Why Don't We Invest More in Public Health?

The video discusses the importance of public health, highlighting its successes in the 20th century, such as vaccines and safety improvements. It contrasts the low funding for public health with the high spending on less effective medical care. The video also explores current public health efforts, challenges in funding, and the economic benefits of public health investments, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and significant returns on investment.

Which of the following was a significant public health achievement in the 20th century?

• Development of new surgical techniques

• Advances in motor vehicle safety

• Introduction of antibiotics

• Invention of the MRI

What is one of the main reasons for the low spending on public health in the U.S.?

• Public health has no proven benefits.

• There is no need for public health investments.

• The private sector cannot profit from public health.

• Public health initiatives are too expensive.

What is a common perception of public health investments that aim to change personal behavior?

• They are viewed as paternalistic.

• They are widely accepted.

• They are considered too costly.

• They are seen as ineffective.

How do public health investments typically compare to medical interventions in terms of cost-effectiveness?

• Both are equally cost-effective.

• Public health investments are less cost-effective.

• Medical interventions are more cost-effective.

• Public health investments often pay for themselves.

Which public health intervention has a high return on investment due to disease prevention?

• Nutrition assistance programs

• Fluoridation of water

• Family planning services

• Vaccinations

What is a challenge in determining total public health spending?

• Lack of interest from the public

• Insufficient data on healthcare costs

• Overlapping responsibilities between agencies

• Difficulty in defining what constitutes public health spending

What was the impact of public health advances on life expectancy from 1900 to 1999?

• Life expectancy increased by 5 years.

• Life expectancy increased by 30 years.

• Life expectancy remained the same.

• Life expectancy decreased by 10 years.