Foster Health Promotion Research Articles

Climate Change Impacts on Health and Best Practices in the Humanitarian WASH Cluster: Some Comparisons

The Cluster WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is one of the cornerstones of humanitarian action, and a key element for the promotion of health worldwide. The recent years demonstrated the pressure on this humanitarian cluster, as a result of climate change. At the same time, it is also clear that WASH actions have a potential to foster health promotion, preparedness, and resilience among communities affected by humanitarian crisis related to climate hazards. This aspect is visible in both the existing literature of the major international organisations and NGOs networks acting in this field. It is also visible in the best practices promoted in two countries looked at in the paper: Bangladesh and the United States. This comparative analysis allows us to extract conclusions that may be replicable in other national or local contexts. It contributes to a better comprehension of the links between the humanitarian indicators and actions, and the imperative of a work with communities in order to improve even more the preparedness of the health impact of climate change.

Mobile Technology Use in Clinical Research Examining Challenges and Implications for Health Promotion in South Africa: Mixed Methods Study.

The use of mobile technologies in fostering health promotion and healthy behaviors is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon in global health programs. Although mobile technologies have been effective in health promotion initiatives and follow-up research in higher-income countries and concerns have been raised within clinical practice and research in low- and middle-income settings, there is a lack of literature that has qualitatively explored the challenges that participants experience in terms of being contactable through mobile technologies. This study aims to explore the challenges that participants experience in terms of being contactable through mobile technologies in a trial conducted in Soweto, South Africa. A convergent parallel mixed methods research design was used. In the quantitative phase, 363 young women in the age cohorts 18 to 28 years were contacted telephonically between August 2019 and January 2022 to have a session delivered to them or to be booked for a session. Call attempts initiated by the study team were restricted to only 1 call attempt, and participants who were reached at the first call attempt were classified as contactable (189/363, 52.1%), whereas those whom the study team failed to contact were classified as hard to reach (174/363, 47.9%). Two outcomes of interest in the quantitative phase were "contactability of the participants" and "participants' mobile number changes," and these outcomes were analyzed at a univariate and bivariate level using descriptive statistics and a 2-way contingency table. In the qualitative phase, a subsample of young women (20 who were part of the trial for ≥12 months) participated in in-depth interviews and were recruited using a convenience sampling method. A reflexive thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data using MAXQDA software (version 20; VERBI GmbH). Of the 363 trial participants, 174 (47.9%) were hard to reach telephonically, whereas approximately 189 (52.1%) were easy to reach telephonically. Most participants (133/243, 54.7%) who were contactable did not change their mobile number. The highest percentage of mobile number changes was observed among participants who were hard to reach, with three-quarters of the participants (12/16, 75%) being reported to have changed their mobile number ≥2 times. Eight themes were generated following the analysis of the transcripts, which provided an in-depth account of the reasons why some participants were hard to reach. These included mobile technical issues, coverage issues, lack of ownership of personal cell phones, and unregistered number. Remote data collection remains an important tool in public health research. It could, thus, serve as a hugely beneficial mechanism in connecting with participants while actively leveraging the established relationships with participants or community-based organizations to deliver health promotion and practice.

Identifying Students' Tendencies to Aid in Fostering Health Promotion.

Identifying Students' Tendencies to Aid in Fostering Health Promotion.

Engagement in Social Distancing: An Empirical Test of Media, Intra-Family and Doctor-Patient Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study investigated how media presentations, intra-family communication, and doctor-patient communication influence compliance with social distancing orders during the initial COVID-19 outbreak. Results from an online survey in China suggested that media risk communication, intra-family communication, and doctor-patient communication enhanced respondents’ intention for social distancing via the mediations of positive attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Additionally, trust in government, information verification, and active media engagement can improve the outcome of risk communication. This study underscores the value of TPB framework in fostering health promotion. By analyzing the interplay between psychological constructs and communication channels, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of compliance behavior amid pandemics, facilitating informed policy-making and promoting public cooperation. Ultimately, these insights illuminate pathways to cultivate informed decision-making and responsible actions during health crises.

Transformative Learning in an International Immersion Experience for Nursing and Other Undergraduates.

This qualitative study described the experience of undergraduates in an international immersion experience designed to foster health promotion among rural Ghanaians. Data in the form of students' reflective writings were analyzed in a rigorous process of literal, interpretive, and reflective readings. Two themes (character building and feeling inspired by others) emerged from the data. The findings suggest that this immersion trip facilitated the transformation of the participants and the development of their cultural competence.

Peanuts, Popcorn, and Pediatrics: School-Based Carnival for Health Promotion

A carnival themed health fair was designed to enhance a pediatric clinical experience through service learning in an undergraduate Associate degree nursing program. The goal of this pilot was to foster pediatric health promotion by connecting nursing students with elementary students classified as a vulnerable population. Senior nursing students created, designed, and implemented an interactive learning activity for 225 children. Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory was the framework utilized for project organization and development. Nursing faculty guided students in identifying issues specific to contemporary pediatric health concepts, but creative and artistic control was given to the student. Students utilized a web-based learning platform to document the journey for the project from inception to informal evaluation. Students achieved pediatric course and program outcomes by working collaboratively with the community in an innovative format. This school-based carnival offers a valued contribution for collaborative connections utilizing innovation and creative methods.

The Decisional Balance Toward Health Behaviors Among Patients With Hypertension.

The decisional balance is related to the transtheoretical model, and involves weighting the pros and cons of performing a behavior. The study aimed to assess hypertensive patients' decisional balances about smoking, weight control, and physical exercise. A cross-section descriptive correlation design was used, and 110 patients were recruited using convenience sampling in outpatient clinics. The decisional balance was measured using "Decisional Balance Scales," which assess an individual's decisional balance related to smoking, weight control, and physical exercise behaviors. The results predicted that Jordanian hypertensive patients with higher physical exercise decisional balance and higher weight decisional balance had lower smoking decisional behaviors. Nurses can foster health promotion and behavioral change by employing interventions that improve decisional balances. Improving the decisional balance of one behavior would have a positive impact on other behaviors. Thus, designing multidimensional interventions might be effective for modifying different types of health behaviors, and fostering health promotion practices.

Digital Resilience Tactics of Syrian Refugees in the Netherlands: Social Media for Social Support, Health, and Identity

The process of adjusting to a new country may carry important stressors for refugees. In the light of neoliberal policies, refugees are expected to become resilient in a local arrival infrastructure and perform a specific subjectivity based on gratefulness, adaptability, and digital sensitivity to successfully integrate. Drawing on a qualitative, in-depth case study with Syrians living in the Netherlands, this article explores the impact of the retreat of the welfare state and unfolding digital transitions on resilience tactics of marginalized people like refugees. While recognizing the systemic violence and historic trauma many refugees have experienced, we focus on how refugees are expected to and develop ways to become resilient. Three digital resilience tactics are discussed: digital social support, digital health, and digital identities. Social support was mainly sought from family, friends, organizations, and social media platforms, whereas refugees’ engagement in meaningful digital practices aimed at fostering health promotion and identity management. Our fieldwork resurfaces paradoxes of digital resilience as described by careful emotional digital labor refugees engage in when communicating with families, the role of socio-cultural factors in shaping refugees’ ICT (information and communication technology) adoption and use for health support, and negotiation of different and conflicting identity axes online. Finally, our study provides some insights into the implementation of more effective online and offline practices in the context of social and health support by host countries.

Perceptions of Health Promotion and Maintenance Among Latinos in Faith Communities.

Faith communities provide a place for Latino congregants to discuss health information. A pilot study using focus groups and semistructured interviews explored how Latino faith community members define the meaning of health and examined their perceptions and attitudes surrounding health promotion and maintenance. Four themes emerged that reflect participants' health beliefs, with faith as a uniting force. Results support the faith community as a means of fostering health promotion for Latinos.

Use and Perceptions of Information and Communication Technologies Among Ecuadorian Nurses: A Cross-sectional Study

Background:Nurses represent a key group for the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), however, few studies have explored the current use of these technologies among healthcare professionals in developing countries. Our study aims to achieve a better understanding of how Ecuadorian nurses perceive the theoretical advantages and limitations of ICTs, as well as to explore the current use of these technologies in the setting of the professional nursing practice.Methods:We conducted an anonymous survey-based cross-sectional study where 191 nurses rated their frequency of use and level of agreement to specific statements on perceptions related to ICTs. For the statistical analyses, adjusted binomial logistic regressions and the chi-squared test for association were applied.Results:In general, 96.3% of nurses reported the use of ICTs to communicate with colleagues, and 80.1% reported the use of ICTs to communicate with patients. More than 70% of participants agreed that ICTs can be useful to promote professional services, help in the search for new job opportunities and/or professional development, foster health promotion, and improve the workflow with colleagues. Meanwhile, 78.6% of nurses had privacy or security concerns about personal and/or patient information, and 60.6% reported not having enough time neither to learn how to use ICTs nor to use them.Conclusion:High use of ICTs was found among Ecuadorian nurses for communicating with both colleagues and patients. Most of the participants had a positive perception of the use of ICTs in the healthcare practice, particularly among younger nurses. Finally, the major reservations perceived were related to privacy and patient confidentiality, and lack of time to learn how to use, or use ICTs.

Use and Perceptions of Information and Communication Technologies Among Ecuadorian Nurses: A Cross-sectional Study

Background:Nurses represent a key group for the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), however, few studies have explored the current use of these technologies among healthcare professionals in developing countries. Our study aims to achieve a better understanding of how Ecuadorian nurses perceive the theoretical advantages and limitations of ICTs, as well as to explore the current use of these technologies in the setting of the professional nursing practice.Methods:We conducted an anonymous survey-based cross-sectional study where 191 nurses rated their frequency of use and level of agreement to specific statements on perceptions related to ICTs. For the statistical analyses, adjusted binomial logistic regressions and the chi-squared test for association were applied.Results:In general, 96.3% of nurses reported the use of ICTs to communicate with colleagues, and 80.1% reported the use of ICTs to communicate with patients. More than 70% of participants agreed that ICTs can be useful to promote professional services, help in the search for new job opportunities and/or professional development, foster health promotion, and improve the workflow with colleagues. Meanwhile, 78.6% of nurses had privacy or security concerns about personal and/or patient information, and 60.6% reported not having enough time neither to learn how to use ICTs nor to use them.Conclusion:High use of ICTs was found among Ecuadorian nurses for communicating with both colleagues and patients. Most of the participants had a positive perception of the use of ICTs in the healthcare practice, particularly among younger nurses. Finally, the major reservations perceived were related to privacy and patient confidentiality, and lack of time to learn how to use, or use ICTs.

Exploring Factors Associated with Physical Activity in Latino Immigrants.

Latinos are at increased risk for developing chronic conditions. Regular physical activity (PA) assists in protecting adults from developing type 2 diabetes, excess weight, and heart disease, making PA important for health promotion. This cross-sectional, descriptive investigation was conducted with adults 18 years of age and older in a predominately Latino community. Perceptions of factors which influenced PA were examined. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed. Immigrant Latino males engaged in PA significantly more often than female participants. In Latino participants, those who engaged in walking activities were more likely to engage in both vigorous (r = .341, p<.005) and moderate PA (r = .317, p <.001). Self-efficacy and acculturation were significant predictors of PA. Acculturation was associated with physical activity, even after adjusting for perceived stress. Findings highlight the continued importance of self-efficacy to foster health promotion in Latino communities.

A Preliminary Study to Develop a Collaborative Tiered School-Based Physical Therapy Service Delivery Model: Results from an International Delphi Consultation

Background: Physical therapy (PT) is increasingly provided at schools to help students participate in educationalactivities. Recent rehabilitation models emphasized the benefits of using collaborative tiered services for serviceprovision, yet no model is available to guide how these services should be delivered. Therefore, this study aims to determine the core attributes and PT interventions of a collaborative tiered school-based PT model that could guide how PT services are delivered in schools worldwide.Methods: A modified Delphi method was used to identify the core attributes and the PT interventions that would be part of the model. An introductory webinar followed by three Delphi rounds with 24 international experts was conducted. Similar ideas generated in Round 1 were combined into statements; the statements reaching the predetermined consensus level in Rounds 2 or 3 were retained. Categories were created to present core attributes and Tiered interventions that were retained.Results: 41 core attributes were identified and grouped under seven categories. Tiered interventions were grouped under 15 categories which included 37 interventions for Tier 1, 24 interventions for Tier 2, and 60 interventions for Tier 3.Conclusion: The recommended core attributes and interventions will support the development of an international framework for school-based PT services, fostering health promotion for all children, and supporting those with disabilities.

Perfil e percepções de homens obesos mórbidos cearenses sobre a vida obesa

A vivência da obesidade mórbida é a temática central deste estudo que tem como objetivo traçar o perfil e as percepções do homem obeso mórbido cearense sobre a vida obesa e suas nuances tendo como suporte as diretrizes da Associação Brasileira de Estudos da Obesidade e Síndrome Metabólica (ABESO) e a Fenomenologia da Percepção de Merleau-Ponty (2011). Estudo de abordagem qualitativa, com lente fenomenológica, desenvolvido em uma unidade hospitalar de referência em obesidade de Fortaleza-Ceará, com dezessete homens obesos mórbidos cujo critério de seleção foi ter Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) &gt;30kg/m² com comorbidades ou &gt;40kg/m² sem comorbidades e de exclusão a desorientação temporal ao assinar o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE). A coleta de dados utilizou como protocolo de pesquisa a Entrevista Fenomenológica em Profundidade enquanto o tratamento e a análise dos dados foram realizados na perspectiva da Teoria da Fenomeologia da Percepção de Merleau-Ponty, respeitando a Resolução 466/2012. Os resultados apontam quatro categorias que indicam os impactos da obesidade mórbida nas relações inter e intrapessoais do homem. Denota a juvenilização e recorrência da obesidade, a necessidade de promover ações de promoção da saúde, igualdade de direitos e superação da invisibilidade do homem obeso mórbido.

Health promotion in medium-sized and large companies in Poland in 2017 - activities, implementation, effects and difficulties

The paper presents the state of workplace health promotion in Poland as of December 2017. Standardized computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) were conducted on a representative sample of 1000 companies employing over 50 people. Few companies (37%) actually know the health needs of their employees, whereas 25% admit that they care about health more than it is required by law, and declare their increased involvement in that area. At the same time, 55% of companies sponsor sports tickets, and 52% cover the costs of medical care. Every second company supports physical activity in other ways and improves the working environment. Every third offers medical prophylaxis, takes care of stress reduction and healthy eating habits, or solves the problems of alcohol consumption. The main reasons for such activities are the company's image (79%), good social atmosphere (72%) and employee's work performance (69%), while the prevention of health problems is rarely indicated (43%). The effects of workplace health promotion measures include improved productivity (50%), a better health condition (49%) and an increased identification with the company (47%). As for the obstacles, these is a shortage of financial resources (53%), the lack of favorable fiscal and legal solutions (48%), low interest among employees (45%), the lack of skilled people to manage health promotion (42%) and low awareness of its benefits (37%). Companies that are consciously involved in health promotion and monitor the actual health needs implement more activities, evaluate them more often, recognize their positive effects, and are able to better motivate their employees. There is a need to develop systemic solutions that foster health promotion in companies, to disseminate knowledge about the benefits associated with it, and to train the staff responsible for employee health management. Med Pr. 2019;70(3):275-94.

Cross-Country Validation of the Association Between Oral Health and General Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ObjectiveOral health is known to be associated with general health, but longitudinal relationships between oral health and general health indicators have not yet been fully explored in international research. Setting and participantsThe sample consisted of 3 longitudinal databases: a sample from Belgium from the Protocol 3 project (n = 8359), a combined sample from 6 European countries (n = 2501) from the IBenC study (Belgium, Finland, Iceland, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands), and a sample from New Zealand (n = 15,012). All clients were 65 years or older and received long-term home care services. MethodsBayesian models were used to analyze the associations between 3 oral health indicators (chewing difficulty, nonintact teeth, and dry mouth) and 4 aspects of general health (activities of daily living functioning, cognition, depression, and health instability). In addition, the models explored the associations between current oral health and general health status and future oral health and general health status. ResultsClients who had poorer oral health had a higher risk of suffering from poor general health. Especially chewing difficulty was associated with all general health indicators in all data sets (odds ratios > 1). Dry mouth and nonintact teeth showed significant associations with almost all general health indicators. Additionally, having poor oral health (respectively general health) was predictive of poor general health (respectively oral health) at future assessments (significant cross-lagged parameters). Conclusions/ImplicationsThe results point out the need of the inclusion of oral health assessment and advice from dentists or oral health practitioners into the multidisciplinary conversation. In addition, identifying older people with oral health problems is essential in order to provide treatment and monitoring. Raising awareness for oral health is important, and policy makers should foster oral health promotion and care for older adults in order to keep them in good health.

Incipient tobacco use and associated factors among adolescents from the rural area of Vitória da Conquista in the Brazilian state of Bahia

The aim of this study is to describe incipient tobacco use and associated factors among adolescents from the rural zone of southwestern Bahia. It was based on data from the cross-sectional Adolescer research project among 390 adolescents conducted in 2015. Data were analyzed using frequency and chi-square measurements and Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) for incipient tobacco use in relation to the explanatory variables. Among the adolescents, 5.1% had smoked at some stage and 0.3% smoked regularly. The following variables were associated with incipient smoking: male gender (PR = 6.46); having had sexual intercourse at some stage in life (PR = 20.55); having parents who rarely or never understood their problems (PR=7.89); having 3 or more friends (PR = 0.10). Despite low incipient smoking or the prevalence of regular smoking, which indicate the adoption of a healthier lifestyle or greater autonomy and decision-making ability for non-smoking, it is acknowledged that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco. The recommendation is that an intersectoral partnership between education and health be created to foster health promotion and disease prevention, with an emphasis on curtailing smoking habits.

Human Rights as a Basis for Health Prevention and Promotion: Lessons Learned From Children's Rights and Tobacco Control

Background: Exposure to tobacco smoke and tobacco smoking leads to numerous adverse health and developmental outcome including widespread cancers. The tobacco epidemic primarily roots in childhood as many adult smokers have started before the age of 18. Health prevention and promotion laws and policies are key to positive health change. Indeed, tobacco control legislation has positively impacted on child health and human rights may play a valuable basis and mechanism to foster health prevention and promotion strategies. Aim: To gain new knowledge on the added value of human rights law in fostering health prevention and promotion strategies by reference to specific findings in the case of tobacco control and children's rights. Methods: Literature research and document analysis. Interpretation on the basis of the treaty interpretation rules of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (art. 31-32). Results: Human rights are increasingly standard setting in the field of health prevention and health promotion in general. Even though human rights law largely includes open-ended norms, it provides for key legal obligations to protect child (and ultimately adult) health against the negative consequences of tobacco. The 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child demonstrates that governments should take into account the best interests of the child, protect and promote the life, survival, and development of children, the right to health and its underlying determinants, and regulate the tobacco industry to the extent that it does not harm children's rights including health. Conclusion: The human rights framework may a valuable mechanism to support health prevention and promotion as it includes legally binding and enforceable obligations.

Health and equity

In national and international journals, dedication to the subject of social medicine and interrelated issues, such as health equity, social and cultural determinants in health and access to health care, is still rather simplistic. In a scenario of global crisis, Europe and Latin America are facing a time where they must rethink their respective health systems, as in the case of the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil or the National Health Service (SNS) in Portugal, to find short, medium and/or long-term alternatives to reverse the problems arising from this crisis. The neoliberal policies implemented in recent years in Europe, particularly in Portugal, seem to move health systems away from equity. Thus, it is hoped that the World Health Organization (WHO) will fight against health inequities within a generation, ensuring a fair redistribution of power and resources to citizens so as to promote their health and well-being and, hence, obtain quality of life. The SNS (Portuguese National Health Service) is a structure through which the Portuguese State ensures the right to health to all its citizens. Its creation dates back to 1979, after having achieved the political and social conditions from the Portuguese political restructuring in the 1970s. The primary goal of the SNS is the State’s pursuit to fulfill its responsibility to protect individual and collective health. Therefore, it provides integrated health care which involves health promotion and surveillance, disease prevention and/or control, early diagnosis and immediate treatment of citizens, in addition to health rehabilitation for the purpose of work and social (re) integration. In recent years, the health sector has undergone significant changes since the overall transfer of the Misericordia Hospitals to the jurisdiction of the state, the creation of the SNS, publication of the Health Bases Law and transformation of the legal status of hospitals into corporations, and later into corporate public entities. The SUS in Brazil has been, since its inception, one of the pillars in the fight for equity, comprehensiveness and universal access of citizens to satisfactory care of their health needs, intended to foster health promotion, as well as reduce social costs with threats to health, and boost the rate of return of health services provided in adequate quantity and with undeniable quality. It is worth noting that during periods of political and economic crisis, there are those who advocate its privatization, which would result in the extinction of a policy emanating from the Federal Constitution of 1988, structured according to three guiding or building principles ‒ universality, comprehensiveness and equity. Universality ‒ “Health is a right of all”, as stated in the Federal Constitution. Naturally, it is understood that the State has the obligation to provide health care. In other words, all citizens have the right to access to health services according to their need.

The understanding and implementation of health promotion at higher education institutions in Colombia

Objective To characterize the implementation and understanding of health promotion at higher education institutions in Colombia. Methods A qualitative study with an ethnographic approach was carried out at eleven institutions selected in five cities. It was conducted through research tools such as an exploratory survey, interviews, direct observation and review of documents. The information was analyzed considering conceptualizations about health promotion, health settings, and health-promoting universities. Results These institutions have implemented policies and programs and have undertaken actions like education, reorientation of health services, participation and intervention on the environment, as well as research and activities with family and community outreach. Conclusion At these institutions, different scopes related to the development of health promotion were found, i.e. there was a preventive approach along with an inter-sectorial outlook with broad extent. Some of the main challenges for institutions are the training of professionals as agents of change, and fostering health promotion as a process of organizational change.