Name and Surname: assoc. prof. Mirko Prosen, PhD
Links: ARRS 34671, LINKEDIN
E-Mail: mirko.prosen@fvz.upr.si
Research facility (research activity location)
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences
Research field according to ARRS classification
Science: Medical sciences
Field: Human Reproduction
Science: Social sciences
Field: Sociology
Summary of research topic and field
(1) THE SOCIAL ASPECTS OF HEALTH, THE HEALTH SYSTEM AND THE GROUPS WITHIN IT
The first topic area relates directly to the impact of social factors on health, the functioning of the health care system, and the groups within that system. The goal of this type of research is to identify the relationships and position between the health of individuals, health care institutions, individuals within those institutions (including patients), and society. Both health and illness are recognised in social constructivist theory as sociocultural products. This requires a critical analysis of their location in a particular place and time, and of the meanings that surround them – both for patients (the experience and experience of health/illness) and for health care professionals and other professionals involved in maintaining health or protecting health. The main objectives of the research therefore relate to: (a) the social determinants of health (socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions; living and working conditions; social networks; individual lifestyle factors) and the social distribution of health; (b) the functioning of the health care system and the professions within it (their position, working conditions, professional competences); and (c) health inequalities that prevent access to the health care system (and thus health prevention). The methods used to study such phenomena can range from qualitative to quantitative, with a trend toward the use of mixed methods in the study of such topics.
(2) PROTECTING SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OF THE POPULATION
Research topic is related with contemporary health prevention issues, which are increasingly focused on preconception health and interventions related to family planning, health education during pregnancy and providing perinatal and postnatal healthcare. It is also focused on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and the effective ways of prevention and early detection of cancer. The focus of some of the most recent important studies indicates that the explorations of reproductive health is increasingly moving away from merely studying the physical aspect of health and focusing on the social and ethical aspects of reproduction. The key research objectives in this area are directed at the sexual and reproductive health of women and men throughout the life cycle.
