Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles) ISSN (Print) 0957-4824 - ISSN (Online) 1460-2245 Published by Oxford University Press[406 journals]
Authors:Sparks M. Pages: 373 - 377 Abstract: The philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus is credited with articulating the expression, ‘The only thing that is constant is change’ (Kirk, 1953). The world today is vastly different from the world of 20, 15 or even 10 years ago. We have witnessed dramatic changes in the ways we communicate (Roco et al., 2013); in attitudes toward politics and political engagement (Sparks, 2017); and the ubiquity of social media in the lives of increasing numbers of people (Hampton et al., 2017). We have seen varying tides of global human mobility, including refugees (Baines, 2017), apparent increasing exposure to the impacts of natural and human-made disasters (Ahmad et al., 2017), and changes in social norms in many parts of the world (Seidman 2016). Change seems truly constant in our lives. The health promotion field, though, still appears pretty much the same. Why is that' PubDate: Sun, 13 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/day044 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2018)
Authors:Nevill A; Duncan M, Lahart I, et al. Pages: 479 - 487 Abstract: This study examined the association between obesity and deprivation in English children and whether cardiorespiratory fitness or physical activity (PA) can explain this association. Obesity was assessed using IOTF criteria in 8,398 10–16 year olds. Social deprivation was measured using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) (subdivided into 3 groups; high, mid and low deprivation). Obesity was analysed using binary logistic regression with stature, age and sex incorporated as confounding variables. Children’s fitness levels were assessed using predicted VO2 max (20-metre shuttle run test) and PA was estimated using the PA Questionnaire for Adolescents or Children (PAQ). A strong association was found between obesity and deprivation. When fitness and PA were added to the logistic regression models, increasing levels in both were found to reduce the odds of obesity, although it was only by including fitness into the model that the association between obesity and deprivation disappeared. Including estimated PA into the model was found to be curvilinear. Initial increases in PA increase the odds of obesity. Only by increasing PA to exceed the 71st percentile (PAQ = 3.22) did the odds of being obese start to decline. In order to reduce deprivation inequalities in children’s weight-status, health practitioners should focus on increasing cardiorespiratory fitness via physical activity levels in areas of greater deprivation PubDate: Fri, 06 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw106 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:Motalebi G. M; Keshavarz Mohammadi N, Kuhn K, et al. Pages: 488 - 504 Abstract: IntroductionHealth promoting workplace frameworks provide a holistic view on determinants of workplace health and the link between individuals, work and environment, however, the operationalization of these frameworks has not been very clear. This study provides a typology of the different understandings, frameworks/tools used in the workplace health promotion practice or research worldwide. It discusses the degree of their conformity with Ottawa Charter’s spirit and the key actions expected to be implemented in health promoting settings such as workplaces.MethodA comprehensive online search was conducted utilizing relevant key words. The search also included official websites of related international, regional, and national organizations. After exclusion, 27 texts were analysed utilizing conventional content analyses.ResultsThe results of the analysis were categorized as dimensions (level or main structure) of a healthy or health promoting workplaces and subcategorized characteristics/criteria of healthy/health promoting workplace.Discussion and conclusionOur analysis shows diversity and ambiguity in the workplace health literature regarding domains and characteristics of a healthy/health promoting workplace. This may have roots in lack of a common understanding of the concepts or different social and work environment context. Development of global or national health promoting workplace standards in a participatory process might be considered as a potential solution. PubDate: Sun, 08 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw098 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2017)
Authors:Krause C; Sommerhalder K, Beer-Borst S, et al. Pages: 378 - 389 Abstract: Nutrition literacy and food literacy have become increasingly important concepts in health promotion. Researchers use one or the other term to describe the competencies needed to maintain a healthy diet. This systematic review examines whether these terms are synonymous or if their meanings are substantially different.We searched major bibliographic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, SocIndex and ERIC) for publications that provided an original definition of nutrition or food literacy. Then we used Nutbeam’s tripartite health literacy model as an analytical grid. The definitions we found included specific competencies, which we mapped to the domains of functional, interactive, or critical literacy.In the 173 full-text publications we screened, we found six original definitions of nutrition literacy, and 13 original definitions of food literacy. Seven food literacy definitions were integrated into a conceptual framework. Analysing their structure revealed that nutrition literacy and food literacy are seen as specific forms of health literacy, and represent distinct but complementary concepts. Definitions of nutrition literacy mainly described the abilities necessary to obtain and understand nutrition information. Definitions of food literacy incorporated a broader spectrum of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. To be food literate also means to apply information on food choices and critically reflect on the effect of food choice on personal health and on society. Since food literacy is based on a more comprehensive understanding of health behaviours, it is the more viable term to use in health promotion interventions. For the practical implication, a harmonization of the different definitions is desirable. PubDate: Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw084 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Gagné T; Ghenadenik A, Abel T, et al. Pages: 390 - 399 Abstract: Over their lifecourse, young adults develop different skills and preferences in relationship to the information sources they seek when having questions about health. Health information seeking behaviour (HISB) includes multiple, unequally accessed sources; yet most studies have focused on single sources and did not examine HISB’s association with social inequalities. This study explores ‘multiple-source’ profiles and their association with socioeconomic characteristics. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Interdisciplinary Study of Inequalities in Smoking involving 2093 young adults recruited in Montreal, Canada, in 2011–2012. We used latent class analysis to create profiles based on responses to questions regarding whether participants sought health professionals, family, friends or the Internet when having questions about health. Using multinomial logistic regression, we examined the associations between profiles and economic, social and cultural capital indicators: financial difficulties and transportation means, friend satisfaction and network size, and individual, mother’s, and father’s education. Five profiles were found: ‘all sources’ (42%), ‘health professional centred’ (29%), ‘family only’ (14%), ‘Internet centred’ (14%) and ‘no sources’ (2%). Participants with a larger social network and higher friend satisfaction were more likely to be in the ‘all sources’ group. Participants who experienced financial difficulties and completed college/university were less likely to be in the ‘family only’ group; those whose mother had completed college/university were more likely to be in this group. Our findings point to the importance of considering multiple sources to study HISB, especially when the capacity to seek multiple sources is unequally distributed. Scholars should acknowledge HISB’s implications for health inequalities. PubDate: Fri, 25 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw094 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Keatley D; Hardcastle S, Carragher N, et al. Pages: 400 - 409 Abstract: Modelling data have provided good evidence to support the efficacy of a minimum pricing policy for alcoholic beverages as a means to reduce alcohol consumption and risky and harmful drinking. The aim of the present study was to investigate attitudes and beliefs towards a minimum price policy for alcohol among members of the general public in Western Australia (WA). The study also explored what factors might promote acceptance of the policy. Eleven focus groups, comprising participants from a broad range of backgrounds in WA, were conducted. Using a facilitator-administered semi-structured interview schedule participants discussed their beliefs about the policy and how its acceptability might be promoted. Transcriptions of discussions were analysed using qualitative inductive content analysis for emergent themes. Three major themes emerged: attitudes towards the policy, beliefs about effectiveness and strategies to increase acceptability. Participants expressed negative attitudes towards the policy and thought that it would lead to increased crime, drug use and financial strain. Participants identified the policy as unfair on disadvantaged groups, and suggested that individuals would find a way to procure alcohol regardless of minimum pricing policies. Suggestions to make the policy more acceptable included increasing alcohol education and directing the revenue towards alcohol reduction initiatives. Participants’ negative views and perceived lack of effectiveness corroborate research conducted in the UK. Information and education campaigns aimed at reducing misunderstanding of the policy and highlighting its effectiveness may help to promote greater acceptability. PubDate: Fri, 25 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw092 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Robertson S; Woodall J, Henry H, et al. Pages: 410 - 421 Abstract: Although under-researched and under-theorized compared to other settings, there is potential for the family setting to be harnessed to support the development of healthy children and societies and to reduce health inequalities. Within this setting, the role of fathers as health facilitators has yet to be fully understood and considered within health promotion. This paper draws on a two year evaluation of a community embedded intervention for fathers and children in an area of multiple deprivation in North West England. The evaluation integrated a variety of qualitative methods within a participatory evaluation framework to help understand the development and impact of a programme of work co-created by a social enterprise and fathers from within the community. Findings suggest that allowing fathers to define their own concerns, discover solutions to these and design locally appropriate ways to share these solutions can result in significant change for them, their children and the wider community. The key to this process is the provision of alternative spaces where fathers feel safe to share the substantial difficulties they are experiencing. This improved their confidence and had a positive impact on their relationships with their children and with significant others around them. However, this process required patience, and a commitment to trusting that communities of men can co-create their own solutions and generate sustainable success. We suggest that commissioning of services delivered ‘to’ people could be replaced, or supplemented, by commissioning appropriate organisations to work with communities to co-create solutions to the needs they themselves have recognized. PubDate: Fri, 25 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw090 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Leenaars K; Smit E, Wagemakers A, et al. Pages: 422 - 435 Abstract: IntroductionTo stimulate physical activity and guide primary care patients towards local sport facilities, Care Sport Connectors (CSC), to whom a broker role has been ascribed, were introduced in 2012 in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to explore CSCs’ role in connecting the primary care sector and the PA sector.MethodFifteen CSCs were selected to participate in this study and were followed in their work of connecting both sectors. Over the course of one year, three rounds of interviews were held with these CSCs on the topics of their role and the connection between the primary care and the PA sector. Both top-down and bottom-up codes were used to analyse the interviews.ResultsCSCs fulfilled three roles: 1) broker, 2) referral, 3) organiser. The extent to which CSCs fulfilled these roles was influenced by the way municipalities implemented the CSC funding. CSCs set up two forms of collaboration structures: 1) project basis and 2) referral scheme. CSCs perceived the following barriers to connecting the primary care and the PA sector: lack of knowledge and time, primary care professionals’ own interests, and lack of suitable sport activities for the target group.ConclusionThe CSC role seems to hold the promise of improving collaboration between the primary care and the PA sector, especially, because the roles that CSCs perceive themselves as having seem to be directed at eliminating barriers in this connection. Future research is needed to study whether CSCs are capable of establishing a connection over time. PubDate: Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw097 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Sargent G; Banwell C, Strazdins L, et al. Pages: 436 - 447 Abstract: Workplaces are considered promising settings for protecting and promoting the health and wellbeing of employees. To date, few workplaces, particularly small and medium sized enterprises (SME), or their workers, have adopted Workplace Health Promotion (WHP), raising questions as to why. We conducted interviews in 10 SME in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) asking managers and workers to reflect on the reasons for their participation (or not) in WHP activities. We qualitatively explored factors that managers consider important when deciding whether to offer WHP and compared these to worker considerations regarding participation. Both workers and managers identified time constraints as a major barrier for participation in WHP activities. If WHP was implemented, time constraints arose mainly from: difficulties scheduling and synchronising activities to include most staff, even then casual staff were mostly excluded; and the duration of time required by employees to participate in the offered activities, and whether this was in paid (work) or unpaid (worker) time. Workers struggled to participate in WHP in their scheduled breaks and were reluctant to use time outside of work hours. We have developed a model illustrating the emerging tension between managers’ and workers’ needs for WHP participation. WHP participation will likely remain low until this tension, and associated financial implications, are widely acknowledged and addressed. Our research indicates that time should be considered more explicitly and thoughtfully in the workplace engagement and WHP design, to actively respond to constraints from activity duration, scheduling and synchronisation. PubDate: Fri, 16 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw078 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Dooris M; Farrier A, Doherty S, et al. Pages: 448 - 457 Abstract: Over recent years, there has been growing interest in Healthy Universities, evidenced by an increased number of national networks and the participation of 375 participants from over 30 countries in the 2015 International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges, which also saw the launch of the Okanagan Charter. This paper reports on research exploring the use and impact of the UK Healthy Universities Network’s self review tool, specifically examining whether this has supported universities to understand and embed a whole system approach. The research study comprised two stages, the first using an online questionnaire and the second using focus groups. The findings revealed a wide range of perspectives under five overarching themes: motivations; process; outcomes/benefits; challenges/suggested improvements; and future use. In summary, the self review tool was extremely valuable and, when engaged with fully, offered significant benefits to universities seeking to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities. These benefits were felt by institutions at different stages in the journey and spanned outcome and process dimensions: not only did the tool offer an engaging and user-friendly means of undertaking internal benchmarking, generating an easy-to-understand report summarizing strengths and weaknesses; it also proved useful in building understanding of the whole system Healthy Universities approach and served as a catalyst to effective cross-university and cross-sectoral partnership working. Additionally, areas for potential enhancement were identified, offering opportunities to increase the tool’s utility further whilst engaging actively in the development of a global movement for Healthy Universities. PubDate: Wed, 21 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw099 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Osborne A; Carroll P, Richardson N, et al. Pages: 458 - 467 Abstract: Ireland’s National Men’s Health Policy recommended developing training programmes tailored to the needs of those working in health and allied health professionals and ENGAGE was developed to meet that recommendation. This study evaluated the impact of ENGAGE on frontline service providers’ self-reported knowledge, skills, capacity and practice up to 5-months post training. Between 2012 and 2015, ENGAGE Trainers (n = 57) delivered 62 1-day training programmes to 810 participants. This study was conducted on a subset of those training days (n = 26) and participants. Quantitative methodologies were used to collect pre (n = 295), post (n = 295) and 5-month post (n = 128) training questionnaire data. Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the training immediately post training (8.60 ± 1.60 out of 10) and at 5-month follow up (8.06 ± 1.43 out of 10). Participants’ self-reported level of knowledge, skill and capacity in identifying priorities, engaging men and influencing practice beyond their own organisation increased immediately following training (P < 0.001) and, with the exception of improving capacity to engage men and influencing practice beyond their organisation, these improvements were sustained at 5-month post training (P < 0.001). The vast majority of service providers (93.4%) reported that ENGAGE had impacted their work practice up to 5-month post training. The findings suggest that ENGAGE has succeeded in improving service providers’ capacity to engage and work with men; improving gender competency in the delivery of health and health related services may increase the utilisation of such services by men and thereby improve health outcomes for men. PubDate: Sat, 24 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw100 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Lobo R; Crawford G, Hallett J, et al. Pages: 468 - 478 Abstract: Evaluation of public health programs, services and policies is increasingly required to demonstrate effectiveness. Funding constraints necessitate that existing programs, services and policies be evaluated and their findings disseminated. Evidence-informed practice and policy is also desirable to maximise investments in public health. Partnerships between public health researchers, service providers and policymakers can help address evaluation knowledge and skills gaps. The Western Australian Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Applied Research and Evaluation Network (SiREN) aims to build research and evaluation capacity in the sexual health and blood-borne virus sector in Western Australia (WA). Partners’ perspectives of the SiREN model after 2 years were explored. Qualitative written responses from service providers, policymakers and researchers about the SiREN model were analysed thematically. Service providers reported that participation in SiREN prompted them to consider evaluation earlier in the planning process and increased their appreciation of the value of evaluation. Policymakers noted benefits of the model in generating local evidence and highlighting local issues of importance for consideration at a national level. Researchers identified challenges communicating the services available through SiREN and the time investment needed to develop effective collaborative partnerships. Stronger engagement between public health researchers, service providers and policymakers through collaborative partnerships has the potential to improve evidence generation and evidence translation. These outcomes require long-term funding and commitment from all partners to develop and maintain partnerships. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation can ensure the partnership remains responsive to the needs of key stakeholders. The findings are applicable to many sectors. PubDate: Mon, 26 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw088 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Den Broeder L; Devilee J, Van Oers H, et al. Pages: 505 - 514 Abstract: Community engagement in public health policy is easier said than done. One reason is that public health policy is produced in a complex process resulting in policies that may appear not to link up to citizen perspectives. We therefore address the central question as to whether citizen engagement in knowledge production could enable inclusive health policy making. Building on non-health work fields, we describe different types of citizen engagement in scientific research, or ‘Citizen Science’. We describe the challenges that Citizen Science poses for public health, and how these could be addressed. Despite these challenges, we expect that Citizen Science or similar approaches such as participatory action research and ‘popular epidemiology’ may yield better knowledge, empowered communities, and improved community health. We provide a draft framework to enable evaluation of Citizen Science in practice, consisting of a descriptive typology of different kinds of Citizen Science and a causal framework that shows how Citizen Science in public health might benefit both the knowledge produced as well as the ‘Citizen Scientists’ as active participants. PubDate: Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw086 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Zatoński M; Hawkins B, McKee M. Pages: 515 - 524 Abstract: Industry lobbying remains an obstacle to effective health-oriented alcohol policy. In 2013, an increase in excise tax on spirits was announced by the Polish government. This article presents a qualitative analysis of the public debate that ensued on the potential economic, health and social effects of the policy. It focuses on how competing groups, including industry actors, framed their position and sought to dominate the debate. Online archives of five Polish national newspapers, two spirits trade associations, and parliamentary and ministerial archives were searched. A thematic content analysis of the identified sources was conducted. The overall findings were compared with existing research on the framing of the Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) debate in the UK. A total of 155 sources were analysed. Two main frames were identified: health, and economic. The spirits industry successfully promoted the economic frame in their own publications and in the media. The debate was dominated by arguments about potential growth of the grey market and losses in tax revenue that might result from the excise tax increase. The framing of the debate in Poland differed from the framing of the MUP debate in the United Kingdom. The Polish public health community was unsuccessful in making health considerations a significant element of the alcohol policy debate. The strategies pursued by UK health advocates offer lessons for how to make a more substantial impact on media coverage and promote health-oriented legislation. PubDate: Wed, 07 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw093 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Lefkowich M; Richardson N. Pages: 525 - 535 Abstract: Men often struggle to find or gain access to meaningful health services. Despite, or because of this trend, men are increasingly seeking out alternative sources of support for their wellbeing. Global health conversations and policies are calling for a greater awareness of men’s heath issues, uptake of gender-sensitive strategies and integration of community and voluntary sectors. Men’s Sheds, which are community and volunteer-run spaces for men, are increasing in popularity for men across Ireland. This study aimed to investigate men’s experiences as members of Men’s Sheds and the relationship between their involvement in the Shed and their wellbeing. Qualitative methods including: semi-structured interviews, focus groups and observations were used with men (n = 27) from five different Sheds across Ireland. Findings suggest that key features of Shed participation (i.e. using and developing new skills, feeling a sense of belonging, supporting and being supported by peers, and contributing to community) contribute to men’s overall wellbeing as well as men’s buy-in or support for Men’s Sheds. Despite support for Men’s Sheds, negotiating membership, funding and boundaries of peer support remain persistent challenges that threaten the sustainability of Shed space and membership. Future work that examines opportunities for meaningful collaboration between Sheds and surrounding community services could help provide more pathways for men to access support without compromising the integrity and intentionality of Sheds as peer-run spaces. PubDate: Mon, 26 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw091 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Shim J; Kim J. Pages: 536 - 544 Abstract: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been one of the popular strategies for health promotion. Traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM) is one of the most popular CAM practices in the world and there are suggestions that its holistic utilization is important for users to gain its effects for health promotion. In this context, this study investigates the extent to which TEAM users in East Asian countries utilize various modalities of TEAM holistically. It provides a model that explains cross-national differences in the extent of the holistic use of TEAM between China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Using the 2010 East Asian Social Survey, regression models specify the relationship between the holistic use of TEAM and the geographical location (country). The presence of TEAM doctors who hold the comprehensive and exclusive practice rights over TEAM is found to be conducive to the holistic utilization of various TEAM modalities. Thus, Taiwanese and Koreans use TEAM more holistically than Chinese and even more so than Japanese. The result suggests that the manner in which TEAM is institutionalized affect the extent to which TEAM users utilize various TEAM modalities together and potentially the health promotion effects of TEAM. PubDate: Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw089 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Authors:Huang L; Friedman D, Lin F, et al. Pages: 545 - 555 Abstract: Research in high income countries suggests that anti-smoking television advertisements with emotionally evocative graphic messages or personal testimonials that depict serious consequences from smoking are the most effective. Research to determine the most effective smoking cessation messages for low- and middle-income countries is needed to inform campaign development in these countries. Fifty-four male Taiwanese smokers, aged 18–34, rated advertisements and participated in a focus group to evaluate eight antismoking television advertisements with contrasting messaging strategies. Participants individually evaluated advertisements, after which they participated in a semi-structured focus group discussion (10 groups, 2–9 smokers per group). One week after this session, participants were called to assess advertisement recall. Both quantitative and qualitative data indicated that highly emotional testimonial ads that featured a graphic portrayal of personal suffering from the consequences of smoking and visceral graphic ads were more effective. The ad on tobacco industry denormalization that focuses on the responsibility of the industry for smoking-related harms was considered ineffective because smokers perceived it as having little personal relevance. Humorous advertisements were evaluated as the least effective because they lacked strong emotional content linked to smoking consequences. Qualitative results suggest that advertisement characteristics are more important than the demographic characteristics of people featured in advertisements. Study findings provide preliminary evidence that testimonial ads that involve graphic and emotionally evocative portrayals of smoking-attributed diseases and visceral graphic ads may have the greater potential to motivate Taiwanese smokers to quit smoking. PubDate: Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daw085 Issue No:Vol. 33, No. 3 (2016)
Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
[406 journals]
