Public Health Promotion Research Articles

Developing Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool for Health System: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The role of the healthcare system in the provision, maintenance, and promotion of public health is associated with handling healthcare complaints. This notion as the principle of accountability requires the authorities' attention. This study aimed to develop the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool (HCAT) in Iran. Following a comprehensive review of the country and field studies conducted in the Medical System Organization and Universities of Medical Sciences, the features of patients' complaints were extracted from medical centers and hospitals. Then, experts who were experienced in health and medical areas localized HCAT through translation and re-translation process using the Delphi technique. Finally, the healthcare complaints were classified according to the localized HCAT components. Using HCAT showed that in Iran's healthcare system, complaints were related to relative frequency and percentage of all types of complaints. However, there is a lack of a mechanized registration system, investigation, analysis, and classification of healthcare complaints. Providing medical centers with such a system by the ministry of health and mandatory reporting of complaints may lead to coding complaints, measure the severity of complaints, service monitoring and organizational learning.

Association Between Different Type Of Addictions And Oral Cancer: A Case Control Study In Sonipat District Of Haryana

Background: The incidence of oral cancer is increasing day by day in both males and females with increased smoking. The early-age of onset of consumption, duration of use, frequency of chewing of tobacco, bidis or smoked cigarettes and drinking alcohol on a daily basis are strongly linked to oral cancer. Methods: The study included 86 cases of oral cancer aged 18 years and above and 86 controls. Consecutive cases were taken. After taking written consent interview was conducted. Categorical variables were presented in the form of frequency and proportions while continuous variables as mean and standard deviation. Statistical significance was attained when the p-value was < 0.05. Results: The findings indicate that mean age for cases was 52.74±5.21 years. We found significant risk factors for oral cancer in relation to various habits like: passive smoking; cigarette use and age of its initiation; bidi use and age of its initiation; hookah use and age of its initiation; usage of smokeless tobacco products, age of their initiation and the type used, alcohol use, age of its initiation, type and amount of alcohol consumed. Conclusion: To mitigate the increasing incidence of oral cancer in India, extensive public education campaigns and health promotion tactics targeting alcohol and tobacco use must be put into place.

Взаимосвязь спорта и государственной политики на примере Азербайджана

The relevance of the chosen topic lies in the growing importance of sports as an instrument of state policy, particularly in the context of Azerbaijan. As such, sports activities influence both the domestic and foreign policies of the country by fulfilling their primary functions of social integration, individual socialization, public health promotion, and social mobilization. The novelty of this publication is rooted in the integrated approach to examining the interrelation between politics and sports as a resource for political communication. The article highlights conceptual frameworks regarding the role of sports in political contexts, providing a brief historical overview and modern analysis of sports as an instrument of state policy within the realm of political communication. Additionally, it describes Azerbaijan’s sports activities terms of achieving the country’s domestic and foreign policy goals.

Dental Health Services Victoria health promotion messages for oral health: A modified Delphi study.

The 2022 Oral health messages for Australia were reviewed, revised and published in 2023. This study adapted these messages from a value-based communication perspective to support Dental Health Services Victoria population health programs and resources. A modified Delphi RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was adopted. An expert panel was convened, which included public oral health professionals and health promotion practitioners at Dental Health Services Victoria. The 2022 Oral health messages for Australia were reviewed and adapted to ensure consistency and relevance to consumers and health professionals. Once there was general agreement by the expert panel on the Dental Health Services Victoria health promotion messages for oral health, a follow-up anonymous survey was sent to the expert panel to rate their level of agreement. Additionally, the messages were evaluated for ease of readability with an anonymous survey of consumers. A total of 23 participants were invited on the expert panel, of which 16 agreed to participate. Considerations were made to reflect a broad perspective across disciplines in public oral health professionals encompassing expertise in policy, advocacy and health promotion. Broadly, there was agreement to adapt all of the 2022 Oral health messages for Australia. The level of agreement by the expert panel ranged from 73% to 100%. Amongst 13 consumer respondents to the survey, the level of agreement ranged from 62% to 100%. There was sufficient rationale to adapt the 2022 Oral health messages for Australia for the Victorian context by using a value-based messaging approach. SO WHAT?: This study demonstrated that adaption was necessary to the 2022 Oral health messages for Australia, potentially leading to more impactful health promotion messages for oral health in Victoria.

A Qualitative Analysis of Student Perspectives of Their Post-secondary Nutrition and Dietetics Program, Courses, and Instructors: Applying a Critical Pedagogies Perspective

Postsecondary dietetics education is in a time of transition in Canada and specifically in Manitoba. We sought to qualitatively investigate this cohort’s perspectives on the University of Manitoba’s dietetics program. In 2020/21, interviews were conducted with undergraduate dietetics students as well as dietetics interns and graduate students who had recently completed the undergraduate dietetics program. We recruited 25 participants, all of whom self-identified as female, with 60% identifying as white, with an average age of 25 years old. Informed by critical pedagogy, our analysis yielded four themes: motivations for studying dietetics; learning outside the classroom; development of critical awareness; and uncertain career futures and training improvements. Social media featured in each of the themes, particularly in how it exposed participants to various social justice movements. While students acknowledged developing more critical awareness in their programs, they nonetheless felt a disconnect between what they perceived they needed to learn and what was taught. Participants also described uncertainty associated with the future directions of their program or career. Analysis of their perspectives reveal ways dietetics and dietetics education could further incorporate critical pedagogies that highlight social justice issues, enhancing the field’s potential to contribute to public health and health promotion. In this time of transition for dietetics education in Manitoba, drawing inspiration from perspectives of this cohort, there is an opportunity for dietetics and pedagogy to evolve. There is also potential to apply critical pedagogy to analyze trainee perspectives of other health professional education and training programs.

Critical Analysis of Public Health Campaigns, Behavioral Impacts, And Digital Strategies in Outreach

Health promotion campaigns have taken the central stage of comprehensive approaches toward enhancing the world's health quality. Due to growing technological advancement, the point of health care and awareness has embraced media technology instead of conventional media technology, thus availing a wider and more diverse coverage. This paper critically evaluates some public health advertisement crusades, the changes in the behaviors of the target groups, and how the use of digital methods can help boost public health communication efforts. Specifically, this paper explores the literature on the difficulties, achievements, and emerging patterns in establishing public health promotional campaigns and interventions, reflecting on behavioral change theories, social media promotional campaigns and mobile health applications, and adopting digital strategies in public health promotions. The assessment also uses case studies and findings in figures and tables to provide recommendations for enhancing subsequent campaigns.

Visceral adiposity index, cardiorespiratory fitness, and fasting plasma glucose associations in adolescents.

The global rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents is partly linked to the increasing rates of childhood obesity and physical inactivity. To explore the independent relationships of visceral adiposity index (VAI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in adolescents. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 403 adolescents (202 boys and 201 girls) aged 11-19 years. Participants were evaluated for VAI, CRF, and FPG. Regression models, adjusted for age and maturity status, were used to assess the associations between VAI, CRF, and FPG. The prevalence of T2DM risk was 15.3% (girls = 7.4%; boys = 7.9%). In boys, high VAI was positively associated with FPG (β = 0.190, P = 0.009), while low CRF was negatively associated with FPG (β = -0.206, P = 0.010). These associations persisted even after adjusting for CRF and VAI. However, no significant associations between VAI, CRF, and FPG were observed in girls (P > 0.05). Adolescents with high VAI and low fitness levels demonstrated poorer glycemic profiles. Among boys, both VAI and CRF were independently associated with T2DM risk, with CRF showing a stronger association. These associations were not observed in girls. Promoting regular aerobic exercise and healthy diets may serve as essential public health promotion strategies in preventing and managing T2DM risk in adolescents.

Factors that influence the increase of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in children and adolescents: a systematic review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has shown a significant increase among children and adolescents in recent decades, especially due to factors such as sedentary lifestyle and obesity. The Covid-19 pandemic has intensified these factors, resulting in an alarming scenario for global public health. This article carries out a systematic review of the literature, with the aim of identifying the main factors that influence the increase in T2DM cases in this age group. The analysis includes studies that address aspects related to lifestyle, dietary practices, and the direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic on the development of the disease. It is concluded that public health promotion policies, combined with preventive strategies, are essential to combat the advancement of T2DM in young people, in addition to highlighting the importance of future research that can deepen knowledge about the management and prevention of the disease in pediatric populations.

Youth perspectives on the promotional and public relations strategies of health harming industries.

Public health researchers have investigated how youth are exposed to and influenced by traditional forms of commercial marketing from health-harming industries. Limited research has investigated youth opinions about the broader marketing and public relations strategies of these industries. This study aimed to understand youth perceptions of the impact and influence of a range of marketing and public relations strategies used by health harming industries. An online qualitative survey was conducted with n = 518, 16- to 24-year-olds living in Victoria, Australia. Participants were asked to consider the broad influence of marketing from health harming industries on youth, including the impacts of social media promotions, corporate social responsibility strategies including sponsorship and political donations, as well as their views on marketing restrictions. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to construct themes from the data. Participants stated that excessive marketing strategies had a significant influence on youth consumption of health harming products. Most felt that social media marketing had the most appeal and influence on youth. Most were critical of these strategies and were supportive of strong restrictions on marketing for health-harming products. However, many participants held more positive views about corporate social responsibility strategies, which they perceived could offset the negative impacts of these industries on health. Increased focus is needed from the public health and health promotion communities to ensure that youth are protected from the influence of the range of marketing strategies that are used by health-harming industries to promote their products and resist regulatory reform.

Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Nigeria Through University Community Lens

It is widely acknowledged that vaccination represents one of the greatest advances in public health in human history. Nonetheless, vaccine rejection or hesitancy is a public health issue that has continuously thwarted coordinated attempts by health officials to stop the spread of infectious diseases like the Coronavirus in Nigeria. It is critical to assess public perception, which will encourage vaccine acceptance through focused initiatives. Therefore, this study assesses vaccination reluctance among the Benue State University student community. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used in the study. A questionnaire was distributed to 150 participants, selected through the convenience sample technique. SPSS was used to enter and analyse the data. Eighty-seven percent of the respondents were between their first and third years, and the majority (63%) were over 18-30. Only 68% of the respondents thought the virus was real.Additionally, none of the students had a favourable disposition towards the vaccination. The respondents cited fear of vaccine side effects (46.2%), distrust of the government (33.9%), vaccine efficacy (12.5%), and a variety of mystical possibilities (7.4%) as the major causative factors behind their hesitation to receive the vaccination. Available data show a serious communication breakdown between the respondents and the regional health authority. To improve public acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, broad and focused public health promotion initiatives are needed to alleviate some public concerns.

PROMOTING PUBLIC HEALTH THROUGH HEALTH EDUCATION: PRACTICES AND RESULTS

This study investigates the promotion of public health through health education, highlighting the relevance of interprofessional and collaborative practices to respond to the complex challenges of public health. Based on a narrative review of recent literature, the work explores how continuing education and interprofessionality increase the effectiveness of care, promoting interventions adapted to local specificities. The analysis reveals that collective impact practices and collaborative leadership models strengthen cohesion among health professionals and promote a more inclusive and sustainable work environment. In addition, it is observed that the integration between sectors and disciplines generates a positive impact on social cohesion and the autonomy of the populations served, contributing to equitable and effective health policies. It is concluded that health education, by combining interprofessional training, collective leadership and intersectoral partnerships, emerges as an essential approach for the transformation of public health, promoting lasting improvements in the quality of life of communities.

Physical Activity and Fitness Level of Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital.

Physical activity (PA) and fitness level are considered key factors in public health promotion, and as such, healthcare workers (HCW) need to be physically well because they are not only responsible for themselves, but of their clients as well. Therefore, we aim to determine the PA and health-related fitness (HRF) level of HCW in a tertiary hospital, disaggregated to age, sex, work assignments, and job tenure. A cross-sectional research design was utilized to assess HCW from the administrative, medical, nursing, and paramedical cohorts. ALPHA-FIT Test Battery was used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, lower extremity power and strength, upper body muscle endurance, balance, and body composition. Our study concurred with the results of previous studies on HCW yielding lower PA levels compared with the general population. We tested 282 participants (administrative: 97; medical: 36; nursing: 55; paramedical: 94), mean age 37.4 years, 64.54% females, 52.13% perceived average health status. Ninety percent of the HCW had PA levels below the World Health Organization's recommended levels. The ALPHA-FIT mean score per category revealed: one-legged stance, 2.67/3; figure-of-8 run, 2.45/3; shoulder-neck mobility, 4.58/5; modified push-up, 2.05/4; hand-grip strength, 2.5/5; jump and reach, 4/4; dynamic sit-up, 2.62/3; six-minute walk test, 475.38 meters covered. There were no significant differences in PA and HRF levels across cohorts except for modified sit-ups (p<0.001) and figure-of-8 run (p=0.012). The results showed significant inverse correlation between balance and shoulder-neck mobility and age (p<0.001), and modified push ups (p=0.004). Males had significantly higher sit-up scores (p<0.001), one-legged stance scores (p=0.001), and faster figure-of-8 run (p=0.011), while females had better jump and reach scores (p<0.001). Physical activity levels of HCW did not meet the World Health Organization's recommended PA levels. Healthcare professionals who are expected to be aware of the benefits of PA and HRF have shown low to midfit levels of grip strength, upper extremity endurance, core strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Information on PA and HRF may aid in policy making on employee wellness that could highly impact health service delivery.

Justifications and acceptability of coercive public health measures in the COVID-19 response in South Africa: a case study of the jurisprudence of human rights cases.

South Africa implemented a comprehensive response to COVID-19 comprising of several coercive public health measures. As in many countries, COVID-19 measures were subject to a number of legal challenges on the grounds that these measures infringed on individual rights and liberties. Here, courts were required to assess the extent to which these limitations were justifiable against the state's imperative to improve public health. Consequently, the acceptability of different justifications of coercive public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa may be understood and assessed through the lens of its jurisprudence. This paper seeks to outline the approach to allowing, or disallowing, coercive public health measures as adopted by the judiciary as arbiters of allowable human rights infringements and thus permitting or prohibiting the state from exercising coercive powers. Specifically, this analysis aims to identify the principles underpinning the decisions with an expressly ethical lens with a view to providing content for the operationalisation of justifications for coercive state action such as the harm principle, reciprocity, least restrictive means in relation to the promotion of public health and the limitation of individual liberty.

Normal Weight Central Obesity and its Impact on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The aim of this review is to provide an updated commentary on the current literature examining the impact of normal weight obesity (NWO) and normal weight central obesity (NWCO) on type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. Total 14 studies were included, comprising 9 cross-sectional and 5 cohort studies with 334,438 subjects. The quality of evidence was mixed. The pooled prevalence of NWO was 16.1% (95% CI: 12.7-19.4) and NWCO was 21.1% (95% CI: 12.2-30.1). The prevalence of NWO and NWCO higher in females and non-Asians. This review also showed that type 2 diabetes was significantly associated with NWO and NWCO (pooled OR: 1.82 [1.62, 2.04], p < 0.01, I2 = 64%). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent relationships between type 2 diabetes and NWO/NWCO across sex, region and definition approach. There was a relative high prevalence of NWO and NWCO, particularly in females and non-Asian populations. There was a consistent association of NWO/NWCO with type 2 diabetes. Implications for future research to guide intervention optimization in clinical practice and public health promotion are provided.

Study to Assess the Structured Teaching Program Regarding Importance of Organ Donation

Organ donation is a critical public health issue, and increasing awareness is essential to meet the growing demand for organ transplants. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on improving knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to participate in organ donation among a selected population. A pre-experimental, one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted, with participants chosen from [population or institution, e.g., "college students" or "community health workers"]. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. The structured teaching programme covered key aspects of organ donation, including its importance, eligibility criteria, myths and misconceptions, and the registration process. Findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in participants' knowledge and positive attitudes towards organ donation post-intervention. This study highlights that a structured teaching programme can effectively increase awareness and foster favorable attitudes towards organ donation, suggesting its utility in public health promotion efforts to improve organ donation rates. Further research with larger and diverse populations is recommended to generalize these findings.

Mapping the Public Health and Health Promotion Capacity in Oman

Abstract Background An essential condition to enabling people to increase control over their health is to have sufficient capacity for public health (PH) and health promotion (HP). Despite the recognition of its importance, a comprehensive view of the PH and HP capacity in the sultanate of Oman is not yet available. This study provides a mapping of the country’s PH and HP capacity at national, governorate and district levels. Methods An online quantitative survey was performed amongst 70 health policy maker and experts in PH and HP using a questionnaire based on the PH capacity framework of Aluttis et al., yielding data on the country specific context with relevance for PH and 6 PH capacity domains, each divided in subdomains: leadership and governance; organizational structures, workforce, financial resources, partnerships, and knowledge development. Internal consistencies of the scales measuring the capacity subdomains ranged from .75 to .99. Results The survey revealed relatively low scores, representing partial development of capacities, for most of the public health capacity domains. The highest levels of capacity were observed for knowledge development (health information and monitoring systems, reporting systems and knowledge infrastructure), organizational structures (institutional capacity, program delivery structures, PH within health services, and response emergencies) and partnerships (formal consortia, informal partnerships and multisectoral coordination). In contrast, leadership and governance, workforce development, and financial resources score lower. Conclusions Mapping the strengths and weaknesses of PH and HP capacity in Oman allows to make recommendations for improving population health. Whereas all domains of PH and HP capacity are partially developed, there is a need to further improve capacity in all domains. Key messages • PH and HP capacities are partially developed in Oman. • Mapping the PH and HP capacity allows to identify strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for improving public health.

10.K. Skills building seminar: Practical and methodological guidance for conducting online qualitative surveys in public health

Abstract Online qualitative surveys are surveys which prioritise qualitative (open text) questions in data collection. Researchers have stated that these types surveys have rich potential for qualitative researchers. They are able to collect rapid insights into new or emerging areas of health, and are an effective way of reaching populations who may not otherwise engage in qualitative interview studies or focus groups. Although these types of surveys are increasingly used by public health and health promotion researchers, there is very limited discussion in the research literature to guide researchers about the practical and methodological aspects of such surveys. This creates some challenges for qualitative researchers - as well as funders, and peer reviewers - in assessing the rigour and robustness of these studies. Using data from a range of online qualitative surveys that we have conducted with youth and adults relating to gambling, alcohol, climate change, and the commercial determinants of health, we describe the processes associated with developing, implementing, interpreting, and writing up online qualitative survey data. In this practical and interactive multimedia workshop and developing on the work of Braun, Clarke and colleagues, with a focus on Big Q interpretivist qualitative approaches. We will provide: 1. Practical examples, and lessons learned from our own studies about survey design, question development, the importance of rigorous piloting strategies, the use of novel techniques to prompt detailed responses from participants, and the decisions that are made about data cleaning. 2. Examples of the types of responses that can be expected in different types of surveys, and how decisions are made about the quality of responses to questions. 3. Guidance about how to analyse the volume of qualitative data that is generated from such surveys, including developing robust mechanisms to ensure trustworthiness of decision making and data interpretation. 4. Tips based on our role as journal editors about how to present qualitative survey data, and how to respond to challenging reviewer comments. Participants will be provided with a booklet containing survey templates, question examples, tips and examples of how to respond to reviewer comments. Key messages • Online qualitative surveys have rich potential for collecting insights about emerging public health issues. • This workshop will provide practical and methodological guidance for researchers who are interested in using these surveys. Speakers/Panelists Hannah Pitt Deakin University, Burwood, Australia Simone McCarthy Deakin University, Armadale, Australia Samantha Thomas Deakin University, Geelong, Australia

Mental health promotion research in co-creation: Lessons from a multisite study in six countries

Abstract Background Mounting public health threats associated with climate change, epidemiological and economic crises, digitalisation, rising migration, and population aging have uncovered at-risk groups’ increased vulnerability to mental ill health. Developing mental health promotion interventions tailored to their specific needs and expectations is essential to protect their wellbeing. However, researchers may find it challenging to identify and implement needed adaptations without engaging with end-users, and other stakeholders, to co-create tailor-made interventions. This study aimed to explore co-creators’ views about opportunities and constraints in participatory mental health promotion research. Methods Between September 2023 and July 2024, a qualitative study drawing on participant observation of bimonthly meetings and semi-structured interviews with six co-creation facilitators was conducted in the scope of Horizon Europe’s project ADVANCE. The multi-methods research approach to co-creation entailed desk reviews and online Delphi surveys co-developed with locally-established Society Advisory Groups, and scenario-based workshops held with stakeholders in the six partner countries: Denmark, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Switzerland. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out. Results Research teams’ epistemic stances impact research planning, resource allocation, partnership nourishing and the unravelling of co-option risks during participatory research implementation. Research co-creation adds pressure onto research teams’ agenda, skillset and performance, but it also encourages power sharing, mutual learning and greater alignment of research design and implementation with end-users’ priorities and aspirations. Conclusions Research co-creation is a partnership-based and resource-intensive endeavour that can provide a valuable pathway to improve the relevance, acceptability and sustainability of public mental health promotion research. Key messages • Research co-creation demands planning, adequate resource allocation, flexibility and continuous investment to sustain academy-society partnerships. • Engaging stakeholders in knowledge co-creation can increase the relevance, acceptability and sustainability of public mental health promotion research.

Culturally-relevant physical activity for public health promotion: global evidence synthesis

Abstract Background The WHO has noted the importance of cultural insights for health. Culturally-relevant physical activity has a growing evidence base in many regions and specific populations, but the scope and scale for global health promotion is underexplored. Methods A multinational expert team used a critical literature review method to: (1) define culturally-relevant physical activity; (2) delineate relevant characteristics supporting inclusion in population-level health promotion and surveillance; and (3) provide agenda setting in research, policy, and practice from a global public health promotion perspective. The critical review method, which evaluates rather than summarizes literature, was chosen as the research evidence is complex, broad, and has not been synthesized previously from this perspective. Results Culturally-relevant physical activity was defined as practices that include physical activity based on a population’s cultural customs. These can be Indigenous (e.g., hula, an Indigenous dance of Native Hawaiians) or regional (e.g., Shota (Shotë), an Albanian folk dance). Practices have shared characteristics that support multi-dimensional value for health, engagement, and healing. These include a collectivist, intergenerational component, passed from elders and shared forward with children as part of a community. Many have foundations in nature, a strength for health and wellbeing in green and blue spaces. Many include traditional art, clothing, accessories, and music with deep significance, including care for the tools and location of practice (e.g, drums, boats, land). Many practices would not be captured in harmonized public health surveillance systems despite their value. From this synthesis, research hypotheses were created and next steps proposed. Conclusions This evidence synthesis supports engagement, planning, uptake, policy, surveillance, and study of culturally-relevant physical activity for public health promotion locally and globally. Key messages • An important strength of culturally-relevant physical activity is that it is context and population specific. However, this may hide the scope and scale of the existing evidence supporting this work. • This evidence synthesis confirms how culturally-relevant physical activity is valuable globally across shared assets in research and practice, supporting next steps for public health promotion.

The higher education’s role in the multisectoral evolution of the diabetes mobile unit programme

Abstract Background The global prevalence of obesity and diabetes is increasing. Overweight and obesity during early childhood increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The diabetes mobile unit (DMU) programme is a collaborative initiative between the Bahrain Diabetes Society, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Medical University of Bahrain, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders. Objectives To develop a sustainable educational programme to empower nursing and medical students to educate schoolchildren on healthy lifestyle choices and potentially reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Results The DMU programme is incorporated into the undergraduate nursing and medical curricula. It fosters experiential learning in public health education and promotion, encourages trainee-trainer mentorship, and cultivates essential graduate skills, thus enhancing their career prospects. Since 2012, the programme inducted 300 staff and students and educated 7,000 children. In 2023, the programme was re-launched in alignment with RCSI’s three strategic pillars: learning and teaching, research, and community engagement. The programme expanded its stakeholders’ network and incorporated strategies to promote interprofessional learning among staff, students, and alumni. The outcome of these endeavours included publishing an interactive storybook, creating innovative educational tools, and ongoing research. Conclusions This novel programme highlights the role of higher education in promoting multisectoral collaboration for public health awareness initiatives. The key to the programme’s success is synchronizing education, research and community engagement in higher education curricula and various contexts. Key messages • Multisectoral collaboration is essential in developing evidence-based and culturally congruent programmes. • Linking education, research, and community is vital to achieving sustainable development goals.