Health Promotion Education Research Articles

Effectiveness of “Duet Me”: a quasi-experimental study assessing the impact of a mobile phone mini-game on enhancing tobacco knowledge among Thai adolescents

Tobacco use poses a significant health risk to the Thai population, contributing to serious illnesses such as cancer and lung disease while also increasing the risk of tuberculosis. This six-month quasi-experimental study, conducted in Phrae Province, Thailand, aims to assess the effectiveness of the mobile phone mini-game, “Duet Me,” with its engaging design and HBM alignment in enhancing tobacco knowledge among adolescents. A sample of 99 fifteen-year-olds participated, with the focus on a two-month intervention period and a four-month follow-up. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Demographic analysis revealed that the intervention group comprised 51% females, and the comparison group comprised 54% females. Approximately 23.2% of participants reported prior tobacco use. Both groups initiated the study with a low level of knowledge (p-value>0.05). The intervention group exhibited a significant increase in tobacco knowledge at both the two-month post-intervention and four-month follow-up, outperforming the comparison group (p-value<0.05). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in the mean knowledge scores between the two groups over time, supporting the game’s effectiveness (p-value<0.0001). Pairwise comparison confirmed sustainable knowledge improvement in the intervention group (p-value<0.0001). The findings suggest that innovative interventions play a positive role in promoting health education among adolescents, potentially contributing to fostering informed decision-making toward tobacco consumption.

Update on the practice of premarital screening for sickle cell traits in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundScreening for sickle cell traits before marriage or producing children is one of the outstanding preventive measures for sickle cell disease (SCD).The disease is a collection of inherited blood disorders that impact millions globally, with a predominant 75% occurrence in the sub-Saharan region. With increasing burden of SCD on the continent amidst a cost effective prevention method, no study has systematically reviewed or presented meta-analytic uptake or practice of premarital sickle cell trait screening.MethodsThis review systematically explored the uptake or practice of premarital genotype screening in Africa. We searched PubMed and Scopus databases for African studies on premarital screening for sickle cell traits.ResultsOur results indicate that the pooled uptake of premarital sickle cell trait screening in Africa is 47.82% (95% CI: [46.53–49.11]; I2: 98.95% [98.74–99.13]). Our review observed, a significant relationship between the awareness of sickle cell disease and the uptake of genotype screening; F(1, 13) = 12.04, p = 0.004). The model explained approximately 48.08% of the variation in genotype screening (R² = 0.4808) and predicted a 0.729 increase in the likelihood of genotype screening uptake for every unit rise in sickle cell disease awareness (β = 0.729, p = 0.004). Additionally, Pearson correlation (r = 0.6934) indicated a moderately strong positive correlation between the two variables.ConclusionWith over 75% of the global burden of sickle cell disease domiciled in Africa, the continent cannot overlook the cost of hemoglobinopathies. The uptake of sickle cell traits screening is suboptimal across the continent. To achieve the mandate of sustainable development goal number (3); to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age by 2030, there is need to intensify campaigns on premarital genetic screening through education and other health promotion tools.

An international interdisciplinary approach to developing video educational materials promoting mental health literacy among adolescents in the Philippines.

Adolescent mental ill-health is a common international challenge affecting both high- and lower-middle-income countries. The Republic of the Philippines enacted its first mental health law in 2019, underlining the importance of the promotion of adolescent mental health education in schools. In Japan, course instructions about mental ill-health were formulated in a Course of Study that reflects governmental curriculum guidelines. Embedded since 2022, the Course of Study aimed to promote an understanding of current issues of adolescent health. The National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Japan has been sharing experience of promoting public health practices and advancing medical technology in low- and middle-income countries, especially in the Western Pacific region. This paper describes the development process and content of these resources by an interdisciplinary team from Japan and the Philippines. The interdisciplinary team created an embedded mental health education programme using animated videos for the Philippine school curriculum to improve mental health literacy in adolescents. Two six-minute animated videos of age-relevant stories were created. The animation scenarios illustrate: 1) mental health problems and recovery; and 2) major symptoms of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Each animated video presents several items for discussion among students and/or teachers, both in class and online for students unable to attend school. Our efforts may provide good opportunities for enhancing adolescents' mental health activities in the Philippines. In the following steps, we should investigate the effectiveness of school-based MHL using these animated videos with rigorous evaluation methods.

Penerapan Health Promotion dan Education tentang Nutrisi pada Ibu Hamil dan Menyusui dalam Pencegahan Stunting

This study aims to analyse the effect implementing health promotion and education on specific intervention target groups through nutrition in stunting prevention measures. The method used was a systematic review sourced from journals searched through the Scopus database, Ebsco, Web of Science, and Pubmed published in the last 3-year period (2021-2023), regarding the provision of health promotion and education on nutrition as a preventive measure for stunting. Analysis of research results using the PICOS method (Population, Intervention, Compare, Outcome, and Study Design). The results showed that 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. All articles had an experimental study design. The majority of respondents were mothers, breastfeeding mothers, and pregnant women. The results showed the effect of health promotion and nutrition education combined with nutrition on stunting prevention. This journal review concludes that health promotion and nutrition education combined with nutrition affects increasing understanding, attitudes, and behavior in stunting prevention. Keywords: Mother; Pregnant Women, Health Promotion; Health Education; Stunting.

Cracking the code to female sexual satisfaction: the serial mediation of sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality from sexual self-efficacy.

Sexual satisfaction has been shown to have a strong association with many aspects of sexual health and wellbeing. It is further considered a robust indicator of an individual's health status and general wellbeing, revealing that a person can enjoy pleasurable and healthy sexual experiences, beyond the mere absence of sexual and reproductive health issues. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between sexual satisfaction, sexual behaviors, sexual self-efficacy, and the importance personally attributed to maintaining an active and satisfying sexual life among young and middle-aged women aged 18-50. A descriptive correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted. Participants (N = 1,076 women) completed self-reports on sexual self-efficacy beliefs, frequency of sexual behaviors, the importance attributed to active and healthy sexuality, and multidimensional sexual satisfaction. The supported mediation model indicated that sexual self-efficacy was related to sexual satisfaction directly and indirectly through sexual behavior and a serial path through sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality. The total effect was significant, and the full model explained 7.3% of the global sexual satisfaction variance (F = 17.218, p = 0.000), with the mediated effect accounting for 44.3%. This study confirms a partial serial mediation model by which sexual self-efficacy significantly predicts sexual satisfaction through sexual behaviors and the importance attributed to a healthy sexuality. Due to its significant contribution, the perceived importance of sexuality should be considered when studying correlates of sexual satisfaction. These findings have interesting implications for the development of strategies aimed at sexual health promotion and sexual education among women in early and middle adulthood.

100 Years of APHA's Public Health Education and Health Promotion Section: Honoring the Legacy of Evart G. Routzahn.

100 Years of APHA's Public Health Education and Health Promotion Section: Honoring the Legacy of Evart G. Routzahn.

Assessment of Knowledge, Practice, and Perception about Social Media in Dentistry among Dental Students at Chengalpattu District: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Social media has brought incredible changes in recent times due to expanding online technological aspects which help health-care professionals to utilize them to improve patient health outcomes. It acts as an effective mode of communication for dentists to interact with patients around the globe which builds up good doctor–patient relationships. Furthermore, social media has become an abundant source of health-care patient information and acts as an excellent resource to promote health education among people. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, practice, and perception of social media in dentistry among dental students and to identify the common social media platform used by dental students to share their online dental-related posts and further evaluate their perception toward usage of social media as a tool for dental practice to share information about dental-related diseases. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as an online survey using self-constructed questionnaires among the undergraduate and postgraduate students at Karapaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences over 6 months, from July 15, 2023 to January 15, 2024. Participants’ consent was sought and ethical approval was received from the Ethical Review Committee. Results: About 71.6% of the postgraduates, 68.8% of interns, and 49.45% of final-year undergraduates responded that dentistry should have an online presence with a statistically significant value of P = 0.007. The majority of about 75.3% of the postgraduates accepted that social media is effective in dental practice. This states that postgraduates contribute to higher knowledge and have adequate practice in using social media in dentistry which was statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study identified that postgraduates contribute more in the count for sharing sufficient knowledge and also practice in using social media in dentistry. This study explains that it is the responsibility of dentists to educate patients more about utilizing social media as a key to gaining knowledge about dental diseases and treatment procedures. Clinical Significance: This study aims to identify the need for dentists to know more about the utilization of social media in dentistry to promote dental health education and to help the general population acquire knowledge about various dental diseases and their treatment procedures.

웰에이징 교육전문가의 건강증진 및 만성질환관리 교육활동에 대한 인식 연구

This study is a descriptive research study conducted to provide basic data necessary for planning health promotion and chronic disease management education programs by investigating the awareness of health promotion and chronic disease management educational activities among well-aging education experts. A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire targeting 125 well-aging education experts related to health promotion and chronic disease management from November 2, 2022 to January 3, 2023. As a result of analyzing through IPA the importance and degree of implementation of the items required for educational operation of health promotion and chronic disease management, composition of a pool of experts for operating educational programs was identified as a key area for improvement. appear. As a result of analyzing the importance and level of knowledge for each item of educational content, chronic disease prevention and management was found to be a competitive advantage area, and the importance and level of knowledge for each item of health promotion activities were health diagnosis and counseling and daily life. There is a possibility that management may move to a key area of improvement, and exercise and activity appears to be an area of competitive advantage. The period when health promotion and chronic disease management education was most needed was middle age, the most important component of teaching and learning activities was education content, and the appropriate education method was lecture accompanied by experience. When planning health promotion and chronic disease management education, it is necessary to establish and supplement education targets and contents based on these results to form a systematic and integrated education program.

Health Motivation in the Influencer Era: Analyzing Entertainment, Personal, and Social Media Role Models

ABSTRACT This research explored how personal and entertainment role models motivate an individual’s health goals, and how following a role model on social media affects this process. A survey of 404 adults revealed that identifying a personal role model, such as a family member, friend, or healthcare professional, had a stronger influence on health motivation in comparison to identifying an entertainment role model. Additionally, our findings indicated that following any role model on social media, whether a personal acquaintance or a celebrity, enhanced motivation. Role model attributes that mediated these relationships included perceived similarity, and in some instances, positive and negative norm deviance. This study highlights the importance of leveraging role model relationships in health communication campaigns and developing authentic influencer-driven health initiatives that feature relatable entertainment figures. Additionally, this research supports the need for further examination of how a role model’s perceived positive or negative norm deviance influences motivational capability. We discuss implications for the motivational theory of role modeling, health promotion, and entertainment education.

Assessing Knowledge and First-aid Practice Scores of Caregivers of Epilepsy Patients Before and After an Educational Programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background Although epilepsy is one of the most prevalent and severe neurologic disorders, our knowledge of its intricate pathophysiology and skills to manage are still limited. Recognising its early signs and symptoms are crucial skills for caregivers of epileptic patients to acquire. This study was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of an education programme on improvement in the caregivers’ knowledge of epilepsy and first-aid practices. The findings will assist caregivers of children with seizures who frequently experience fear and anxiety relative to their perceived confidence to manage seizures. Education to caregivers could improve their perceived level of self-efficacy. Methods A community-based, pre- and post-intervention survey was conducted at neurologic care clinics across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The educational intervention was aimed at disseminating information via a short talk and video demonstration of epilepsy-related first-aid good practices. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Results Pre-intervention survey of 586 caregivers revealed that nearly 60% had inadequate knowledge of epilepsy; this was reduced to 23.2% after education. Similarly, 84% of caregivers had inadequate knowledge of first-aid practices before the educational intervention, but this was reduced to 32.4% after that. Having resided in the Western regions was a negative predictor of good first-aid practice knowledge scores, both before and after education. A university degree or higher education was positive predictor of higher knowledge scores both before (T=-4.564; p<0.001) and after education (T=-2.775; p=0.025). The oldest caregivers (>50 years) exhibited a significantly lower mean first-aid practice knowledge score (F=7.771; p=0.001). Conclusion Caregivers’ general and first-aid practice knowledge were generally poor prior to but were both markedly improved after educational interventions. Targeted educational health promotion could bring awareness to those with lower levels of education and older caregivers living in particularly the Western regions of Saudi Arabia. (255 words)

The contribution of school social work to climate change education and mental health support

ABSTRACT This narrative review outlines how school social workers, as part of multi-professional school teams, can be involved in climate change education and mental health support. Rapid climate change and extreme weather events pose an existential threat to children and adolescents, triggering a range of climate emotions such as worry, anxiety or anger. International research shows that current and future climate scenarios affect young people's mental health. In order to achieve good health and well-being, and to prevent serious mental health problems, it is essential to be aware of their climate emotions and distress. In the climate crisis, schools, as important social spaces for children and adolescents, are therefore challenged to provide appropriate educational responses and health promotion for students of all ages. School social workers can make a professional contribution by providing education and counselling aimed at promoting emotional regulation and coping, empowerment for climate action, building self-efficacy and resilience to climate change, and developing comprehensive climate and health literacy. Finally, new challenges and tasks that arise in this context and that require the professional development of school social work are highlighted.

Cancer-Related Health and Educational Needs and Faith-Based Health Beliefs in an Urban Muslim Population

Cancer screening behaviors in Muslims are under-researched, and there is limited data on how it relates to their unique cultural and religious beliefs. We assessed cancer prevention and screening-related health needs in the Washington DC area. We developed the needs assessment questionnaires and recruitment strategy in collaboration with key faith leaders from four mosques in our catchment area. A total of 203 participants were recruited through community outreach and engagement approaches and were included in the discussion when developing the needs assessment to ensure questions were religiously and culturally sensitive. Of the 203 participants, 56% of women reported receiving screening for a mammogram, while 83% of women reported receiving a screening for cervical cancer. Among men, 45% reported receiving a prostate cancer antigen test to screen for prostate cancer. Among both men and women, 35% reported ever receiving a screening for colorectal cancer. Women reported relying more on their faith when dealing with health concerns than men. Those who did not get screened for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer relied more on their faith than those who did get screened for these cancers. Participants expressed interest in having health initiatives around cancer education, screening, and survivorship inside mosques. Faith beliefs can influence cancer screening behaviors; however, the relationship between these two variables needs further examination. Continued engagement with key faith leaders can help in leveraging religious beliefs to promote health education and cancer screening.

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Infants in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review.

Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) are tools for promoting healthy eating habits. For the population of children under two years old in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), there is a lack of reviews analyzing the quality of these guidelines. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate publicly available FBDGs for the population under two years old in LAC until mid-2023. Guidelines aimed at caregivers of children were included, sourced from government websites in LAC countries and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) portal. Documents targeted at healthcare professionals were excluded. For qualitative analysis, the Agree II guidelines assessment tool and the FAO guide principles for developing healthy and sustainable diets were used. The results showed that more recently released and revised FBDGs with a greater number of pages obtained better scores in both assessments. Additionally, out of the 32 LAC countries, only 13 had these FBDGs available on websites for public access. As a limitation, this study faced challenges in standardizing the searches on government websites. The authors emphasize the need to develop FBDGs for the population under two years old that align with current health and sustainability needs and promote health education.

The Practice and Modalities of African Traditional Medicine in Tuberculosis Treatment - A Traditional Medical Practitioners’ Perspective

Aims: This study sought to explore the role of the traditional medical practitioner (TMP) and document the modalities of tuberculosis (TB) treatment in traditional medicine (TM) in Harare, Zimbabwe. Study design: An ethnographic research survey of TMPs in Harare urban. Place and Duration of Study: Harare’s southern suburbs of Warren Park, Mufakose, Budiriro, Belvedere, Mbare (Mupedzanhamo) and Harare central business district, between April and June 2021. Methodology: Fourteen (14) experienced TB practitioners, registered with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) were recruited for the study. These included exclusive herbalists (36%), spiritualists (14%) and those who used a combination of spiritualism and herbalism (50%) in their practice. Data was collected through semi-structured in-person interviews. The practices and treatment modalities in the traditional treatment of TB were documented; and any linkages with the conventional medical system were identified. Results: Forty-six (46) plant species from 28 families were prescribed in various polyherbal combinations for a maximum of 6 months in difficult cases. TMPs were found to be relevant and knowledgeable in the treatment of TB. In addition to offering alternative or complementary treatment options to patients, TMPs were also agents of health education promotion, and collaborated to some extent with allopathic healthcare providers across the service delivery system from diagnosis to treatment of patients. Conclusion: If formalized, TMPs have the potential to make considerable contributions to TB treatment strategies and help improve treatment outcome in TB patients.

Lifestyle in Breast Care and Evaluation of Health Education Effects

This paper discusses the effect evaluation of lifestyle and health education in breast care. It emphasized the importance of health education in improving patient quality of life, reducing complications, improving the ability to perform activities of daily living, and relieving patient negative emotions and improving functional exercise compliance. The implementation methods of health education are introduced in detail, including the systematic health education plan, the application of the causal real cause introduction of health education promotion activities, and the effect of continuous health education. Lifestyle adjustments were discussed, including healthy eating habits, regular exercise, wearing suitable underwear, etc. The importance of psychological and social support, including the reduction of psychological stress, improving endocrine function and the effects of peer supportive health education. Finally, the readability of the breast cancer-related health education materials was assessed. These strategies and methods help to improve individual health awareness and behavior and promote health level.

Knowledge, attitudes and health choices among non-diabetic patients regarding diabetes mellitus

Background: Healthcare workers require better understanding of the current knowledge and behaviours of the local community towards diabetes mellitus (DM) and its prevention before appropriate interventions can be developed to address the gaps. There is currently a paucity of scientific papers on knowledge, attitudes and health choices among the non-diabetic population in a facility setting in South Africa.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a self-reported questionnaire was administered to 165 adult participants attending the Chiawelo Community Practice from 02 March 2020 to 17 April 2020. The study utilised descriptive statistics, Chi-square testing, univariate logistic regression, and multivariate analysis for variable assessment.Results: Almost half of the participants (49%) had good knowledge of DM, with 60% indicating good attitudes and 52% making good health choices to prevent DM. Participants having received education from clinicians were 5.61 times more likely to develop better attitudes and 3.92 times more likely to adopt better health choices towards DM compared to those who obtained information from media or other sources.Conclusion: The study found that poor knowledge of DM does not necessarily translate into poor attitude towards the disease, which is noteworthy. The study also highlighted the important role of healthcare workers in influencing behaviour change.Contribution: Information from this study can be used to strengthen health services through several clinical governance activities including quality improvement, capacity building, health education and community-oriented promotion, and prevention strategies.

The economic burden of obesity in 4 south-eastern European countries associated with obesity-related co-morbidities

ObjectiveTo provide an assessment of the cost burden of obesity across a spectrum of obesity-related comorbidities (ORCs) for four countries in South-Eastern Europe (SEE).MethodsA micro-costing analysis from the public payer perspective was conducted to estimate direct healthcare costs associated with ten obesity-related comorbidities (ORCs) in Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, and Romania. A survey was administered to obtain healthcare resource use and unit cost data. Cost estimates were validated by local steering committees which comprised at least one public sector clinician and a panel of independent industry experts.ResultsChronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases were the costliest ORCs across all 4 countries, where annual cost burden per ORC exceeded 1,500 USD per patient per year. In general, costs were driven by the tertiary care resources allocated to address treatment-related adverse events, disease complications, and associated inpatient procedures.ConclusionsOur findings confirm that the high prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities result in substantial financial burden to all 4 SEE public payers. By quantifying the burden of obesity from a public healthcare perspective, our study aims to support policy efforts that promote health education and promotion in combating obesity in the region.

100 Years of the American Public Health Association's Public Health Education and Health Promotion Section: Celebrating the Past, Forging the Future.

The American Public Health Association's Public Health Education and Health Promotion (APHA PHEHP) Section celebrates its 100th anniversary by reflecting on its humble beginnings and early contributions to the field of health education. This article highlights the often-unsung history of our field and its fledgling beginnings, which is important to scholars and students alike. First codified as the Health Education and Publicity Section in the early 1920s, we trace the history and challenges of using new modes of publicity such as motion pictures and innovative exhibits to help curb the spread of infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, venereal disease). Evart G. Routzahn, credited as the Section's father, worked tirelessly to increase the Section's visibility (renamed the Health Education Section in 1927 and the Public Health Education and Health Promotion Section in 1990) and in advancing the professionalization of health education during a time when there were no formal professional preparation programs in health education. Over the years, the Section has played significant roles in strengthening the practice of health education and communication; advancing APHA's overall leadership, infrastructure, and governance; and contributing to the unified voice and advocacy for the health education profession and health equity. We conclude by describing contemporary initiatives that reflect the continued spirit and vibrancy of the Section in setting the stage for the next 100 years.

Is low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening conveniently accessible in China? A spatial analysis based on cross-sectional survey

BackgroundRegular Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer high-risk population has been proved to improve health outcomes and relieve disease burden efficiently for both individual and society. With geographical impedance becoming the major barrier preventing patients from getting timely healthcare service, this study incorporated health seeking behavior in estimating spatial accessibility of relative scarce LDCT resource in China, thus to provide real-world evidence for future government investment and policy making.MethodsTaking Sichuan Province in southwest China as the study area, a cross-sectional survey was first carried out to collect actual practice and preferences for seeking LDCT services. Using Computed Tomography (CT) registration data reported by owner institutions representing LDCT services capacity, and grided town-level high-risk population as demand, the Nearest Neighbor Method was then utilized to calculate spatial accessibility of LDCT services.ResultsA total of 2,529 valid questionnaires were collected, with only 34.72% of the high-risk populations (746 individuals) followed the recommended annual screening. Participants preferred to travel to municipal-level and above institutions within 60 min for LDCT services. Currently, every thousand high-risk populations own 0.0845 CT scanners in Sichuan Province, with 96.95% able to access LDCT within 60 min and over half within 15 min. Urban areas generally showed better accessibility than rural areas, and the more developed eastern regions were better than the western regions with ethnic minority clusters.ConclusionsSpatial access to LDCT services is generally convenient in Sichuan Province, but disparity exists between different regions and population groups. Improving LDCT capacity in county-level hospitals as well as promoting health education and policy guidance to the public can optimize efficiency of existing CT resources. Implementing mobile CT services and improving rural public transportation may alleviate emerging disparities in accessing early lung cancer detection.

Szkolna edukacja zdrowotna wobec wyzwań XXI w.

The post-transformation generation of 21st century is living in a world of rapid social, economic, cultural changes, the dynamics of which have an impact on their development and health. Rapid and accelerating transformation of everyday life extends to all institutions of social life, including the school. The consequences of the ongoing transformations are difficulties in adapting the young generation to the constantly changing, unstable reality. The changes taking place in every area of life indicate the need for educational and upbringing activities as part of the socialisation process of the young generation. The school, as an educational environment, is the place where both cultural and health-related patterns of behaviour are developed and perpetuated, with health promotion and health education being the overarching goal. This century has initiated “new” educational thinking, the aim of which is to change individual behaviour and social action. Achieving well-being in all areas of society requires conscious action to increase health potential and its perception – in the declarative and practical dimensions – as a priority value. The challenge for today’s education system is to develop the ability to make health-promoting choices. This is a task for health education, which should become an important task for the school and the teacher being at the centre of school health education.