Acute illness
Characterized by symptoms of relatively short duration
Adherence
the extent to which an individuals behavior coincides with medical or health advice
Chronic illness
characterized by symptoms that last for an extended period, usually 6 months or more
Disease
Alteration in body functions resulting in a reduction of capacities or a shortening of the normal life span
Etiology
Cause of a disease or condition
Exacerbation
when symptoms reappear
Health
A state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infimity
Health Beliefs
Concepts about health that an individual believes are true
Health Status
State of health of an individual at a given time
Health Behaviors
Actions people take to understand their health state, maintain an optimal state of health
Illness
A highly subjective state that may or not be related to disease
Illness behavior
Ways in which individuals describe, monitor and interpret symptoms take actions and use the health care system
Lifestyle
Refers to a persons general way of living
Locus of control
whether clients believe that their health status is under their own or other's control
Remission
when symptoms disappear
Risk Factors
Practices that have potentially negative effects on health
Well being
A subjective perception of vitality and feeling well
Wellness
A state of well being