Comparative analysis of health, illness management and disease: A theoretical nexus

Abstract

This paper explored how medical sociology examines the lay and the scientific conception of health, illness  management and disease. The paper examined the differences between the concepts and argues that there are some social factors influencing the people's use of medical health care which are crucial for proper  understanding of help-seeking behavior in consultation with physicians and other health professionals in the  health care institutions. This paper highlights some demographic factors that have been implicated in the use of health care services in the tertiary health care facility and the subjective meaning underlying individual  patterns of illness behavior such as seeking medical advice or treatment. The paper also highlights the need for this to be understood by clinicians and health care managers so as to help in formulating new management  strategies. This paper concludes that triggers of medical help-seeking play vital role not only for the individuals but also for health care institutions in promoting users satisfaction with health care services.