Health Promotion Interventions Research Articles

Using Digital Storytelling and Social Media to Combat COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Public Service Social Marketing Campaign.

Disparities in vaccine confidence and uptake among racial and ethnic minorities have resulted in a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 in these populations. Social media campaigns have shown promise in public health promotion and behavioral interventions. In January 2022, an academic-community partnership launched #Vax4Community, a 6-month social media campaign centered around the use of digital storytelling videos. The campaign purpose was to decrease vaccine hesitancy, combat vaccine misinformation and disinformation, and increase vaccine confidence within three distinct target communities: the justice-involved population, South Asian residents, and public housing youth in the metropolitan area of New York City (NYC). Our approach included the production and dissemination of digital storytelling videos featuring personal vaccine experiences from target populations. We evaluated key performance indicators (KPIs) of the campaign, including post impressions, reach and engagement across social media platforms, and shares from partner organizations. Overall, we received 1,910,662 post impressions, 699,722 unique users reached, and 2,880 post engagements across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and 147 shares from 48 partner organizations. Social media campaigns require strategic design in branding, messaging and outreach channels and could serve as an important tool to disseminate emotionally relatable content and trusted information to prime target populations to respond more optimally to public health interventions. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of creating and disseminating these digital stories and the KPIs of the social media campaign.

Postnatal quality of care measures for mothers and newborns at home: A scoping review.

The postnatal period is one of the most critical periods in the lives of mothers and newborns. Yet, the postnatal period remains the most neglected period along the maternal health care continuum. Globally, measures assessing quality of postnatal care (PNC) often focus on care at health facility level, the provision of home-based PNC and associated quality of care measures seem largely overlooked. This scoping review aims to give an overview of the literature on measures assessing quality of PNC for mothers and newborns in a home-based setting. This review was conducted according to the Arksey and O'Malley's methodology for scoping reviews. Three electronic bibliographic databases were searched together with a grey literature search. Two reviewers independently screened the identified articles. All data on home-based PNC measures were extracted and mapped according to the 2022 World Health Organization PNC Guideline recommendations in three categories: i) maternal care, ii) newborn care, iii) health system and health promotion interventions. Several additional quality of care domains, characterizing home-based PNC, were identified: i) social and emotional empowerment, ii) assessment of the home setting, iii) early breastfeeding, iv) health education and counseling, v) personal hygiene and prevention of infections, vi) referral to health facility when necessary, vii) thermal care, viii) parent-child relationship and ix) promote economic self-sufficiency. This review illustrates that home-based PNC has a very broad spectrum of care and plays a vital role in improving maternal and newborn health and well-being. In addition, there is a clear need for more research on the optimal timing and content of home-based care in the postnatal period for maximizing its potential.

Hispanic and non-Hispanic parents’ health behaviour predicts preschool children’s behaviour in low-income communities in the United States

Objective: Despite public health efforts, most children in the United States do not meet nutrition and physical activity guidelines. Moreover, there are nutrition-related health disparities between non-Hispanic and Hispanic communities. Caregivers are critical role models that shape health behaviours in children. To promote healthy behaviours, health promotion interventions must consider the entire family unit. This study aimed to assess the impact of parent’s health behaviours on children’s health behaviours in a sample of non-Hispanic and Hispanic low-income parents. Design: A mixed-methods design was used to identify how parent health behaviours including fruit and vegetable intake, beverage intake, physical activity, and screen time influence corresponding child health behaviours. In addition, the study aimed to investigate whether the strength of association between parent and child health behaviours varied as a function of ethnicity. Survey data and semi-structured qualitative interviews were utilised for the analyses. Setting: The study was a part of the Culture of Wellness in Preschools Programme, a multi-level obesity prevention programme. The data were obtained from the parent wellness workshops, a direct education intervention aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among parents and their children. Data Analysis: The quantitative analyses utilised survey data from the Family Wellness pre-survey. Hierarchical linear regression models assessed the relationship between parent–child-health behaviours. Interaction terms were created to understand if this relationship varied as a function of ethnicity. Data from qualitative interviews were analysed using thematic analysis to gain an in-depth understanding of the relationship between parent and child health behaviours. Results: Parent health behaviours significantly predicted child health behaviours across all models, and these relationships did not vary as a function of ethnicity. The quantitative data were supported by the qualitative analysis: parents modelled health behaviours and thus influenced their child’s health behaviour through a variety of mechanisms. Conclusion: Future efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle in children should engage with both family practices and the wider social context.

Parent Experiences of Empowerment: Understanding the Role of Parent Empowerment in Child Health Promotion.

Establishing healthy behaviors during a child's first 5years is essential for healthy growth. Parents are targeted as agents of change because they serve as primary models of behavior during this period. Although parent-focused interventions often target empowerment as a driver of change, our understanding of how parents experience the process of empowerment in the context of child health promotion remains limited. This qualitative study explored the process by which parents gain empowerment through participation in a health promotion intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 37 low-income parents who participated in Parents Connect for Healthy Living (PConnect), a 10-week empowerment-centered obesity prevention intervention. Data were analyzed using inductive-deductive thematic analysis and guided by empowerment theories. Most parents were Hispanic/Latino (41%) and female (97%). Five themes emerged that correspond to the process by which parents gained empowerment: (1) friendships formed and relationships strengthened during PConnect, (2) parents strengthened relationships with their children and believed in their ability to parent successfully, (3) the experience of knowledge led to behavior change, (4) parents used new resources to improve family health, and (5) parents took action. Empowerment theory should be a component of health promotion programs.

Preventing Cognitive Decline in Older Latino Adults With HIV Through a Culturally Tailored Health Promotion Intervention: Protocol for a Single-Arm Pilot Trial.

Older Latino adults with HIV are at increased risk for mild cognitive impairment and earlier onset of aging-related cognitive decline. Improvements in cognitive functioning and cognitive outcomes are possible among people with HIV who adopt health promotion behaviors. However, health promotion interventions for older Latino adults with HIV have not been extensively used or widely recognized as viable treatment options. Happy Older Latinos are Active (HOLA) is a multicomponent, health promotion intervention that is uniquely tailored for older Latino adults with HIV. This study aims to (1) determine the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted version of HOLA aimed at improving cognitive functioning among older Latino adults with HIV; (2) explore whether HOLA will produce changes in cognitive functioning; (3) explore whether HOLA will produce changes in activity, psychosocial functioning, or biomarkers of cognition; and (4) explore whether changes in activity, psychosocial functioning or cognitive biomarkers correlate with changes in cognition, while accounting for genetic risk for dementia. A single-arm pilot trial with 30 Latino (aged 50 years and older) men and women with HIV was conducted to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects on cognition. Participants were assessed at 2 time points (baseline and postintervention) on measures of neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning. In addition, blood samples were collected to determine biomarkers of cognition at baseline and postintervention. Successful recruitment was defined as meeting 100% of the targeted sample (N=30), with 20% (n=6) or less of eligible participants refusing to participate. Adequate retention was defined as 85% (n=25) or more of participants completing the postintervention assessment and acceptability was defined as 80% (n=38) or more of sessions attended by participants. Participant recruitment began on February 22, 2022, and was completed on August 15, 2022. The last study visit took place on February 20, 2023. Data analysis is currently ongoing. Encouraging findings from this exploratory study may provide a blueprint for scaling up the HOLA intervention to a larger cohort of older Latino adults with HIV who may be currently experiencing or are at risk for HIV-related cognitive challenges. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04791709; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04791709. DERR1-10.2196/55507.

Methodology for evaluation of complex school-based health promotion interventions.

There is a need for careful examination of large volumes of collected (structured and unstructured) information related to school-based evaluation. There is also no published, comprehensive framework/s for evaluating complex interventions in Irish primary schools. The aim of this paper is to outline a methodology for process evaluation of an Irish primary school-based physical activity (PA) and nutrition intervention. Evaluation followed the three themes outlined by the British Medical Research Council: implementation, context, and mechanism of impact that we further divided into six dimensions. Methodological tools included questionnaires, PA logs, reflective journals, write and draw, and semi-structured interviews. We triangulated findings across these multiple tools to assess each dimension. We designed a unique framework to enable comparisons and offer researchers a template for evaluating complex health promotion interventions in primary schools. We present a methodology for evaluating a complex school-based health promotion intervention. The framework we propose integrates process and outcome data. It aims to enhance future result interpretation and facilitate informed comparisons among intervention schools.

Cigarette Smoking in Women Victims of Police-Reported Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of Childhood Maltreatment, Type of Partner Abuse, and Psychological Distress Symptoms

ABSTRACT Existing research on the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and cigarette smoking primarily involves low-risk, physical IVP-focused studies on community women. As a result, the risks associated with cigarette smoking in women victims of severe IPV have not been fully explored. This study examined the association between exposure to different forms of childhood maltreatment, exposure to physical, psychological, and sexual IPV, and current psychological distress symptoms with cigarette smoking in a high-risk sample of women victims of police-reported severe IPV. Participants included 162 women victims of police-reported severe IPV recruited in shelters for domestic violence and Child Protective Services in Portugal. Participants provided self-reports on childhood maltreatment physical, psychological, and sexual violence), physical, psychological, and sexual IPV, psychological distress symptoms (anxiety, depressive, somatic, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms), and daily cigarette consumption. Results revealed significant associations between daily cigarette consumption and exposure to IPV, physical abuse during childhood, psychological IPV, and anxiety symptoms in women experiencing police-reported severe IPV. Childhood maltreatment may increase vulnerability for emotion dysregulation, promoting addictive behaviors to regulate distress. Smoking can be an unhealthy regulating strategy to reduce the distress related to chronic exposure to psychological IPV. Future effective health promotion interventions in women facing severe forms of IPV may target emotional regulation and incorporate a trauma-focused approach.

Strength-based strategies for addressing racial stressors in African American families: lessons learned from developing the LEADS health promotion intervention

Recognizing the real-life impact of racial stress on physical and psychological health is vital for creating impactful health promotion interventions among African American families. Despite the known link between racial stress and poor physical health outcomes, no existing intervention to date has targeted stress management strategies to buffer racial stress and build positive health behaviors among African American families. The current study outlines the lessons learned throughout the development of the Linking Exercise for Advancing Daily Stress (LEADS) Management and Resilience program, a 10-week family-based health promotion, stress management, and resilience intervention that aimed to improve physical activity, healthy eating, and well-being among African American adolescents and parents. We highlight the evolution of the LEADS intervention from a health promotion and stress management intervention to a culturally salient health promotion, stress management, and resilience intervention utilizing community-based participatory research strategies. This paper chronicles our systematic journey in making those changes and the lessons we learned along the way. We provide specific recommendations and implications for future health promotion interventions developed for African American families. Overall, we argue for a research orientation that respects cultural and racial contexts, embraces diversity within research teams and self-reflection, recognizes the heterogeneity among African American populations, and applies strength-based approaches.

Inclusion Goals: What Sex Education for LGBTQIA+ Adolescents?

According to the World Health Organization and the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) Declaration of Sexual Rights, sex education aims to provide children and adolescents with comprehensive knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values, promoting equality and nondiscrimination while upholding freedom of thought and expression. However, current school curricula often focus on dichotomous sexual identity and hetero-cis-normative prevention strategies, neglecting the needs of gender minority (GM) and sexual minority (SM) youths. In family settings, discussions typically revolve around sexual risk reduction and basic contraception, omitting relational aspects and components of sexual identity such as orientations and gender expressions. This discrepancy highlights a gap between the official goals of sex education and its practical implementation, reflecting a cultural deficit in familial sex education. This study reviews the scientific literature on sexual health promotion interventions from 2015 to 2024 to identify inclusive approaches that enhance the participation of all youths, not just hetero-cis-normative individuals. The hypothesis is that most interventions primarily serve heterosexual and cisgender youths, indicating a need for more inclusive strategies to achieve better sexual health and educational outcomes. The study also suggests expanding curricula to align with recognized guidelines and the diverse needs of youth.

Dietary Intake of 14-15-Year-Old Faroese Adolescents by an Online Assessment Tool and Associations with Wellbeing and Health Behaviour.

There is robust evidence linking diet and physical activity to major public health concerns such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Dietary habits of children and adolescents are frequently discussed in health policy debates due to their modifiability, making them viable targets for prevention and health promotion initiatives. This study aimed to assess the dietary habits of 14-15-year-old Faroese adolescents using an online 24 h recall tool, examining their intake relative to public recommendations and exploring associations with health behaviour and wellbeing. A total of 78 participants (45 girls, 33 boys), with a mean age of 14.3 years, recorded their food intake and completed a questionnaire. Results indicated a higher intake of saturated fats and sugar and a lower intake of dietary fibre, n-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables compared to recommendations. Healthier food intake was associated with better health behaviour and wellbeing. This very first study of Faroese adolescents' overall diet underscores the need for health-promoting interventions, and suggests the feasibility of using an online 24 h recall tool for dietary assessment in this age group, albeit with necessary adjustments for Faroese language and traditional foods.

Five years on: analysis of university lecturers’ experiences of the French government’s health promotion education program

BackgroundThe National Health Promotion Intervention Program by Student (HPIPS) is a French government educational program introduced in 2018, aiming at developing all health students’ health promotion knowledge and abilities, as well as implementing health promotion interventions for specific subpopulations in the general public. Its pedagogical framework was elaborated in 2018 and then evaluated by the French Council for Public Health in 2022, highlighting certain difficulties for the program to be homogeneously implemented in France. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences and feedback of university lecturers in charge of this HPIPS training.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with HPIPS lecturers from various health fields and from French universities, and a qualitative content analysis was carried out.ResultsFourteen interviews were conducted during the autumn of 2022 with HPIPS program university lecturers including five doctors, three dentists, two nurses, two pharmacists, one midwife, and one physiotherapist from eight different towns belonging to six regions. Depending on the professional background, the component, and the local resources available, the teaching experience varied from one lecturer to another. A number of difficulties arose in setting up this educational program and complying with the latter legislation. The work overload was considerable, and the lecturers’ heavy commitments some lecturers to be discouraged, especially since some lecturers were not trained in health promotion abilities. Although interprofessionality was a strength of this HPIPS, it was also its main challenge. Pedagogical innovations were developed, notably through the use of digital technology; cross-disciplinary collaboration was established; and lecturers–students specific boundaries have emerged thanks to this health promotion project.ConclusionsIn France, setting up the HPIPS rapidly was experienced as a real pedagogical challenge for the interviewed university lecturers. While most of them noted the positive and beneficial contributions made by the introduction of prevention and health promotion intervention skills for health students, they also shared recommendations in order to match the ambitions and increase the HPIPS impact on the development of a culture of prevention and health promotion among health students.

Natural health product knowledge as a significant factor associated with health-promoting lifestyle in a low-income urban community in Kuala Lumpur

BackgroundLow income communities are vulnerable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which affect their economy and disability status. An effective approach to address the NCD burden is through the multidimensional concept of health-promoting lifestyle. Another preferred approach by the population worldwide for NCD treatment is natural health product (NHP). Studies on NHP and health-promoting lifestyle among this vulnerable population, specifically the low-income urban community, are limited. Therefore, this study, aimed at investigating the NHP knowledge and health-promoting lifestyle, and to determine the factors associated with health-promoting lifestyle in a low income urban community in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. This study has focused on sociodemographic characteristics, annual health monitoring activities, and health status, which are modifiable and non-modifiable factors.MethodsPhase 1 of the study involves developing the Malay-version NHP knowledge questionnaire, whereas Phase 2 involves a cross-sectional study of 446 randomly selected low-income respondents to determine their level of health-promoting lifestyle and the associated factors. The respondents’ sociodemographic, socioeconomic, health monitoring activity, health status, and NHP knowledge data were obtained using the newly developed Malay-version NHP questionnaire and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) questionnaire. The independent variables include sociodemographic status, annual health monitoring activities, health status and NHP knowledge were analysed using simple and multiple linear regression.ResultsIn this study, the 10-item NHP knowledge questionnaire developed in the Malay version contains two domains [safe use (eight items) and point of reference (two items)] (total variance explained: 77.4%). The mean of NHP knowledge score was 32.34 (standard deviation [SD] 7.37). Meanwhile, the mean score of health-promoting lifestyle was 109.67 (SD 25.01). The highest and lowest scores of health-promoting lifestyles are attributed to spiritual growth and physical activity, respectively. Ethnicity is associated with a higher health-promoting lifestyle level, same goes to the occupational status − NHP knowledge interaction. “Unclassified” education status and annual blood glucose level monitoring are associated with a lower level of health-promoting lifestyle.ConclusionA new questionnaire in Malay version was developed to measure NHP knowledge. Compared to other subpopulations, the respondents’ health-promoting lifestyle levels in this study were low, associated with ethnicity, education status, and health monitoring activities. The findings provided insight into the interaction between NHP knowledge and occupational status, which is associated with a higher health-promoting lifestyle level. Accordingly, the future health-promoting lifestyle intervention programmes in healthcare delivery should target these factors.

Perceived benefits and barriers to exercise and associated factors among Zimbabwean undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study.

Despite the well-documented benefits of regular physical activity (PA), many university students are physically inactive. Personal, socio-economic, and environmental factors predict PA engagement behaviours in university students. There is a need to understand context-specific perceived barriers and benefits to exercise engagement and physical activity levels amongst university students from low-income settings. This study primarily evaluated the barriers and facilitators to PA engagement in Zimbabwean undergraduate students. We also assessed the correlates of perceived barriers and benefits to PA engagement, risk of common mental disorders (CMDs) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We used a cross-sectional study to recruit 465 university undergraduate students. The Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Shona Symptoms Questionnaire (SSQ-8) and EuroQol 5 Dimension (EQ5D-5l) were used to measure barriers and facilitators, physical activity level, risk of depression and anxiety and HRQoL, respectively. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Most participants were male (58.5%) with a mean age of 21.7 (SD 1.6) years. Majority of the participants were first year students (37.2%), consumed alcohol (66.5%), did not smoke (88.2%) and had a normal BMI (64.7%). The prevalence of low PA levels was 17.4%, with 33.5% of students at risk of CMDs. The most perceived benefits were in the physical performance (e.g., exercise improves my level of physical fitness) and life enhancement (e.g., exercise improves my self-concept) domains, while the most perceived barriers were lack of exercise infrastructure (e.g., exercise facilities do not have convenient schedules) and physical exertion (e.g., exercise tires me). Food insecurity (AOR 2.51: 95% CI 1.62-3.88) and the risk of CMDs (AOR 0.49: 95% CI 0.32-0.76) were associated with increased odds of experiencing barriers to exercise. Not using substances (AOR = 2.14: 95% CI 1.11-4.14) and a higher self-rated HRQoL (AOR 24.34: 95% CI 1.77-335.13) were associated with increased odds of a high perception of exercise benefits. Improving access to community and on-campus exercise facilities and campus-wide health promotional interventions is necessary to enhance PA amongst university students.

Classroom intervention to improve behavioral intention toward regular physical activity among adolescents.

During adolescence, a critical phase in human life, the groundwork for a healthful future is established. Physical inactivity poses a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and related mortality worldwide. To assess adolescents' behavioral intentions regarding regular physical activity, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) examines 'Attitude,' 'Subjective norm,' and 'Perceived behavioral control.' Utilizing TPB, this study focuses on evaluating the impact of a school-based health promotion intervention on behavioral intentions toward physical activity among urban adolescents in West Bengal, India. A school-based nonrandomized controlled interventional study with parallel group design was conducted among adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years. Behavioral intention towards performing regular physical activity was determined with the measurements of the constructs from the TPB. Cluster analysis was conducted using measurements from both the intervention and control groups. Participants with higher mean scores in the constructs were classified as intenders, while the rest were considered non-intenders. The intervention's impact was evaluated by calculating the Relative Risk (RR) through a generalized linear model with robust standard error estimates, to ascertain the probability of belonging to the higher intention cluster. Following the intervention, construct-wise scores improved significantly, particularly the perceived behavioral control mean score in the intervention group. The Relative Risk (RR) of becoming an intender for regular physical activity in the intervention group was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.04-1.48) when compared to the control group. Health Promoting Schools has been recognized as a strategic and cost-effective vehicle to promote positive development and healthful living, and the current evidence suggests they can effectively reduce the emergence of significant NCD risk factor like physical inactivity. Schools must establish strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders to address barriers beyond the school environment and enhance their control over critical issues.

Cultural and social factors associated with generalized anxiety disorder among adolescent mothers during the postpartum period in Malawi: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe postnatal period is an important time for adolescent mothers to regain their health as they adjust to life with their infants. However, it is also a time when mothers are vulnerable to mental health problems. Generalized anxiety disorders (GADs) are among the common mental disorders that can impact mothers. Anxiety disorders can have adverse effects on a child’s cognitive development. However, there is a scarcity of studies pertaining to anxiety disorders among adolescent mothers in Malawi.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescent postnatal mothers aged ≤ 19 years to establish the prevalence of probable GAD and identify cultural and social factors that influence anxiety in this population. Adolescent mothers were recruited from the Mitundu Rural Hospital catchment area in Lilongwe district, Malawi. A two-stage random sampling method was employed: clinics were randomly selected, and participants were recruited via systematic random sampling. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale was used to assess anxiety. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.ResultsOf the 395 adolescent mothers who participated, 34% were aged 14–17. The prevalence of probable GAD (GAD-7 ≥ 10) was 31.9%. Increased social support decreased the odds of probable GAD (aOR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.98, p < 0.001). Experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) increased the likelihood of probable GAD (aOR 4.80, 95% CI: 1.23–18.82, p = 0.02), while those who had contact with a health worker postnatally (aOR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17–0.83, p = 0.02) and those who were “not prayerful” (aOR, 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.87, p = 0.02) were less likely to report probable GAD.ConclusionsGiven that the prevalence of probable GAD among adolescent mothers in Malawi is higher compared to the global estimates of their peers, policies and guidelines that prioritize the maternal mental health of adolescent mothers in Malawi are required. The findings also highlight the importance of enhancing social support among family and community. Co-designed mental health promotion, prevention, and early interventions to involve health workers and religious leaders are recommended.

Mosques and Public Health Promotion: A Scoping Review of Faith-Driven Health Interventions.

Religious institutions play a crucial role in health promotion and hold significant influence in the public health field. The aim of this review is to examine outcomes of health-promoting interventions involving the use of mosques as the intervention venue, its role in promoting health behavior change, and the role of theory in each intervention. A scoping review was conducted across 17 databases for relevant publications published up to and including August 2023 that involved the use of mosques as the intervention venue. Fourteen articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The studies featured a wide range of interventions. However, only eight of these studies integrated theoretical frameworks into their approaches, indicating a need for more structured guidance in this field. These theoretical frameworks included Participatory Action Research (PAR), the theory of planned behavior, behavior-change constructs, the patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) framework, and prolonged exposure techniques within Islamic principles. The review identified three main health-focused intervention categories: mental health, prevention, and communication, each providing valuable insights into initiatives within Muslim communities. This review underscores the significance of inclusive and culturally sensitive health interventions, emphasizing the effectiveness of faith-based approaches in improving health outcomes, promoting positive health behaviors, and addressing communication and cultural barriers. The reviews findings stress the need for further research that incorporates theoretical frameworks and tailored interventions to meet the specific cultural needs of these communities, ultimately contributing to enhanced well-being within them.

Occupational therapists’ experiences of photo-supported conversations – An intervention in primary health care

Background The health-promoting intervention BeWell™, which includes photo-supported conversations, is intended for people with stress-related illnesses. Its focus is on improving the individual’s health and well-being by addressing what contributes to well-being from the patient’s own perspective. There is no current knowledge of the experiences of occupational therapists of using BeWell™ in primary health care. It is thus important to gain knowledge of their experiences of using this intervention as part of investigating its feasibility. Aim To describe the occupational therapists’ experiences of photo-supported conversations about well-being (BeWell™) with patients diagnosed with stress-related illnesses. Material and methods Six occupational therapists, working in primary health care, who had conducted the photo-supported conversations about well-being (BeWell™), were interviewed individually, and one focus group discussion was also conducted. Systematic text condensation was used as the analysis method. Results Three main themes with two to three subgroups in each were identified; Discovering well-being through images, Enhancing patient’s own efforts towards well-being, and Contributing to one’s own well-being. Conclusions and significance The results provide important knowledge for the continued research work with BeWell™ by investigating how the users of the intervention experienced it.

Shape-shifting versions of class in Australia and the pursuit of equity in public health.

The COVID-19 pandemic and current cost of living crisis have highlighted socioeconomically patterned health disparities, bringing renewed focus on equity in public health. Despite political rhetoric invoking cultural narratives of egalitarianism and opportunities for class mobility, social class remains a significant factor in health outcomes in the Australian context. For social scientists, class (despite robust critiques) is a key analytical concept that has been theoretically broadened to encompass social and cultural practices (habitus). In public health, however, concepts of social disadvantage have expanded toward frames such as health equity and socioeconomic status in ways that can obscure 'class' and habitus. Understandings and operationalization of concepts of class and equity not only impact collaborative and interdisciplinary relationships, but also the framing of public health problems and health promotion interventions and policies. In this article, we draw on our experiences as anthropologists conducting ethnography in and of Australian health promotion programs to map and re-evaluate the intersection of concepts of social class and equity. We trace how representations of class emerged in these programs, and the versions of class and equity that materialized across different public health contexts. We argue for a conceptual repositioning of class that recognizes its shape-shifting qualities and of its materializations in different politics, disciplines and everyday contexts. In doing so, we highlight 'class' as a salient dimension of the design, implementation and evaluation of health promotion programs.

Starting conversations about mental health and wellbeing in Australian culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Australia is a multicultural nation with nearly 30% of the population born overseas. Migrants' mental health can be impacted by discrimination, racism and experiences relating to asylum and immigration. These can be compounded by low help-seeking caused by stigmatized beliefs and poor mental health literacy. My Mind, My Voice (MMMV) is a co-designed program aiming to promote awareness of mental health and wellbeing for people with a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background. This research project explored the perceived impacts and value of MMMV and processes leading to those impacts. A mixture of internal quantitative and qualitative evaluation surveys (n = 32) and researcher-conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 9) were conducted with CALD organization and community members who attended training workshops, presented MMMV events or attended an event. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Five themes were developed: culturally relevant and respectful, cross-cultural connections, the importance of language, increasing confidence and literacy and the potential to change attitudes. Being involved with a co-produced program that was culturally relevant and respectful was a positive experience that enhanced people's confidence and literacy. Feeling respected, valued and validated helped participants feel empowered to develop and deliver mental health and wellbeing education in their community. Open, honest conversations are an important way to break down stigma and start conversations about mental health and wellbeing in CALD communities. Evaluation outcomes demonstrate the success of MMMV's collaborative approach, which can inform the development and evaluation of CALD mental health promotion interventions.

The impact of media-based mental health campaigns on male help-seeking: a systematic review.

More than half of all men do not seek professional help for depression, suicide and anxiety. Although media-based campaigns represent a promising health promotion intervention to improve male help-seeking, it is unclear what communication strategies in extant mental health media-based campaigns are effective for men. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize information about the effectiveness of these campaigns on male help-seeking outcomes. A search was conducted of electronic databases and gray literature. Studies were eligible if they examined the effectiveness of a media-based campaign targeting male help-seeking attitudes, beliefs, intentions or behaviors in relation to mental disorders, distress, suicide or self-harm. Twenty-two studies of varying quality met the eligibility criteria. Most studies targeting mental health or depression were found to positively influence male help-seeking. There were mixed results for suicide prevention campaigns. Some evidence suggests that overall, brochure-based campaigns impact help-seeking. The use of male or mixed-gender campaign imagery produced similar results. The choice of message framing appeared to influence help-seeking outcomes. Despite substantial heterogeneity in campaign approaches and difficulties isolating the effects of campaign delivery from messaging, the review indicates that media-based campaigns can play a role in improving male help-seeking for mental health difficulties. Mounting evidence suggests that messaging and delivery should align with male communication preferences. However, high-quality, targeted research is required to evaluate the circumstances in which various campaign delivery and messaging components are effective in improving male help-seeking for poor mental health and suicidality.