Implementation Of Health Promotion Programs Research Articles

Spatial Clusters of High Prevalences of Overweight and Obesity Among Children in Indonesia.

Objective Childhood obesity has emerged as a pressing health concern in both high-income and lower-middle-income countries, including Indonesia. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children aged 5-12 years has been increasing in Indonesia, with 20% of Indonesian children identified as obese or overweight in 2018. Therefore, addressing this problem will be challenging. This study aims to identify district- and city-level clusters with high prevalences of overweight and obese children aged 5-12 years in Indonesia. Methodology This is an ecological study that utilizes secondary data from the 2018 Basic Health Research report conducted by the Indonesian Ministry of Health. We included 514 districts and cities to detect district- and city-level clusters. Spatial cluster analysis was performed using restricted flexible scan statistics to identify clusters with high prevalences of childhood overweight and obesityin Indonesian districts and cities. Results The findings reveal that childhood overweight and obesity are not randomly distributed. The study detected 20 clusters with high prevalences of childhood overweight and 36 clusters of obesity, with a particular concentration in Western Indonesia. A primary cluster of childhood overweightoccurred in Sijunjung, Tanah Datar, Agam, Pasaman, South Solok, Dharmasraya, West Pasaman, Sawah Lunto City, Padang Panjang City, and Kampar. A primary cluster of obesity occurred in Mandailing Natal, South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, North Tapanuli, Labuhan Batu, North Padang Lawas, Padang Lawas, North Labuhan Batu, West Pasaman, and Rokan Hilir. Conclusions This study found 20 clusters with high prevalences of childhood overweight and 36 clusters of obesity in Indonesia. Implementing health promotion programs in the identified cluster regions will be crucial to effectively addressing the growing problem of childhood obesity in Indonesia.

Health Educations about Steps for early Breastfeeding on Successful Breastfeeding in Post-Partum Mothers in the Kampak Health Center Area, Trenggalek Regency

The ineffective implementation of health promotion programs is one of the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding coverage. The behavior of giving exclusive breast milk will emerge after there is socialization about the importance of giving exclusive breast milk to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The aim of the research is to determine the effect of health education regarding early breastfeeding steps on the success of breastfeeding in post-partum mothers in the Kampak Community Health Center area, Trenggalek Regency. Research designs is quasi – experimental with a plan one group pretest-posttest. The research population was all post-partum mothers in the Kampak Trenggalek Community Health Center area, an average of 35 people per month. Using sampling technique accidental sampling with a sample of 31 people. Independent variable is health education regarding initial breastfeeding steps, dependent variable is breastfeeding success in post-partum mothers. Data was taken using an observation sheet instrument and analyzed using statistical tests Wilcoxon signed rank. The results of the research were obtained before health education was carried out regarding the steps for initial breastfeeding, all respondents were unsuccessful in breastfeeding, as many as 31 respondents (100%) while after health education was carried out regarding the steps for initial breastfeeding, the majority of respondents were successful in breastfeeding, as many as 22 respondents (71%) . There is an influence of health education about the steps for early breastfeeding on the success of breastfeeding in post-partum mothers in the Kampak Community Health Center area, Trenggalek Regency, where the results of statistical tests Wilcoxon signed ranks test obtained p value 0.000 < 0.05. Health education can increase breastfeeding success, so that health education influences breastfeeding success. Providing health education about early breastfeeding will help post-partum mothers to breastfeed properly so that breastfeeding success will be achieved.

Gambaran Lifestyle Behavior, Strategi Koping dan Subjective Well-being Remaja Selama Pandemi Covid-19 di Kota Banda Aceh

Introduction: Adaptation to new situations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic limits adolescents' spaces in performing daily routines. This limitation also impacts their subjective well-being. Subjective well-being relates to lifestyle behavior and coping strategies. Therefore it is essential to assess in defining appropriate nursing interventions for adolescents. This study aimed to describe lifestyle behavior, coping strategies, and subjective well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic in Banda Aceh City. Methods: This study employed a descriptive exploratory design with a cross-sectional approach, involving 168 adolescents selected by snowball sampling. Data was collected by using a self-report questionnaire distributed by google form.Results: The study findings show that most of the adolescents tried to obey the regulations during the Covid-19 pandemic (63.1%); few of the respondents planned their daily routines (19.0%); were involved in different activities (10.7%), and only a few who do physical activity regularly (21.4%). Adolescents often shared their feelings (31.5%) and reviewed their relationships with their families (38.7-42.3%). In terms of social and school interactions, adolescents maintained contact with their friends and teachers (35.1-43.5%). The adolescents maintained school obligations at home (49.4%), and this period did not affect their educational path (50.0%). In addition, most adolescents reported slight changes in subjective well-being (41.1%) and mild anxiety (38.1%). Discussion/Suggestion: This study highlights several conditions that need consideration from relevant stakeholders, including community health nurses or school health nurses, in designing interventions to prevent poor lifestyle behaviors and improve adolescents' adaptive coping and subjective well-being. Consequently, nurses should collaborate with families, school boards, public health centers, district health offices, and other government sectors in implementing health promotion programs for adolescents during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in improving lifestyle behaviors, adaptive coping, and subjective well-being.

An in-person and technology-implemented holistic health promotion program for older Black adults in low-income communities

The COVID-19 pandemic halted many in-person programs of research and required researchers to pivot to technology-enhanced approaches. To date, there are no examples or guidelines on how to use technology to implement health promotion programs rooted in the community-based participatory research (CBPR) model among low-income older Black adults. The aims of this paper are (a) to describe and report on the health-related outcomes of an in-person CBPR model-based health promotion intervention program for older Black adults in a low-income community, and (b) to describe the process of adapting this program to a technology-enhanced and Zoom-delivered format and provide preliminary evidence on the health-related outcomes and acceptability of this program. This paper highlights the potential benefits of a technology-enhanced and Zoom-delivered health promotion program among low-income older Black adults and provides recommendations to optimize such efforts to foster these benefits. These recommendations are aligned with the four domains of the CBPR model (i.e., contexts, partnership processes, intervention and research, and outcomes). We conclude that CBPR model-based, technology implemented health promotion interventions for low-income older Black adults are acceptable to such adults and should attend to the values, perspectives, and preferences of these individuals. The information in this manuscript is relevant to health promotion specialists at this seemingly ongoing though post-pandemic era because technology-enhanced interventions are scalable and cost-effective and those anchored in CBPR are well-positioned to promote health equity.

Highlighting the pivotal role of the pharmacist in influencing health behaviours during emergency crisis: A lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The contribution of the pharmacist in influencing health behaviours and raising awareness of the impact of self-medication (SM) is valuable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SM was triggered by multiple factors driven by the fear of becoming infected. This study aimed to identify the determinants of SM during the outbreak, with a focus on the role of social media, and to determine areas where the active contribution of the pharmacist needs strengthening. Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study using snowball sampling was conducted in thirteen countries. Results: A total of 2369 participants with a mean age of 30.62±11.57 years were enrolled in the study. The determinants of SM were 1) sociodemographic characteristics, including developing countries (ORa= 0.670; 95%CI [0.49, 0.91]); 2) communication channels, where Facebook was the most used social media platform (ORa=1.624; 95%CI [1.29, 2.05]); and 3) content and sources of unverified information, i.e. television interviews (ORa=1.357; 95%CI [1.03, 1.78]) and videos with someone confirming the effectiveness of medication used (ORa=1.353; 95%CI [1.06, 1.73]). The perceived risk severity was associated with elderly polypharmacy (ORa= 2.468; 95%CI [1.87, 3.26]). Conclusion: The pharmacist should collaboratively and actively contribute to the design and implementation of health promotion programmes and convert to positive the influence of social media.

Secondary risk reduction service acceptability amongst Irish breast cancer survivors and clinicians

Abstract Background Many patients (>75%) diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland today will be cured and are at risk of dying from other cancers and non-communicable diseases. Breast cancer diagnosis provides a pivotal time point for education on modifiable risk factors and engagement with secondary risk reduction services. Our study set out to establish the level of awareness and acceptability of these areas, respectively. Methods A survey was developed for breast cancer survivors and oncology clinicians using previously validated questionnaires; the ‘Mitchelstown Cohort Survey’ and the ‘International Physical Activity Questionnaire'. IBM SPSS software (Version 28.0) was used for data analysis. Results Between September and December 2021, 322 patients and 29 clinicians attending the South Infirmary Victoria and Cork University Hospitals, completed the survey. Over 80% of patients and clinicians were aware of modifiable cancer risk factors. Only 1 in 5 clinicians had training in secondary risk reduction however 90% were willing to refer to services. Education had an impact on the likelihood of patient engagement with weight management, dietary, and exercise education (Pearson chi-squared test; p = 0.009, 0.039, 0.139 respectively). Patients who smoked, had increased alcohol intake, or gained weight since diagnosis were more likely to engage with services (p = <0.001, p = <0.001, p = 0.015 respectively). Patients who made changes to activity levels since diagnosis were more likely to engage with exercise education (p = 0.015). Conclusions This study identified that over 4 in 5 breast cancer survivors and oncology clinicians were aware of the importance of modifiable lifestyle risk factors. While 9 in 10 clinicians were willing to refer to secondary prevention services if available, the likelihood of patient engagement was associated with their at-risk behaviours and education level. Our study highlights the challenges of implementing health promotion programs in this cohort. Key messages • High level of intended engagement with secondary risk reduction services amongst breast cancer survivors and oncology clinicians. • Likelihood of patient engagement was associated with their at-risk behaviours and education level.

Louisiana trucking companies' implementation of workplace health promotion programs: Explanatory sequential mixed method case study.

Trucking companies may be key partners for workplace health promotion programs to improve heavy and tractor-trailer drivers' health and wellbeing. To identify barriers and facilitators to implementing workplace health promotion programs among Louisiana trucking companies' leadership and staff. A case study approach following an explanatory sequential mixed method research design was used. A quantitative survey, based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), was adapted and distributed online to a convenience sample. Survey respondents were recruited for an interview to gain additional insight on multi-level barriers to implementing workplace health promotion programs. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe barriers and facilitators following TDF constructs. Qualitative data were independently coded among two researchers following the TDF and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to determine themes. Eleven workplace leaders or staff took the survey. Two engaged in a follow-up interview. Regarding the quantitative results, most (82%) believed workplace health promotion programs would save their company money, although were not offering them. No TDF constructs were indicated as barriers given mixed results; however, several were facilitators: Social/Professional Role and Identity; Emotion; Action Planning; Knowledge; Motivation and Goals; and Beliefs about Consequences. Qualitative results captured several Inner (e.g., time, money) and Outer Setting contextual (e.g., truckers' needs and resources) factors considered important to trucking companies' implementation of health promotion programs. Results suggest leadership and staff of Louisiana trucking companies value workplace health promotion programs, although are challenged by limited resources and the broader trucking environment.

Utilization of Social Media as a Health Promotion Tool of Indonesian Hospitals: Literature review

The use of social media in various aspects including health is increasing in recent years. The effectiveness and efficiency of using social media to promote health by hospitals become the excellence, compared to using conventional media. This study aimed to get information about the use of social media by hospitals to organize health promotion from some points of view, including: 1) the type of social media, 2) program effectiveness, 3) engagement level, and 4) efforts to increase engagement level. Among 62 articles (from 2017 to 2022) searched by Google Scholar and Garuda databases with the keywords of media, social, hospital, promotion, and health, the researchers obtained 3 suited articles based on the title, abstract, content, and research objectives. This literature review study revealed that social media is highly effective and efficient in the implementation of health promotion programs by hospitals. Particularly Instagram is the most widely used social media platform with the highest engagement, compared to other social media platforms. The interesting and unique efforts and strategies can further increase community engagement level on hospital social media accounts; thus, there will be an increase in the awareness of healthy living among Indonesian people.

The Necessity of Implementing Health Promotion Programs in Hospitals

The epidemiologic transition has caused the hospitals to focus on health promotion strategies in order to improve the health of their patients and staff. It is one of the reasons that justify institutionalizing the concept of prevention and health promotion among all hospital personnel, empowering patients and interacting with society. It is possible to use this high capacity with lowest cost and introduce the concept of improving the health of hospitals into their organizational culture.

Remote Implementation of a School-Based Health Promotion and Health Coaching Program in Low-Income Urban and Rural Sites: Program Impact during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Adapting existing health programs for synchronous remote implementation has the potential to support vulnerable youth during the COVID 19 pandemic and beyond. The Stanford Youth Diabetes Coaches Program (SYDCP), a school-based health promotion and coaching skills program, was adapted for remote implementation and offered to adolescents from low-income communities in the US: an urban site in San Jose, CA and rural sites in Lawrence County, MO, and Central Valley, CA. Participants completed online pre- and post- surveys. Analysis included paired T-tests, linear regression, and qualitative coding. Of 156 enrolled students, 100 completed pre- and post-surveys. Of those: 84% female; 40% Hispanic; 37% White; 28% Asian; 3% African American; 30% other race. With T-tests and regression models, the following measures showed statistically significant improvements after program participation: health knowledge, patient activation, health understanding and communication, consumption of fruits and vegetables, psychosocial assets of self-esteem, self-efficacy, problem-solving, and ability to reduce stress. Technology barriers were frequently reported at Lawrence County site. 96% participants reported making a lifestyle change after program participation. Remote implementation of health promotion programs for vulnerable youth in diverse settings has potential to support adoption of healthy behaviors, enhance patient activation levels, and improve psychosocial assets.

Body-oriented therapy in the prevention of eating disorders. A systematic review

Aim
 Despite the growing significance of body-oriented therapy and the broad applicability of psychotherapeutic methods that focus on the body, there is a general scarcity of systematic reviews analyzing the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach in addressing body image problems in persons with anorexia or at risk of anorexia. The above constitutes a barrier for practitioners, theoreticians who investigate the mechanisms underpinning therapeutic interventions, as well as educators who implement health promotion programs. The aim of this article was to review research studies analyzing the effects of different body-oriented interventions on body image perception in persons suffering from or at risk of eating disorders such as anorexia.
 Methods
 The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Digital databases (ProQuest, PsychINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched for randomized control trials (RCT). A total of 425 records, including 69 full-length research articles, were critically analyzed. Fifteen trials that met all inclusion criteria were ultimately included in the analysis.
 Results 
 The review revealed that body-oriented therapeutic programs are more effective in reducing risk factors and reinforcing protective factors in comparison with the control groups, and that the inclusion of body-oriented therapy in standard therapeutic practice could substantially minimize the symptoms of eating disorders.
 Conclusions
 Further research is needed to directly compare the effects of different types of interventions on risk factors and protective factors.

Models and theories to support health promotion programmes for overweight and obese adults: A scoping review

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity has been alarming. One approach to address this issue is to implement health promotion programmes. Despite the many health promotion and health intervention programmes held, there is a lack of evidence showing the application of theories and models. This scoping review aimed to explore existing literature and synthesise findings based on models and theories used to support health promotion programmes for overweight and obese adults. Methods: This review was guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Online databases, such as Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were used to search for relevant articles using suitable keywords, from January 2015 until December 2021. Articles were written in English and Malay, and the study subjects were adults aged 18-59 years old. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, and the extracted information were tabulated after analysis. Results: A total of 13 different theories and models were found in the 27 articles selected. Many studies reported using the Transtheoretical Model, Social Cognitive Theory, and Health Belief Model in health promotion programmes for overweight and obese adults. Most constructs and components focused on changing health-related behaviours starting with the individual, such as self-efficacy and readiness to change. Majority of the articles showed an improvement in health-related behaviours and had great potential for future studies. Conclusion: When conducting health promotion programmes for overweight and obese adults, researchers should consider models and theories with constructs and components to ensure consistent improvement and potentially significant impacts on health-related outcomes.

Attitudes of children and adolescents towards healthy lifestyle issues

Abstract Background Health education for promoting healthy lifestyle from early ages is considered to be important. However, this issue has not been thoroughly examined in Georgia. The research, undertaken on adolescents, aimed to analyse adolescents’ lifestyle, awareness and attitudes towards healthy lifestyle. Methods The study applied a mixed methods design and included both, qualitative and quantitative research methods. 145 students aged 17 to 23 years participated in the research. In order to evaluate the adolescent’s perceptions and attitudes, qualitative individual interviews with university students were conducted. For the quantitative method, a self-administered questionnaire assessing the level of adolescents’ awareness and attitudes towards healthy lifestyle was developed. Results This section presents preliminary findings of the study. We found that more than 67% of adolescents were aware on the importance of healthy lifestyle. However, most of the participants did not transfer their knowledge into practice. The participants found it challenging to maintain healthy eating habits due to increased costs of healthy, organic food. The study also confirmed the need for integrated work of public, governmental, and non-governmental organizations to initiate and implement health promotion programs for children and adolescents. Conclusions Overall, the study found that even though adolescents are aware about the importance of the healthy lifestyle, it is challenging for them to maintain it. In order to change adolescents’ attitudes towards unhealthy behaviour, it is necessary to carry out targeted interventions. Key messages • Health education is a necessary component for healthy lifestyle. • Healthy lifestyle requires careful study of the issue and making evidence-based conclusions.

Municipal community centers as healthy settings: evaluation of a real-world health promotion intervention in Jerusalem

BackgroundThis study presents an intervention designed to foster the implementation of health promotion programs within District Municipality Community Centers (DMCCs) in Jerusalem, and the creation of a peer network of healthy settings with a shared aspiration of collaborating and implementing health-promoting policies at the community level. We also present the evaluation strategy, based on the EQUIHP and RE-AIM frameworks.MethodsTwenty DMCCs completed our program. This evaluation research involved a comprehensive seminar during the first year for DMCCs coordinators, teaching them the principles of health promotion. An educational kit was distributed during the second year. The evaluation strategy included a process evaluation and annual evaluations based on the EQUIHP and RE-AIM frameworks. The EQUIHP tool was divided into four dimensions of evaluation: 1) Framework of health promotion principles, 2) Project development and implementation, 3) Project management, and 4) Sustainability; while the RE-AIM domains included: 1)Reach, 2)Effectiveness, 3)Adoption, 4)Implementation and 5)Maintenance.ResultsThe program led to high responsiveness among DMCCs and to the implementation of diverse health promotion initiatives, with a participation of approximately 29,191 residents. The EQUIHP evaluation showed an improvement in program quality in Year 2. The final RE-AIM evaluation presented a total median score of 0.61 for all domains, where 0 was non-performance and 1.0 was full performance. The ‘Framework of health promotion principles’ and ‘Reach’ components received the highest median score (0.83, 1.0 and 0.87), while the ‘Sustainability and ‘Maintenance’ components received the lowest (0.5).ConclusionsThis innovative program adapts the Healthy Cities approach (initiated by the World Health Organization in 1986) to the development of community center health-promoting settings within the larger municipal framework, training local community center staff members to assess and address local health concerns and build community capacity. The local focus and efforts may help community actors to create health promotion programs more likely to be adopted, feasible in the ‘real-world’ and able to produce public health impact in the communities where people live. Moreover, collaboration and cooperation among DMCCs may lead to a broader community health vision, forging coalitions that can advocate more powerfully for health promotion.Trial registrationNIH trial registration number: NCT04470960.Retrospectively registered on: 14/07/2020.

Overview of the Implementation of Health Promotion Programs for Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Hospital

Introduction: Health promotion is an effort to create people to improve and maintain their health. Improper implementation of Health Promoting Hospital (HPH) can increase recurrence and mortality rates, decrease patient satisfaction, and increase patient care costs in hospitals. Various epidemiological studies show a tendency to increase the incidence and prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in various parts of the world. The WHO organization predicts a large increase in the number of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in the coming years. Objective: This study aims to describe the implementation of health promotion programs in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in the hospitals. Method: The type of this research is a descriptive analysis with a quantitative approach. The population in this study were outpatients for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at the Internal Medicine Polyclinic in Panembahan Senopati Bantul Hospital and PKU Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta Hospital. The sampling technique used is quota sampling, the number of sample used is 440 patients. The instrument used is a questionnaire. Data analysis in this study used categorical description analysis. Result and Discussion: The results showed that 83.3% (out of 233 DM patients at Panembahan Senopati Hospital Bantul) and 64.3% (out of 207 DM patients at PKU Hospital Yogyakarta City) stated that health promotion at the hospital was good. The results of the study on patient assessment standards and patient information and intervention standards also showed good results. Conclusion: So it can be concluded that health promotion in Panembahan Senopati Bantul Hospital and PKU Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta Hospital in general is good

The Role of Health Promotion in Change Teenage Smoking Behavior

The implementation of health promotion programs is important because it is to increase adolescent knowledge about the dangers of smoking, improve adolescent perceptions of smoking, and change adolescent attitudes about smoking to not smoking anymore. The purpose of writing this article is to know and understand the role of health promotion in changing adolescent smoking behavior. The method used in this paper is a systematic review study. 80 articles (2011-2021) were collected in English based on the database of Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, DOAJ, and Emerald Insight. From the 7 articles analyzed, it can be found that the adverse effects of cigarettes on smokers and people around smokers are diseases; some of these diseases are cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, acute respiratory infections (ARI), hypertension, stroke, and various other diseases. This impact cannot be felt when initially consuming cigarettes in the early stages. The bad impact will refer to a decrease in individual productivity and performance. One of the strategic efforts to change smoking behavior is through health promotion interventions to change unhealthy lifestyles into healthy ones. Health promotion is one of the efforts to improve public health that focuses on promotion and preventive efforts to provide knowledge in changing adolescent smoking behavior so that they are able to maintain and improve their health status independently.

Putting implementation into context: Exploring the influence of physical, social, and task contexts on the implementation of health promotion programs

The aim of this paper is to empirically examine the influence of organizational context on the implementation effectiveness of human resource management (HRM) practices with the aim of maintaining the health and well-being of employees, known as health promotion programs (HPPs). HPPs are a strategic function in HRM and play a crucial role in creating and maintaining human capital. Effective implementation is typically viewed as a critical prerequisite for the success of HPPs. By exploring the influence of organizational context on the implementation of HPPs, this paper offers a fresh approach to understanding HRM implementation in a relatively neglected area of research. To uncover contextual influences a multiple-case study in four German organizations operating in the chemical industry was conducted. Data was collected using a multi-method design consisting of an analysis of documents and 28 semi-structured interviews. The study is among the first to apply the categorical model of context by Johns to the investigation of the implementation of health promotion programs. The results contribute to a more nuanced view of HRM implementation by highlighting the interrelationships between contextual factors stemming from the physical, social, and task context and implementation fidelity. By providing initial empirical evidence of the mechanisms underlying this relationship, this study sheds light on the complexity and breadth of contextual influences during the implementation of HPPs and offers several theoretical and practical implications.

Health Promotion Workforce in South Africa: Direction from the Australian Health Promotion Association.

South Africa's progress towards forming a health promotion workforce lags behind the health promotion career opportunities and professional standards guided by the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA), from which South Africa can learn valuable lessons. Despite the existence of a national health promotion strategy, inconsistencies in health promotion workforce standards are a national reality. In one of the 10 National Health Insurance pilot districts in South Africa, researchers investigated health care workers' experiences of the barriers and enablers for the health promotion workforce. A qualitative explorative descriptive design was used. Health care workers (health promoters, n =8; operational managers, n =6; senior managers, n =3) in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District's public health sector were sampled using purposive proportional quota sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured individual interviews until data saturation was reached (N=17). Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed, supported by ATLAS.ti 8. Five themes and thirteen sub-themes emerged, and barriers to the health promotion workforce exceeded enablers. Health promotion workforce structure and policies were deficient. Managerial supervision and monitoring were lacking. The health promotion workforce received insufficient resources with limited implementation of health promotion programs. Formal and informal health promotion training was necessary. The AHPA's proposed Health Promotion Workforce model is considered, focusing on a clear workforce structure, strengthened by managerial buy-in and efficient monitoring and evaluation. Formal and informal health promotion training and advocacy of the health promotion workforce industry are highlighted. Countries with emerging economies and similar health systems to South Africa might find this article useful.

An exploration of the health promotion activities implemented by universities: have we got the right balance?

ABSTRACT Guidelines for implementing health promotion programmes within university settings outline key action areas for addressing health concerns. Further guidance is needed to help manage specific health promotion activities according to the needs and resources available to universities. Decisions about allocating resources to improve employee health depend on diverse factors such as the workplace, industry, country, and employee. A more nuanced understanding of health promotion programme implementation should help universities address the alarming rates of occupational stress reported among employees. This present study develops a taxonomy to help universities implement appropriate activities. Content analysis and interview findings highlight the importance of communication between workplaces and employees to determine the motivations for adopting health promotion activities. Collaboration between an extensive network of stakeholders will likely ensure that appropriate activities are available, supported, and implemented to target employee health concerns.

STAR-VITAL, a Four Year Comprehensive Workplace Health Promotion Program: Study Design

Background: Premature death, chronic disease, and productivity loss can be reduced with the help of programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. Workplace health promotion programs have been shown to be an efficient way of improving employee health. These can also benefit employers by improving retention, reducing worker turnover, and lowering healthcare costs. In Slovenia, a workplace health promotion program called “STAR-VITAL—Joint Measures for the Vitality of Older Workers” targeting small- and medium-sized enterprises has been ongoing since September 2017. We hypothesize that this workplace health promotion program will yield long-term health changes for the included employees and employers. Methods/Design: The manuscript presents a workplace health promotion program design that introduces some novel approaches and solutions to workplace health promotion program implementation. It also introduces a measurement of their effects that address the problem of low participation rates and the effectiveness of workplace health promotion programs, as follows: (1) the multifaceted and individualised approach to implementation, (2) customer relationship management (CRM) -based interaction management with program participants, and (3) impact evaluation based on employee health and labour market data observing both intermediate outcomes and the final outcomes based on national micro administrative data. Discussion: Although the novel approaches introduced with the STAR-VITAL program proved to be effective during the COVID-19 pandemic, they deserve the attention of scholars and practitioners. Further research is called for to further explore the potential of CRM in health promotion contexts, the effectiveness of multifaceted and individualised workplace health promotion program interventions, and micro administrative data-based impact evaluations. Conclusions: The STAR-VITAL program introduces several new approaches addressing the problem of low participation rates and the effectiveness of WHPPs. Further research is called for to discover and explore the potential of those novel approaches.