Perceptions of youth healthcare professionals of the concept Positive Health in the Netherlands

Abstract

Abstract Background Based on public health professionals’ opinions, Huber et al. (2011) described health as a dynamic concept that has the potential to increase or decrease depending on contextual factors, yet with the broadness as the WHO definition. She proposed defining health ’as the ability to adapt and self-manage, in the light of physical, emotional and social challenges of life’. Healthcare professionals are exploring how the new concept can be further specified for various fields of healthcare. This study examines the perceptions of youth healthcare professionals to Positive Health and to what extent they experience this concept in current working practice. Methods A mixed-methods research has been used; both quantitative and qualitative data have been collected. A questionnaire survey (n = 97) has been done and semi-structured interviews (n = 12) have taken place to question youth healthcare professionals in public health about the positive health concept. Results Youth healthcare professionals find all the dimensions of positive health important. However, not all dimensions of positive health are suitable in daily practice of youth healthcare professionals in public health. The dimension ’Quality of life’ is seen as the most important dimension in terms of positive health. The concept of positive health can be applied within the workfield of youth healthcare professionals. However, the implementation of new concept should be explored. Conclusions This study shows that youth healthcare professionals have a positive attitude towards Positive Health. Youth healthcare professionals consider the all the dimensions important and also embed the aspects of it in their daily practice. However, the implementation of new concept should be explored. Key messages The Positive Health concept in youth healthcare care is promising. Positive Health gives a broader look at health.