed the sick role definition in 1951. Parsons saw illness as form of deviant behaviour within society, the reason being that people who are ill are unable to fulfil their normal social roles and are thus deviating away from the consensual norm.

• Someone who is sick is expected to seek medical treatment, comply with medical advice and refrain from work/school or other social obligations.
• The sick person also should not be blamed for their illness and pose the rights to be taken care by another person until they can resume their normal social role.

Suchman's Stages of Illness

Another sociologist, Edward A. Suchman, formulated illness behaviour as consisting of 5 stages: symptom experience, assumption of the sick role, medical care contact, dependent patient and recovery or rehabilitation.

Summary

Understanding illness behaviour is crucial in promoting patient engagement, reducing health disparities, and improving overall health outcomes.