Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles) ISSN (Print) 0957-4824 - ISSN (Online) 1460-2245 Published by Oxford University Press[412 journals]
Authors:Catford J. Pages: 445 - 448 Abstract: Ring the bells that still can ringForget your perfect offeringThere is a crack, a crack in everythingThat’s how the light gets in Leonard Cohen PubDate: Fri, 15 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daaa058 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2020)
Authors:Riley E; Sainsbury P, McManus P, et al. Pages: 449 - 457 Abstract: AbstractNotwithstanding the historical benefits of coal in aiding human and economic development, the negative health and environmental impacts of coal extraction and processing are of increasing concern. Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are a regulated policy mechanism that can be used to predict and consider the health impacts of mining projects to determine if consent is given. The ways in which health is considered within EIA is unclear. This research investigated ‘How and to what extent are health, well-being and equity issues considered in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) of major coal mining projects in New South Wales, Australia’. To this end we developed and applied a comprehensive coding framework designed to interrogate the publicly available environmental impact statements (EISs) of three mines in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, for their inclusion of health, well-being and equity issues. Analysis of the three EISs demonstrates that: the possible impacts of each mine on health and well-being were narrowly and inadequately considered; when health and well-being were considered there was a failure to assess the possible impacts specific to the particular mine and the communities potentially affected; the cumulative impacts on human health of multiple mines in the same geographical area were almost completely ignored; the discussions of intragenerational and intergenerational equity did not demonstrate a sound understanding of equity and, it is essential that governments’ requirements for the EIA include detailed analysis of the health, well-being, equity and cumulative impacts specific to the proposed mine and relevant communities. PubDate: Sun, 05 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz032 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Noman M; Koo A, Tee S, et al. Pages: 458 - 469 Abstract: AbstractThe needs for health promotion is increasingly important for Malaysian. Government invests in the development to improve health education. Malaysia lacks the development of online solutions to help to maintain the health of the nation through prevention and mass education. This paper addresses important questions about the development of those health promotion websites by considering the motivation of web elements. It seeks to provide information on the barriers to the use and success as a method of health promotion. The empirical work is a perceptions study that aims to identify the barriers of web-based health promotion in the different user characteristics for health promotion purposes. This work is a qualitative research project directed at ascertaining the perceptions of Malaysians concerning the use of health promotion websites. It pertains to those factors which stop the uptake of website use and seeks to discern the views of users on how the health promotion websites may be more engaging. The principal finding is that the ethnicity of the user is mainly relevant in terms of the socio-economic status of the user. Users across all ethnicities respond to the same qualities of websites. The same web elements are motivating to users regardless of the characteristics of the users because the uptake of the Internet and the use of websites for health promotion has been more a phenomenon of the young. The study concludes with some recommendations for the Ministry of Health and the developers of health promotion websites in Malaysia. PubDate: Thu, 09 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz040 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Rigamonti L; Dolci A, Galetta F, et al. Pages: 470 - 477 Abstract: AbstractWith the rise of digital technologies, electronic learning and communication tools are becoming a firm part of academia to promote knowledge of health sciences. This study sought to analyse the attitude of students regarding social media and digital learning for study purposes in sport and exercise science. A survey was carried out with a questionnaire (20 main items) in six sport science faculties, equally spread across Germany (G), Italy (I) and the United Kingdom (UK) between February and October 2017. The focus areas were students’ usage of social media (Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Skype, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube) for academic purposes and their use of e-learning. Data were analysed by quantitative and qualitative methods. 229 students participated in the study (G: 68, I: 121, UK: 40). While YouTube was mostly used for receiving knowledge, WhatsApp and Facebook showed additional preferences for peer contacts for learning purposes and knowledge discussions. Preferred online data sources were PubMed (77%), free access journals (67%), YouTube (66%) and Wikipedia (63%). Often used digital learning materials were own universities’ PowerPoints (77%), scripts (59%) and scientific articles (53%). However, some preferences showed national differences. The evaluated participants showed an overall high use of social media and e-learning tools for their studies. Students would like more digital learning sources made available to them by their institutions. However, some differences in preferences of digital learning or communication tools may exist and this should be considered for international approaches to promote health knowledge among students. PubDate: Thu, 09 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz046 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Milner A; Aitken Z, Law P, et al. Pages: 478 - 485 Abstract: AbstractMales employed in the construction industry are at greater risk of suicide than other employed males. It is plausible that a high level of stigma against mental health problems explains the elevated rates of suicide among this group. This study sought to test the effectiveness of an electronic mental health stigma intervention on suicide ideation, communication about suicide and attempts. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a series of brief contact interventions over a 6-week period or a wait list control. Suicidal ideation, communication about suicide and suicide attempts were assessed using the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised at post-intervention. We used linear regression to assess effectiveness at post-intervention, adjusting for relevant covariates using both conventional methods and a propensity score approach. Results indicate that the intervention had no significant impact on suicidal thoughts, communication or suicide attempts. There was some indication that individuals in the intervention group reported a slight increase in attempts and communication about suicide. These observations underscore an urgent need for more research to understand the complex and nuanced relationship between stigma and suicide in non-clinical populations. PubDate: Sun, 12 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz034 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Mathias K; Pillai P, Gaitonde R, et al. Pages: 486 - 499 Abstract: AbstractMental health problems are recognized as a leading cause of disability and have seen increased allocations of resources and services globally. There is a growing call for solutions supporting global mental health and recovery to be locally relevant and built on the knowledge and skills of people with mental health problems, particularly in low-income countries. Set in Dehradun district, North India, this study aimed to describe first, the process of co-production of a visual tool to support recovery for people affected by psycho-social disability; second, the key outputs developed and third, critical reflection on the process and outputs. The developmental process consisted of participatory action research and qualitative methods conducted by a team of action researchers and an experts by experience (EBE) group of community members. The team generated eight domains for recovery under three meta-domains of normalcy, belonging and contributing and the ensuing recovery tool developed pictures of activities for each domain. Challenges to using a participatory and emancipatory process were addressed by working with a mentor experienced in participatory methods, and by allocating time to concurrent critical reflection on power relationships. Findings underline the important contribution of an EBE group demonstrating their sophisticated and locally valid constructions of recovery and the need for an honest and critically reflective process in all co-productive initiatives. This study generated local conversations around recovery that helped knowledge flow from bottom-to-top and proposes that the grass-root experiences of participants in a disadvantaged environment are needed for meaningful social and health policy responses. PubDate: Thu, 16 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz043 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Alonso-Cortés B; Seco-Calvo J, González-Cabanach R. Pages: 500 - 511 Abstract: AbstractThe caregivers of dependent persons should benefit from social–health interventions that empower them. Physiotherapists can play an important role as facilitators of self-care learning by boosting the mind–body interaction. The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of a physiotherapeutic intervention centered on the promotion of self-care within a sample of caregivers, members of four Spanish Associations of Relative of Alzheimer's and other dementias. To fulfill the study goal, a pre-experimental study was developed with two different groups. Group 1 participated in four training sessions based exclusively on the communication of information and which addressed, among other aspects, the most frequent health problems in caregivers and the powerful role of self-care to face such problems. Group 2 received the same theoretical information as group 1, followed by 10 sessions of practical training in several concrete strategies of body–mind self-care. The results obtained support the usefulness of combining theoretical and practical training in mind–body strategies (relaxation, self-massage and stretching), as such combination managed to favor their implication to self-care and certain dimensions of psychological well-being, while attenuating the burden. Conversely, training based solely on theoretical approaches was not beneficial. Besides evidencing the usefulness of combining passive and active methodologies to favor self-care, the data provided calls for greater consideration of aspects close to philosophical perspectives like personal growth. PubDate: Sat, 18 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz045 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Kabiri L; Butcher A, Brewer W, et al. Pages: 512 - 517 Abstract: AbstractHomeschooling is a growing trend in the USA and abroad with both reported consequences and benefits to youth physical health. The purpose of this study was to examine whether changes in youth physical health could be related to the number of years a student spends in homeschool. Body composition (body mass index and body fat), muscular fitness (lower extremity, abdominal and upper extremity) and cardiorespiratory fitness (Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run) were assessed in 211 youth ages 5–17. Data analysis showed weak or non-significant relationships between years in homeschool and all aspects of youth physical health. Time spent in homeschool is weakly or not at all related to multiple aspects of youth physical health. Parents and policy makers should not be concerned with detrimental physical health effects of homeschooling on youth. PubDate: Mon, 20 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz047 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Hult M; Pietilä A, Saaranen T. Pages: 518 - 526 Abstract: AbstractThe study explored the impact of self-rated health (SRH) and work ability on employment, and examined the effects of meaningfulness, social networks and physical activity on health and work ability with a population-based cross-sectional survey data (n = 12 729) of full-time employed and unemployed workers. SRH, perceived work ability and levels of perceived meaningfulness, social networks and physical activity were all significantly better among employed workers compared to unemployed people. The results showed that work ability mediated the effect of health on employment and predicted employment. Meaningfulness, social networks and physical activity had direct positive effects on health and work ability, and also on employment. The results indicated that good health is a substantial element of good work ability, which in turn is needed to maintain or to get a job. Our findings suggested that perceiving one’s life as meaningful, having a strong social network and being physically active are important predictors of good health as well as of good work ability. These could be contributing factors to re-employment among unemployed people. PubDate: Mon, 27 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz048 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Moss H; O’Donoghue J. Pages: 527 - 534 Abstract: AbstractThis paper explores the well-being [‘well-being’ and ‘wellbeing’ are used interchangeably in the literature. Well-being is used in this paper (except in the reference list where exact wording is maintained)] benefits of participation in a workplace choir for health service staff. A mixed method study, this project combines quantitative measures of work engagement, perceived stress, resilience levels and work absences with qualitative interviews with choir participants. It is the first study of workplace choirs in Ireland and one of very few studies internationally that research health service staff choirs. There is some preliminary evidence of benefits that choir attendance may increase positive perception of workers’ mental health as well as effect depression rates. However, evidence is limited quantitatively and difficulties in measuring the health benefits of arts interventions are noted. Qualitative data, however, confirms previous study findings, namely that a workplace choir can promote social connectedness, enjoyment at work and staff engagement. Work place choir was also noted to appeal mainly to a limited demographic of work place staff and people with relatively positive health and well-being. Efforts must be made to engage staff from lower socio-economic backgrounds, diverse cultural backgrounds and male staff in work place health promotion activities, as these groups were found less likely to join a work place choir. Given the low cost and low risk of this activity, and the qualitative benefits reported, it is recommended to continue to develop and evaluate health service workplace choirs. PubDate: Mon, 27 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz044 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:McCreary D; Oliffe J, Black N, et al. Pages: 535 - 543 Abstract: AbstractMen are at high risk for both morbidity and premature mortality from several of the most common serious diseases. Although numerous factors have been identified to explain men’s risk, this study focused on the relationship between lifestyle behaviors, health-related self-stigma and masculine role norms. An age and location stratified sample of 2000 Canadian men completed measures assessing five lifestyle behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, sleep, diet and exercise), a screen for depression, and measures of self-stigma and masculine role norms. The results showed that elements of both health-related self-stigma and masculine role norms were associated with increased risk for being above the clinical threshold for four of the lifestyle behaviors and depression. The most frequent and largest relationships were associated with exercise and depression. The total number of lifestyle behaviors for which participants were above the clinical cut-points was also associated with self-stigma and masculine role norms. These findings demonstrate the importance of health-related self-stigma and masculine role norms as potential barriers to men’s health and well-being. PubDate: Mon, 27 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz049 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Fitzgerald S; Buckley L, Perry I, et al. Pages: 544 - 554 Abstract: AbstractA paucity of evidence exists regarding the impact of workplace dietary interventions on employees’ off-duty dietary intakes. This study assessed the impact of workplace dietary interventions that included nutrition education and environmental dietary modification both alone and in combination on employees’ dietary intakes inside (on-duty) and outside (off-duty) of work. A pre–post study on employees’ on and off-duty dietary intakes was undertaken. Data were obtained from a complex workplace dietary intervention study (Food Choice at Work Trial). Four manufacturing workplaces were allocated to: Control (n = 111), nutrition education (n = 226), environmental dietary modification (n = 113) and nutrition education and environmental dietary modification combined (n = 400) (2013–14). Seven- to nine-month follow-up data were obtained for 517 employees (61% response) [Control (n = 67), Education (n = 107), Environment (n = 71) and Combined (n = 272)]. Dietary intakes were measured using 24-h dietary recalls. Differences between on and off-duty mean dietary intakes were compared and regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders. Significant reductions in on-duty intakes of total fat (−14.2 g/day, p = 0.000), saturated fat (−7 g/day, p = 0.000), salt (−1.4 g/day, p = 0.000) and total sugars (−8.9 g/day, p = 0.003) were observed in the Combined and in the Environment [total fat (−11.4 g/d, p = 0.017) and saturated fat (−8.8 g/day, p = 0.000)]. In the Combined, significant changes were also observed in off-duty intakes of total fat (−10.0 g/day, p = 0.001), saturated fat (−4.2 g/day, p = 0.001), salt (−0.7 g/day, p = 0.020) and total sugars (−8.1 g/day, p = 0.020). Food service can have a positive impact in our everyday environments, including inside and outside of work. Dietary interventions combining nutrition education and environmental dietary modification can improve employees’ on and off-duty dietary intakes. PubDate: Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz051 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Glass C; Giles A. Pages: 555 - 561 Abstract: AbstractUnintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet they are predictable and avoidable events. Community-based approaches to injury prevention are those where researchers and/or injury prevention specialists work alongside the target population to identify injury prevention issues and then co-create strategies that are relevant to the population. Community-based strategies differ from other approaches as they strive to conduct research with, rather than on marginalized groups. A community-based approach to social marketing, injury prevention and risk messaging was applied in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada, to examine and address men’s boating safety behaviours. Community participants identified the need for northern-based safety resources and a community-wide education campaign. As demonstrated through this example, community-based strategies should be considered for injury prevention, as the involvement of local community members may lead to more effective risk messaging that reflects the needs, culture, and experiences of the target group, while promoting healthy behaviours. PubDate: Fri, 07 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz042 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Conte K; Gwynn J, Turner N, et al. Pages: 562 - 574 Abstract: AbstractDespite a clear need, ‘closing the gap’ in health disparities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (hereafter, respectfully referred to as Aboriginal) continues to be challenging for western health care systems. Globally, community health workers (CHWs) have proven effective in empowering communities and improving culturally appropriate health services. The global literature on CHWs reflects a lack of differentiation between the types of roles these workers carry out. This in turn impedes evidence syntheses informing how different roles contribute to improving health outcomes. Indigenous CHW roles in Australia are largely operationalized by Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs)—a role situated primarily within the clinical health system. In this commentary, we consider whether the focus on creating professional AHW roles, although important, has taken attention away from the benefits of other types of CHW roles particularly in community-based health promotion. We draw on the global literature to illustrate the need for an Aboriginal CHW role in health promotion; one that is distinct from, but complementary to, that of AHWs in clinical settings. We provide examples of barriers encountered in developing such a role based on our experiences of employing Aboriginal health promoters to deliver evidence-based programmes in rural and remote communities. We aim to draw attention to the systemic and institutional barriers that persist in denying innovative employment and engagement opportunities for Aboriginal people in health. PubDate: Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz035 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Bröder J; Okan O, Bauer U, et al. Pages: 575 - 585 Abstract: AbstractChildren and young people’s importance as core target population for health literacy has been highlighted throughout the literature due to the relevance of the early life phases for maintaining, restoring and promoting health during the life course. Transferring health literacy concepts to the target population, however, requires proper testing of their applicability and their fit to the developmental phases as well as the target populations’ realities and needs. This article aims to discuss children’s and young people’s health literacy by elaborating and exploring childhood and youth as life phases with unique characteristics from multidisciplinary perspectives. Drawing on theories and findings from developmental studies, sociology and socialization research, health literacy in childhood and youth is discussed along five ‘D’ dimensions: (i) disease patterns and health perspectives, (ii) demographic patterns, (iii) developmental change, (iv) dependency and (v) democracy. The unique particularities of children and young people relevant for health literacy include their disease and health-risk profiles, their vulnerability to demographic factors, their social role and status, and their right to participation. Inter- and intra-generational relationships and an unequal distribution of power can either promote or hinder children and young people’s health literacy development and their opportunities for participating in health-related decision making. Specifying what is called the ‘contextual’ and ‘relational’ dimension of health literacy for the target group requires considering their personal attributes and agency as contextually embedded and interrelated. Taking these considerations into account can help to move towards a more tailored and holistic approach to health literacy of children and young people. PubDate: Wed, 29 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz041 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Torres T; Corradi-Dias L, Oliveira P, et al. Pages: 586 - 597 Abstract: Sense of coherence (SOC) is regarded as the individuals' capacity for managing the stressors over their lifespan. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between SOC and dental caries. Electronic searchers were conducted in six databases: PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs and Proquest from their date of inception until November/2017. An update took place in August/2018. A hand search in the reference list of the included articles and gray literature search were also carried out. Retrieved titles/abstracts were screened by two review authors. Data of the included articles were extracted and quality assessment was also conducted. The first search retrieved 346 titles/abstracts. The update retrieved 33 records. Following the removal of 70 duplicates, 309 references were screened and 17 were included. The quality assessment ranged from low quality articles to high quality articles. High quality study showed that adult individuals with lower SOC were more likely to have dental caries. Meta-analysis showed that adolescents with low SOC were 5.41 times more likely to present dental caries than adolescents with high SOC (CI = 2.15–13.59). Mothers with low SOC were 5.55 times more likely to have children/adolescents with dental caries than mothers with high SOC (CI = 2.92–10.57). The subgroup analysis exploring continuous data showed that the SOC of mothers of children/adolescents without dental caries was significantly higher than the SOC of mothers of children/adolescents with dental caries (CI = 0.10–0.51). Higher levels of SOC seem to be associated with lower levels of dental caries. PubDate: Thu, 09 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz038 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Abimbola S. Pages: 598 - 609 Abstract: AbstractShowing the causal link between community engagement and improved health outcomes is a ‘holy grail’ of health policy. This article argues that this ‘holy grail’ has remained elusive because community engagement in primary health care is under-theorized, having been based on positive a priori assumptions, e.g. that people necessarily want to be engaged in governing their health system. By adopting a theory-driven approach and an agnostic premise, we show that understanding why, how and when community engagement may emerge or function spontaneously is important for informing efforts to support community engagement in primary health care primary health care governance. We draw on empirical research on community engagement in Nigeria and on the literature to identify the ‘why’ (coalition of service users can emerge in response to under-governance); the ‘how’ (five modes: through meetings; reaching out within their community; lobbying governments; augmenting government support; and taking control of service delivery) and the ‘when’ (as geographical, socio-economic and institutional context align, such that the benefits of action outweigh costs). Understanding the broad patterns of mechanisms and of contextual factors that apply across communities is, after all, our ‘holy grail’—and this understanding should inform efforts to tailor support for community engagement in governance in different settings. PubDate: Sun, 14 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz023 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Hernantes N; Pumar-Méndez M, López-Dicastillo O, et al. Pages: 610 - 623 Abstract: AbstractThe Aim of this scoping review was to explore the available literature on volunteerism in adolescence and the benefits that this activity may report in their healthy development, from a salutogenic perspective. Searches were conducted in Pubmed, Cinahl, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library home databases; 15 articles were selected. Almost all of the studies were conducted in the United States between 1990 and 2000, primarily developed by psychologists and sociologists. The impact of volunteering was reflected in aspects that can be classified based on Lerner's dimensions of the PYD model. Volunteer activities promote an Improved academic, social, cognitive, and vocational competence in adolescents. An increase in conflict resolution capacity, leadership and personal agency, as well as improved pro-social attitudes and relationships with adults and peers, all of which contributed to their self-identification with the community. Moreover, increased positive development of adolescents reduces the rates of risky behaviors. Volunteerism may represent an opportunity for health promotion in adolescence. The concept of volunteering as an asset for health promotion during adolescence evokes the need to adopt and favor this view with regard to key areas of study associated with this stage such as education and health. Teams that work in community health, especially those in primary care, should recognize and value existing volunteer groups as an asset to promote the healthy development of adolescents. Friendlier health services should be encouraged that include comprehensive services from within educational institutions to community actions. PubDate: Sun, 21 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz026 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Authors:Fry D. Pages: 624 - 631 Abstract: AbstractThe language used in health promotion warrants attention as it shapes how health promotion is understood, constraining or opening up possibilities for action. The 2016 Shanghai Declaration and the 1986 Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion call for comprehensive approaches which include policy and environmental changes. Yet many health promotion programmes in Australia continue to focus on informational and/or behavioural strategies, and there is a contemporary tendency for such programmes to be described as ‘sending messages’. This paper uses frame analysis to discuss the role of language, and specifically language that frames health promotion as sending messages, in contributing to and reinforcing the predominance of informational and/or behavioural strategies. It argues such ‘message’ language helps to set a pattern in which informational and/or behavioural strategies are assumed to be the primary goal and extent of health promotion; rather than one component of a comprehensive, multi-strategic approach. It discusses how frames can be ‘taken for granted’ and ways in which such frames can be challenged and broadened. It argues that the message frame and associated behavioural framings set narrow boundaries for health promotion, contributing to the continuation of health inequities. These frames can also displace the language of the Ottawa Charter, which has capacity to reframe health issues socio-ecologically and include collective strategies. The paper concludes that a first step (of the many needed) towards applying the Charter’s approach and multi-level, multi-strategic framework is to use the innovative vocabulary it offers. The words matter. PubDate: Sun, 05 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz039 Issue No:Vol. 35, No. 3 (2019)
Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
[412 journals]
