Introduction to Health Promotion

Question 1

Define health promotion

Answer 1

It is the process of enabling someone to increase control over, and to improve their health

Question 2

List three key contributors to poor health and health inequality

Answer 2

• Individual lifestyle
• Social and community networks
• General socio-economic, cultural and environmental conditions.

Question 3

Distinguish between upstream and downstream influences on health.

Answer 3

Upstream influences are the fundamental causes. Such as political priorities, global forces and societal values.

Downstream influences are the wider environmental influences and the individual experiences. Such as, work, economics, physical, education, social, cultural and services.
In summary, upstream interventions happen at a macro-level and include global forces and government policies. While downstream occurs at a micro-level, looking at individual people.

Question 4

Describe the 5 - tier public health pyramid

Answer 4

At the bottom of thee pyramid, are public health interventions that effect the whole population.
Socioeconomic factors, changing the context to make individuals default decisions healthy, long-lasting protective interventions,
clinical interventions and then at the top is counsilling and education. This has the most effect on a individual level but has the smallest impact on the population.

Question 5

What are Scotland’s six health priorities?

Answer 5

Healthy places and communities
Early years of life
Mental wellbeing
Harmful substances (tobacco, drugs and alcohol)
Poverty and inequality
Healthy weight and exercise

Question 6

Describe the differences between top down and bottom up.

Answer 6

Top-down = authoritative, these are the priorities set by those in power.
Bottom-up = (negotiated) priories set by individuals

Question 7

What are the five approaches to health promotion

Answer 7

Medical/ preventive approach
Behavioural change approach
Educational approach
Empowerment approach
Social change approach.

Question 8

Describe some of the features of the medical / preventive approach

Answer 8

Aim - Targets risk groups/behaviours with interventions to prevent death
Examples - immunisation and screening.
Faults - doesn’t promote positive
Assumptions - evidence based and compliance of patient

Question 9

Describe some of the features of the behavioural change approach

Answer 9

Aim - Increase individuals knowledge of causes of health and illness.
Examples - campaigns to persuade people to make healthier choices.
Faults - doesn’t take into account social determinants
Assumptions - humans are rational

Question 10

Describe some of the features of the educational approach

Answer 10

Aim - provide knowledge so people can make an informed decision
Example - booklets and leaflets
Faults - Changes in attitudes doesn’t necessarily lead to changed behaviour
Assumptions - by an increase in knowledge there will be a change in attitude which may lead to changed behaviour

Question 11

Describe the empowerment approach

Answer 11

Aim - increase control over ones environments
Examples - learning in group work, counselling, and social skills training
Faults - Time consuming, and assumes that rational choices are healthy
Assumptions - That power can be mobilised in every individual

Question 12

Describe the social change approach

Answer 12

Aim - To change society not the individual. Make the healthier choice the easier choice.
Examples - Changes to policy
Faults - Healthcare professionals have a limited role in developing policy.
Assumptions - individuals act together to change their environments