Harnessing Health Education: An Overview of Strategies and Impact During the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The COVID-19 pandemic, a multifaceted crisis, affected all dimensions of human health, necessitating a multifaceted intervention to direct and modify public behavior. Purpose This study aimed to explore the role of health education in achieving this goal during the pandemic. Methods We conducted a Rapid Narrative Review using a quantitative lens to evaluate the impact of health education research and modeling in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. Five databases – PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, SCOPI, and MEDLINE – were searched for articles published from 2019 to 2022. Results Throughout the pandemic, Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) have been pivotal, dynamically adjusting their roles to the evolving situation. Their contributions can be divided into three main phases: the initial outbreak, the vaccine development period, and the post-pandemic recovery stage. The Health Belief Model (HBM) emerged as the predominant theory employed to encourage preventive behaviors. Discussion In the face of global threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic, health education is a critical ally to other medical and clinical disciplines, providing vital leadership and guidance. Translation to Health Education Practice This study provides valuable insights for health educators, helping them select more effective models and strategies for their intervention programs.