Health Promotion Research Articles

Sexual health education knowledge required by health education teachers in Finland

ABSTRACT Health education teachers have a crucial role to play in delivering sexual health education in schools, with their own knowledge being key to providing comprehensive sexual health education to adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe the sexual health education knowledge required by health education teachers in Finland. Qualitative methods were used to explore the perspectives of Finnish health education teachers using semi-structured interviews and e-forms. Data collection from 15 health education teachers took place in March and April 2023. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Findings highlight the importance of health education teachers having sound knowledge about: 1) the diversity of adolescent sexual health, 2) the functions of the adolescent body, 3) factors threatening adolescent sexual health, 4) factors promoting adolescent sexual health, and 5) relevant relevant forms of pedagogy. The findings from this study offer a unique perspective on the wide-ranging knowledge required by health education teachers regarding sexual health education in Finland. It is imperative that present and future health education teachers are well-trained and qualified. Both pre- and in-service training should be comprehensive and accessible to enable the delivery of high-quality sexual health education to adolescents and, consequently, the promotion of sexual health.

Community‐Driven Health Promotion: Evaluation of a Rural Microgrant Program

ABSTRACTIntroductionMicrogrants for health promotion have the potential to engage communities in designing and implementing place‐based interventions to improve health and social outcomes. However, the evidence base around microgrants for health promotion is limited. This study presents the evaluation of a health service‐funded microgrant program for health promotion in rural Australia.MethodsThe evaluation framework was developed through a participatory approach and involved collaborative logic model building and co‐prioritized evaluation questions with health service staff and grant recipients. Evaluation questions focused on participation, short‐term outcomes, and the perceived value of program activities. Qualitative methods (reflexive thematic analysis) were used to answer the evaluation questions. Data sources included semi‐structured interviews with grantees (n = 11) and the health service's health promotion team (n = 4), electronic field notes kept by the health promotion team (n = 50 documents), electronic progress reports completed by grantees (n = 6) and information and feedback forums (n = 2).ResultsSince the program's inception in 2019, the health service has received 22 grant applications of which 15 were approved and 14 disbursed. Evaluation results show that grantees were community members with multiple roles, often with previous experience in applying for grants. Expected outcomes have been partially met, especially with regard to the program's aim of community empowerment. The most notable impact was the enhancement of participants' perception of and relationship with the health promotion team, as well as the creation of opportunities for community members such as exposure to art and bridging of social groups.ConclusionMicrogrants represent a feasible way to increase health opportunities and foster community participation in the planning and delivery of health promotion programs. The key program activities identified and suggested improvements can help guide program replication and adaptation by other small organizations.Public ContributionCommunity members who had previously received a health service grant were invited to participate in collaborative workshops and follow‐up surveys to codesign the grant program evaluation framework, co‐prioritize evaluation questions and guide the results' dissemination plan.

Quality of Health Promotion and Attitude Towards Health Wellness of University Students

This study explores the quality of existing physical health promotion initiatives and attitudes toward health wellness among college students in physical health care classes. Using a mixed-method approach, the research assessed various aspects of health promotion, including physical and medical integration strategies, academic support, and resource availability. A total of 296 respondents participated, providing insights into the effectiveness of current programs and the factors influencing students’ attitudes toward physical, emotional, mental, and social wellness.Findings revealed that while students generally rated the quality of health promotion initiatives positively, freshmen reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction compared to sophomores. Additionally, emotional wellness was identified as the most prioritized aspect of health, whereas mental wellness was rated lower, highlighting the need for more comprehensive mental health support. The study also found a significant relationship between the quality of health promotion initiatives and students' attitudes toward health wellness, suggesting that well-designed health programs can positively influence students' overall well-being.

The “Best of 2024 List” of Health Promotion Researchers

Each year the editorial team of the American Journal of Health Promotion selects our “Best of the Year List” of health promotion studies from the prior year. This editorial features the Editor’s Picks Awards, the Editor in Chief Awards, the Michael P. O’Donnell Award and the Dorothy Nyswander Award for the best research and writing published in 2024 in this journal. Our criteria for selection includes: whether the study addresses a topic of timely importance in health promotion, the research question is clearly stated and the study methods used are well executed; whether the paper is often cited and downloaded; if the study findings offer a unique contribution to the literature; and if the paper is well-written and enjoyable to read. Awardees in 2024 offered new insights into research methods, the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and groups, brain health and mental health assessment, climate change perceptions and the role of diversity, equity and inclusion in advancing employee health. This “best of 2024 list” featured studies based in health systems, workplaces and communities and includes case studies and qualitative and quantitative research methods that enabled researchers to better explain what amplifies or hampers well-being.

Effectiveness of a health promotion program on overweight in vulnerable children from primary schools (BeE-school): A cluster-randomized controlled trial

Effectiveness of a health promotion program on overweight in vulnerable children from primary schools (BeE-school): A cluster-randomized controlled trial

The effect of group counseling based on positive psychology on the WhatsApp social media platform on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a prevalent health issue impacting women, significantly impacting their well-being and fostering a negative attitude of femininity and menstruation. We investigated the effect of group counseling based on positive psychology on the severity of PMS symptoms.MethodsParticipants in the intervention group engaged in six online sessions of group counseling focused on positive psychology via WhatsApp. Data were collected using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Questionnaire (PSST) before, immediately, and two months post-intervention. Analytical assessments were performed using SPSS 16 software using Chi-square, independent t-tests, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Comparative analyses were carried out using the Bonferroni post hoc test with a 95% confidence level.ResultsThe mean intensity of PMS symptoms in the intervention group significantly decreased from 21.60 (2.50) to 13.35 (4.727) and 14.750 (5.963) immediately and two months after the intervention; however, the difference was not significant in the control group. The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed that the effect of the intervention over time and the interaction between time and group were significant. The Eta effect size was about 0.20 and 16%, respectively (p = 0.001). According to Bonferroni post hoc test results, the difference in the mean scores of the severity of PMS symptoms before the intervention was statistically significant compared to both follow-up periods (p ≤ 0.007). However, the difference in mean scores immediately after the intervention compared to two months after the intervention was not statistically significant (p = 0.42).ConclusionUsing a positive counseling approach demonstrates efficacy in alleviating the severity of PMS symptoms in the short term. While all women can benefit from such interventions, targeting adolescents is particularly strategic, as early interventions can foster positive attitudes toward menstruation. Additionally, social media platforms like WhatsApp provide a feasible and engaging medium for adolescent health interventions. Integrating this approach into adolescent health promotion package appears to be a viable measure worthy of consideration by relevant policymakers.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials IRCT20201113049377N1, Date of Registration 2020, 12, 08.

Factors associated with perceived health of school-aged children in rural Rwanda: an opportunity to leverage community health workers to enhance school health promotion and primary healthcare systems linkages

BackgroundIn many low-income countries, enhancing the health of school-aged children is often impeded by insufficient or limited knowledge regarding their health status. Further, hands-on health promotion interventions are nearly non-existent due to the lack of designated health workers. The disconnection between schools and primary care facilities further exacerbates this issue. To address these challenges, the World Health Organization has introduced the Health Promoting School (HPS) framework, a comprehensive model designed to integrate health into all aspects of school life and promote physical, mental, and social well-being. We sought to assess the perceived health status of school-aged children, identify associated factors, and explore the role of community health workers (CHWs) in public schools in rural Rwanda.MethodsWe carried out a convergent mixed methods study among teachers and community members in rural areas of Musanze, Rwanda. Data collection instruments were adapted from the World Health Organization’s HPS framework and the literature. We conducted six in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions. We performed a logistic regression analysis to examine the factors associated with perceived health. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.ResultsA total of 479 individuals participated in this survey. Of these, 425 (89%) were community members, while 54 (11%) were employed as teachers at Nyabirehe or Rwinzovu public schools. Almost half of respondents 221 (46%) described the children’s health as poor. Many factors were associated with perceived children’s health, including having an established leadership team for school-based health promotion (OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.01,3,84), and being familiar with school-based health promotion (OR = 4.77, 95%CI: 2.27,10.0). Qualitative results described the CHW as a bridge between communities, schools, and primary healthcare centers.ConclusionThis study revealed that the health of schoolchildren needs particular attention. In resource-limited settings, HPS presents a promising opportunity to address the health and well-being of children at rural public schools. However, adapted policies, the establishment of health promotion teams, and hands-on orientation for teachers and community members are necessary to ensure an effective implementation of HPS. In Rwanda and other low-income countries where public schools lack nursing staff, CHWs could play a vital role in enhancing HPS and the linkage between schools and primary healthcare facilities.

Sense of Community in the context of disease prevention and health promotion: A scoping review of the literature

BackgroundThe centrality of community engagement in disease prevention and health promotion interventions highlights the need to understand the contextual factors that shape participation. Sense of Community (SoC), characterized by feelings of belonging, connection, and interdependence among members of a community, has emerged as a key component of community capacity and is therefore expected to influence engagement outcomes. However, empirical evidence is needed to assess its actual impact on community engagement. Additionally, the literature lacks a broader synthesis of the role and implications of SoC in this context. This study aims to review the empirical literature on SoC in disease prevention and health promotion, with a special focus on its association with community engagement.MethodsA scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, searching for empirical studies published between 1974 and 2023 via Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed.ResultsNineteen studies were included in the review, revealing three key themes: (1) the community to which SoC refers – among intervention participants, within community coalitions, and defined by the place of residence; (2) the interpretation of SoC, either as a generic, intuitive concept or as a theoretically defined construct; (3) the ways in which SoC is studied – as a predictor of engagement but also as an outcome of the interventions. Generic SoC among intervention participants emerged as a positive outcome and a factor contributing to engagement. However, as the scope expanded to encompass broader communities and SoC became more theoretically grounded, these dynamics shifted. SoC related to the place of residence did not exhibit significant improvement after interventions. Broader community-level SoC showed positive associations with engagement among members of community coalitions, but evidence was less consistent among the individuals targeted by interventions.ConclusionsThe review highlighted a scarcity of empirical research on SoC despite its recognition as a key component of community capacity. Contextualizing SoC is crucial, as its interpretation significantly influences its role in disease prevention and health promotion interventions. Further research is needed to clarify whether SoC can foster engagement at all community levels, especially among the general population. This is particularly relevant amid the current context of escalating health needs and strained traditional resources, where community engagement is increasingly essential to ensuring the sustainable delivery of disease prevention and health promotion efforts. If SoC can drive widespread engagement, it could play a pivotal role in building more proactive and autonomous health-promoting communities.

What is known about persons with co-occurring problems’ experiences with supported housing, recovery, and health promotion? A scoping review

BackgroundHaving a home is the foundation of most people’s lives. People with co-occurring substance use and mental health problems may experience challenges in acquiring and keeping housing. Many also have major health challenges. Supported housing is the subject of increasing interest, but there seems to be a lack of studies exploring supported housing’s potential for facilitating recovery and health promotion. Therefore, a scoping review was performed to answer our review question: What is known in the literature about the experiences of persons with co-occurring substance use and mental health problems with supported housing, including experiences of recovery and health promotion?MethodsSystematic searches were conducted in the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Social Services s, Web of Science, Scopus, and Oria, and Idunn.no databases. The search terms were derived from the population, concepts, and context. The search for grey literature was conducted in various Norwegian sources.ResultsForty studies were included: 7 with quantitative design, 28 with qualitative design and 5 with mixed methods design. The studies were from Canada, Ireland, Norway, Scotland, and the USA.The review identified four themes related to tenants’ experiences with supported housing:1)The importance of a permanent and safe home; 2) Housing’s importance for physical health; 3) A shoulder to lean on – the importance of relationships and support; 4) the value of choice and independence.Factors that may influence physical health were poorly represented.ConclusionsLong-term housing and safety are prerequisites for recovery for people with co-occurring problems. Programmes such as Housing First and Assertive Community Teams, especially, were experienced to support recovery. Autonomy was valued, including access to individual and respectful support from service providers when needed.Supported housing may be a health-promoting arena, especially in relation to mental health. More attention should be given to how service providers can support tenants to protect their physical health, especially related to nutrition, meals and communal cooking. Further research is needed to tailor optimal services and support for people with co-occurring problems, including balancing support and autonomy with the aim of promoting health and recovery.Peer specialists’ contributions to supported housing are scarce and need further development.

Correction: “She has become my best friend”: a qualitative study on the perspective of elderly with type 2 diabetes regarding the use of an interactive virtual assistant device for diabetes care and mental health promotion

Correction: “She has become my best friend”: a qualitative study on the perspective of elderly with type 2 diabetes regarding the use of an interactive virtual assistant device for diabetes care and mental health promotion

Development of a framework of interpersonal communication skills for MPharm students: a UK eDelphi study

Abstract Introduction The importance of communication skills for pharmacists in their daily activities, particularly in patient-centred care, is paramount. Effective healthcare, including complex tasks such as health promotion and medication reviews, heavily relies on quality communication. The GPhC emphasises the importance of graduates being able to employ communication skills in various settings1 although consensus on essential communication competencies in student pharmacist education is lacking. Aim To achieve consensus on a framework of interpersonal communication competencies for MPharm students. Method With approval from Keele University’s Research Ethics Committee, a draft interpersonal communication competency framework was developed after thorough literature review. Panellists with an interest in pharmacy education (including graduates, pharmacists and non-pharmacists) were invited to participate in an online three-round modified eDelphi study. Round 1 involved participants reviewing the draft framework, providing feedback on competency relevance/ wording and identifying missing competencies. Round 2 evaluated an updated framework for competency importance, with competencies needing 80% agreement to achieve consensus. Competencies without consensus underwent Round 3 review. Feedback was provided after each round. Results Panellists from across UK came from diverse pharmacy sectors like community, hospital, primary care, academia, industry, regulatory and education. In addition, there was as considerable participant experience, knowledge and expertise, which contributed distinct insights and viewpoints. The draft framework comprised 123 competencies across four Domains: Generic Communication (sub-divided into: organisation of an encounter, initiating and closing discussions, verbal and non-verbal communication, encouragement of person involvement, and adjusting communication based on contextual or cultural factors); Patient-Specific Communication (sub-divided into: gathering patient information and shared decision making); Peer Communication, and Other Communication (e.g., written). In total, 56, 49, and 47 participants completed each of the three consecutive rounds. In Round 1, over 500 comments prompted considerable amendments, including competency additions, removals, and mergers. This led to 126 competencies being rated for importance in Round 2 and 120 competencies (95%) were deemed important by at least 80% of eDelphi participants. Alongside competency ratings, an additional 130 comments were received, offering constructive insights. Six competencies that failed to achieve consensus in Round 2 underwent review again in Round 3. Subsequently, three more competencies failed to achieve consensus, resulting in a final agreed-upon framework of 123 competencies. Discussion This is the first competency framework developed for pharmacy student education. This study underscores the importance of interpersonal communication skills in pharmacy education and the experience of participants enriched the study, providing diverse and essential perspectives that were crucial in defining these competencies. The robustness of the iterative eDelphi process was instrumental in refining these competencies through multiple rounds. Although most competencies achieved consensus, a few contentious competencies underscored the challenges of aligning participant perspectives. The finalised framework, grounded in evidence-based development and stakeholder involvement, potentially serves as a flexible foundation for structuring pharmacy education curricula, but the scope of the study may face limitations, with the range of competencies either being too broad or too narrow, which could make implementation a challenge. Future research could focus on assessing these competencies across diverse healthcare settings. Reference 1. General Pharmaceutical Council, (2017). Standards for pharmacy professionals. Retrieved from https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/sites/default/files/standards_for_pharmacy_professionals_may_2017_0.pdf.

Exploring Rural, Black Women’s Lived Experiences With Physical Activity and Nutrition: A Photo-Elicitation Study

Eastern North Carolina (ENC) residents have higher rates of type 2 diabetes, lower life expectancy, less physical activity (PA), and higher food insecurity than the rest of North Carolina. Black individuals in ENC may face health disparities due to systemic and societal barriers to PA and a nutritious diet; modifiable behaviors that may improve overall health. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of rural Black women who live in ENC and who meet the criteria for overweight and obesity in the context of PA and healthful diet promotion. Photo-elicitation was used to explore this population’s specific experiences with PA and nutrition, including barriers and facilitators, through photos and focus groups. Participants (N = 14; 43.5 ± 8.7 years old; body mass index (BMI) = 34.6 ± 5.9 kg/m2) were Black women in the rural Southeastern United States. Recruitment strategies included community outreach, listservs, social media, and word of mouth. Using photos submitted, our team conducted focus groups and completed content analyses to identify themes to tailor the development of a future health promotion program for Black women. Overarching themes were (a) Reframing the Mindset, (b) Accountability, and (c) Cultural Relativity. Findings demonstrate that Black women living in rural areas desire culturally relevant PA and nutrition programming focusing on healthy lifestyles versus weight loss. Future practice and research should utilize these findings to develop and examine the health impact of a health promotion program designed for Black women by Black women on PA levels, diet quality, and quality of life.

The impact of health literacy on health-promoting lifestyle among community residents: the chain-mediating role of family health and physical activity

BackgroundAdopting health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) is crucial for improving overall well-being and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The relationship between health literacy (HL) and HPL among Chinese community residents is complex, with potential mediating factors yet to be fully understood. Family health and physical activity (PA) may play significant roles in this relationship. This study aims to construct a chain mediation model to explore whether family health and PA mediate the effects of HL on HPL in Chinese community residents.MethodsUsing the convenient sampling method, 1,072 Chinese community residents were selected for a cross-sectional study. All participants completed a self-report questionnaire that collected demographic information, as well as data from the Health Literacy Scale Short-Form (HLS-SF12), Family Health Scale Short-Form (FHS-SF), Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II Revise (HPLP-II R). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, with mediation analysis performed using the SPSS PROCESS macro.ResultsThere were significant pairwise correlations between HL, family health, PA, and HPL (p < 0.01). HL was directly linked to HPL (effect = 0.442; SE = 0.025; 95% CI: 0.392, 0.491). Additionally, three indirect pathways were identified: family health independently mediated 6.02% of the effect (effect = 0.032; SE = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.013, 0.051), PA also independently mediated 9.02% of the effect (effect = 0.048; SE = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.030, 0.068), and a combined chain mediation through both family health and PA accounted for 1.88% of the effect (effect = 0.010; SE = 0.003; 95% CI: 0.005, 0.017).ConclusionHL not only has a direct impact on promoting HPL but also influences it indirectly through the mediating roles of family health and PA. These insights elucidate the mechanisms by which HL affects HPL, providing valuable theoretical guidance for the development and implementation of effective strategies to encourage healthy lifestyle practices.

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Junk Food Consumption among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Central Department of Education, TU

College life is a critical period during which students are particularly vulnerable to developing unhealthy dietary behaviors. This study assessed the socio-demographic determinants of junk food consumption (JFC) among higher education students. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered survey questionnaire among 272 university students studying at the Central Department of Education, TU. The findings revealed that although only six percent of students preferred to consume junk food, a surprisingly high proportion (83.5%) reported consuming it. Peer pressure was mentioned by nearly half of them (47.8%) as the main cause of JFC. Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between JFC and selected socio-demographic variables, including sex (p<0.05), subject specialization (p<0.001), and caste/ethnicity (p<0.05). The results indicate a high prevalence of JFC among university students, with socio-demographic factors such as sex, subject specialization, and caste/ethnicity being significantly associated with JFC. To lower the frequency of JFC among university students, the study emphasizes the urgent need for university-based health promotion and education initiatives.

Validity and reliability of the short-form adolescent health promotion scale among adolescents and young adults in Ghana: methodological study

Background and aimAssessing health promotion among adolescents and young adults is vital to identify healthy and unhealthy behaviours as well as to evaluate health promotion interventions. However, there is no valid and reliable scale to assess health promotion among Ghanaians. For the first time, this study determined the validity and reliability of the original version of the Short‐Form Adolescent Health Promotion (AHP) scale among adolescents and young adults in Ghana.MethodThis cross-sectional methodological study included 617 adolescents and young adults within Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data from study participants. The AHP-Scale was also used to collect data on participants health promoting behaviors. The scale’s validity was evaluated using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO), Bartlett’s test of sphericity and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), whilst the reliability was assessed using the Cronbach’s ɑ coefficient. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26.ResultsThe KMO and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity were reported to be 0.899 and χ2 (276) = 6682.338 respectively, allowing for EFA with orthogonal rotation. The EFA revealed five factors covering 54.62% of the total variance. The factor loading order of the items did not exactly correspond to the order obtained in the original version of the scale’s validity analysis as the original scale had six factors. This six-factor loading scale was valid in regards to construct validity. The obtained factors included: life appreciation, exercise, stress management, nutrition, and social support. In this current study, Cronbach’s ɑ was calculated at 0.87 for the whole scale and between 0.71 and 0.92 for its subscales. Thus, indicating the current scale reliable.ConclusionThe six-factor loading scale of the Adolescent Health Promotion scale developed in the present study is acceptable for the validity and reliability assessment. However, the construct validity of this scale should be checked in other samples as it did not cover a large variance of the population. Large population wide studies are also needed to augment the current study findings with additional modifications for the adopted AHP scale.

Community-based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Promoting Digital Health Literacy among People in Precarious Living Conditions

The rapidly advancing digital transformation is opening up innovative opportunities for disease prevention and health promotion, particularly through sociotechnical innovations. Digitally-enabled interventions serve as augmentative tools for disseminating health-related information and promoting individual empowerment and self-efficacy. Despite their potential, digital media in community-based disease prevention and health promotion face challenges, such as the need for low-threshold design and consideration of technological acceptance factors. People in precarious life situations, who often face limited access and lower literacy towards digital technologies, could benefit from targeted measures geared to their specific needs. At the same time, it is important to highlight the risks of insufficient digital health literacy, which can have a negative impact on health. Promoting digital health literacy therefore appears to be an essential tool for improving the health situation of people in precarious living circumstances. This article argues for evidence-based and targeted further development of digital interventions for health promotion that are tailored to the needs of people in precarious living conditions and emphasizes the central role of digital health literacy in this process. In this contribution, the area of early childhood intervention is considered for exemplification.

Community Health Worker Videoconferencing Interventions for Disease Management and Health Promotion: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Background Public health interventions delivered by community health workers (CHWs) have been proven effective in improving health outcomes across multiple fields, particularly in populations that are underserved by traditional health care systems. To date, little research is available about how CHW-led interventions could be successfully delivered virtually, despite many other health care services being offered via telehealth. Objective This paper details a scoping review protocol that aims to assess the existing literature on CHW-led interventions using videoconferencing technology. Methods The scoping review protocol was developed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines on conduct of scoping reviews. Included papers will describe a direct intervention to manage disease or improve health, delivered by CHWs via videoconferencing. Multiple literature databases and gray literature will be searched. Abstracts and then full texts will be reviewed to determine inclusion by 2 independent reviewers; conflicts at each stage will be resolved by a third reviewer. A data extraction tool will be used by reviewers to independently chart data from included studies; results will be reviewed for accuracy by a second reviewer. Included papers will be analyzed to identify the breadth of the available evidence, including barriers, facilitators, effectiveness, and best practices described in the literature. Data will be summarized in a narrative review. Results This study commenced in April 2022, and the study protocol was finalized in November 2022. A preliminary search of the published literature (excluding gray literature) in July 2024 revealed 276 reports after removal of duplicates. The formal literature search will commence in August 2024, with results available by December 2024. We intend to publish results in the academic literature as well as creating a report accessible to nonacademic and community audiences. Conclusions This review will illuminate the breadth of the evidence available on CHW videoconferencing interventions, with specific focus on strategies for implementation success and equity of access. and will be of great value to organizations that offer CHW services. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/55160

Association between bullying victimization and mental health problems among Chinese left-behind children: a cross-sectional study from the adolescence mental health promotion cohort

Association between bullying victimization and mental health problems among Chinese left-behind children: a cross-sectional study from the adolescence mental health promotion cohort

Bovine colostrum in human health promotion: determinants and moderators of purchase intention and consumption in Brazil

Bovine colostrum in human health promotion: determinants and moderators of purchase intention and consumption in Brazil

Evaluation of a school-based health promotion intervention in a resource-constrained community

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a school-based health promotion intervention that was implemented in three primary schools in a resource-constrained community in Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa, among Grade 4 to 6 learners. I accordingly investigated the learners’, teachers’ and parents’ experiences, perceptions and potential behavioural changes in terms of healthy food practices after the implementation of the Win-LIFE (Wellness in Lifestyle, Intake, Fitness and Environment) intervention. The study forms part of a broader institutional project. I followed an evaluation research design, applying Participatory Reflection and Action (PRA) principles, an interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative approach. The conceptual framework was based on Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) bio-ecological theory and Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive learning theory. A purposeful sample of 31 learners, 18 teachers and 31 parents participated in PRA-based data-generation and documentation activities. In addition, I used observation-as-context-of-interaction, field notes, research diaries and audio-visual techniques. In terms of results, the teacher-participants valued the PRA-based nature and their involvement as partners in developing and implementing the intervention. They also perceived the intervention as valuable to others, experienced some challenges during the implementation and made certain recommendations for future implementation. The parent-participants indicated that they gained knowledge about healthy food practices because of the Win-LIFE intervention. They started applying their newly gained knowledge yet required additional guidelines. Finally, the learner-participants’ experiences (reported as part of two master’s studies) of the enriched Life Skills curriculum (Bentley, 2016) and Natural Sciences and Technology curriculum (De Vos, 2017) were positive. They valued the experiential and cooperative learning approach and supportive facilitators, resulting in positive learning outcomes and their application of the newly gained knowledge, despite some challenges they identified. The findings thus indicate that the Win-LIFE intervention was valuable to teachers, learners and parents, increasing their awareness of, as well as their knowledge and skills regarding healthy eating practices (food choice, production, preparation and storage) and healthy living, thereby enabling them to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, the teachers’ repertoire ofteaching strategies was extended. The learners, on the other hand, began to engage in their own learning more actively, based on the confidence, discipline and ability that they gained to retain information. Learners also transferred their knowledge and skills to their parents and other family members.