Abstract

<p>This study explores the role of the ubiquitous postage stamp as a messenger of health promotion and education. It examines the way that postal material has been modified to act as a medium for health education, with images and texts appropriate to the specific health problems. The methodology used included a search for all postage stamps listed in established catalogues that fitted the described criterion. Selection for further study was drawn from those stamps that covered the topics of infection, immunisation, tobacco cessation, growth and nutrition.</p><p>It was clearly recognised that by simply presenting information on a stamp, would not necessarily bring about the desired behavioural change. Thus, the currently accepted health promotion models were examined to find an appropriate explanation for/ and a rationale to explain the use of postage stamp in health promotion and education. The strategy called “media advocacy” was the nearest best fit for the bulk of postage stamps carrying health information. This finding could explain why stamps have been perceived, over many years, as being a useful and successful element in health promotion and education by their frequent and continued use over a period of some fifty years. </p><p>Postage stamps are frequently used worldwide and have a clear role in carrying health information and thus play a small, but important and unique, role in the field of health promotion. </p>

Highlights

  • To link postage stamps with health promotion would appear, at first sight, to be an unusual association

  • Postage stamps have impact and the reference literature continues to expand in relation to this impact in politics, especially geo-politics, and their use as propaganda agents during war and in particular World War 2.1 While the primary function of the postage stamp is the prepayment of mail, a secondary function soon developed as that of being a miniature messenger

  • The overall number of postage stamps produced has, increased as have the individual numbers in each issued set.3. Along with this change has been an expansion in the number of postal authorities who issue postage stamps

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Summary

Introduction

To link postage stamps with health promotion would appear, at first sight, to be an unusual association. Since there has been a steady decline in the volume of letters posted in the subsequent years, and this is generally regarded as due to the development and increase in the use of electronic mail. The overall number of postage stamps produced has, increased as have the individual numbers in each issued set.. The overall number of postage stamps produced has, increased as have the individual numbers in each issued set.3 Along with this change has been an expansion in the number of postal authorities who issue postage stamps. This paradox will be explained in a later chapter and postage stamps have continued to be bearers of health information to the present day.

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