Take Home Exam
Social Science (week 4-8)
Tina Boersma (I6052404)
Maastricht University
Master Global Health
Course: MGH4003
Date: 23-12-2016
Word count: 1623
1
, Elaboration on question 1
Social Psychologist
Syphilis, as a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by the bacterium ‘Treponema pallidum
pallidum’. Without appropriate treatment, syphilis often results in high levels of mortality, due
to major complications in the tertiary phase of the disease (Herbert & Middleton, 2012).
Especially Syphilis rates among Russia have increased drastically after the collapse of the
Soviet Union, associated with rapid changes in health infrastructure, sexual behaviour and the
emergence of HIV pandemic. As the major cause for transmission is risky sexual activity,
individual behaviour and underlying beliefs play an essential role in the reduction of new
cases (Herbert & Middleton, 2012).
The field of social psychology (SP) focuses on the understanding of health-related
behaviour, by analysing multiple factors, involved in the promotion of individual behavioural
change (Smith, Mackie & Claypool, 2014). SP is based on the assumption that human
behaviour is predicated on rational deliberations. However, underlying cognitive determinants
can mistake individuals in their rational choice and consequently lead to unintentional
irrational behaviour (Smith et al., 2014). Taking this into consideration, possible interventions
for the reduction of Syphilis rates may focus on health beliefs, awareness and knowledge as
well as social and practical barriers.
In terms of an effective Syphilis reduction, social psychologists would attempt to
eliminate potential barriers on the one hand, and increase perceived risk and self-efficacy on
the other hand (Glanz, Rimer & Viswanath, 2008). Lack of education in terms of the
epidemiology of Syphilis is a major barrier, resulting in low susceptibility of the disease. Skill
trainings and workshops are an appropriate option to tackle gaps in knowledge among
Russians, foster awareness concerning the route of transmission and promote targeted condom
use (Bobrova et al., 2005).
Besides the intermediation of knowledge and education, peer and social influences
must be considered as a crucial key component within the expression of health-related
behaviour. Interventions focussing on social networks may be effective in the promotion of
safer sexual behaviour by the allocation of communication and negotiation skills among the
Russian population (Glanz et al., 2008).
2
Social Science (week 4-8)
Tina Boersma (I6052404)
Maastricht University
Master Global Health
Course: MGH4003
Date: 23-12-2016
Word count: 1623
1
, Elaboration on question 1
Social Psychologist
Syphilis, as a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by the bacterium ‘Treponema pallidum
pallidum’. Without appropriate treatment, syphilis often results in high levels of mortality, due
to major complications in the tertiary phase of the disease (Herbert & Middleton, 2012).
Especially Syphilis rates among Russia have increased drastically after the collapse of the
Soviet Union, associated with rapid changes in health infrastructure, sexual behaviour and the
emergence of HIV pandemic. As the major cause for transmission is risky sexual activity,
individual behaviour and underlying beliefs play an essential role in the reduction of new
cases (Herbert & Middleton, 2012).
The field of social psychology (SP) focuses on the understanding of health-related
behaviour, by analysing multiple factors, involved in the promotion of individual behavioural
change (Smith, Mackie & Claypool, 2014). SP is based on the assumption that human
behaviour is predicated on rational deliberations. However, underlying cognitive determinants
can mistake individuals in their rational choice and consequently lead to unintentional
irrational behaviour (Smith et al., 2014). Taking this into consideration, possible interventions
for the reduction of Syphilis rates may focus on health beliefs, awareness and knowledge as
well as social and practical barriers.
In terms of an effective Syphilis reduction, social psychologists would attempt to
eliminate potential barriers on the one hand, and increase perceived risk and self-efficacy on
the other hand (Glanz, Rimer & Viswanath, 2008). Lack of education in terms of the
epidemiology of Syphilis is a major barrier, resulting in low susceptibility of the disease. Skill
trainings and workshops are an appropriate option to tackle gaps in knowledge among
Russians, foster awareness concerning the route of transmission and promote targeted condom
use (Bobrova et al., 2005).
Besides the intermediation of knowledge and education, peer and social influences
must be considered as a crucial key component within the expression of health-related
behaviour. Interventions focussing on social networks may be effective in the promotion of
safer sexual behaviour by the allocation of communication and negotiation skills among the
Russian population (Glanz et al., 2008).
2
