Analyzing Health Promotion: Socioeconomic Influences and Campaign Plan

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of health promotion, focusing on the effects of socioeconomic influences on health and the relevance of government sources in reporting on health inequalities. It emphasizes the importance of providing relevant health-related information to the public, particularly in the context of teenage obesity, and discusses how health beliefs relate to theories of health behavior. The report also addresses potential conflicts with the fast food industry and analyzes the links between government strategies and models of health promotion, explaining the role of professionals in meeting government targets. Furthermore, it includes the selection and planning of a health promotion campaign to meet specific health and social care objectives, detailing how the campaign supports health promotion strategies. The report concludes by highlighting the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities to promote overall health and well-being.

1
Health Promotion
Contents
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................2
TASK 1....................................................................................................................................................3
Q1. Effects Of Socioeconomic Influences On Health........................................................................3
Q2. Relevance Of Government Sources In Reporting On Inequalities In Health................................4
TASK 2....................................................................................................................................................6
Q3. Importance Of Ayesha Providing Relevant Health-Related Information To The Public...............6
Q4. How The Health Beliefs Relate To Theories Of Health Behavior And How The Role Of Routine
In Promoting Their Healthy Living Will Be Incorporated Into Ayesha’s Health Promotion Campaign.
...........................................................................................................................................................7
Q5. Potential Conflicts With The Local Fast Food Industry On Health Promotion.............................8
TASK 3....................................................................................................................................................9
Q6. Analyze the links between government strategies and models of health promotion.................9
Q7. Explain the role of professionals have in meeting government targets for health promotion....9
TASK 4..................................................................................................................................................11
Q6. Select and plan a health promotion campaign that meets specific health and social care
objectives........................................................................................................................................11
Q7. Explain how the health promotion campaign supports health promotion strategies...............12
CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................15

2
INTRODUCTION
A person is said to be healthy when there is an equilibrium if the physical, mental and social
states and not just the mere absence of disease (WHO ).( Huber, 2011). And many factors are
responsible for this ideal state of being in today’s modern world. With the advent of newer
and better technologies, the challenges to the promotion of health remain ever evolving. In
the precinct of the assignment the key factors that influence the health of individuals in
isolation and at the level of the community are discussed and also the different campaigns
that are designed based on these factors are brought to light.

3
TASK 1
Q1. Effects Of Socioeconomic Influences On Health
The state of health is a not just the result of independent functions of the mind and body but
the sum of interactions with various factors or determinants that an individual is subjected to.
And whether an individual is healthy or not depends on the genetic make-up of the
individual, where they live, the food they eat, the environment they are exposed to, the people
they are surrounded by and their day to day activities. The determinants of health are defined
as the range of behavioral, biological, socioeconomic and environmental factors that
influence the health status of individuals or populations (def. Health Promotion Glossary
WHO 1998 ) (Sørensen, 2012).
When promoting healthy outcomes, the most important determinant creating disparities are
the social factors. These are strongest predictors of availability of resources like food, water,
housing, finances, access to education and healthcare, social support- that are essential for
leading healthy lives (Barer, 2017 ).Poverty and dearth of resources only exaggerate the
negative health outcomes as they expose the individuals to higher risk situations such as
unhygienic environment, stressful life, poor nutrition, and lack of social support, lower health
literacy, and behaviours such as smoking and substance addiction. The individuals with
higher incomes are just as prone to the same but people struggling to financially survive to
tend to put quitting an addiction, nutritional needs or fitness at the back seat when they are
trying to make ends meet. Reflecting on the availability of resources as an advantage.
The social gradient introduced by the virtue of this disparity leads to –
• The difference in the availability of items for daily needs – richer class of the society has
access to a wide range of options concerning their diet, exercise, and medical aids. This helps
them maintain a better lifestyle, the one that makes them fitter.
• Social practices of discrimination and segregation- people with limited resources often
have the underhand when it comes to social standing and relationships with the more
powerful figures of the society. That creates a divide and causes isolation and withdrawal
from the functions of the community. This not only affects the social indulgences but also the
support that stems from it. Social support is imperative for a healthy functional individual and
provides a channel for them to voice their needs and concerns. Discrimination may be based

4
on age, gender or ethnicity may have repercussions on the provision of legislation for health
care needs.
• Exposure to abuse, crime, and violence – these are the manifestations of the social divides
caused by discrimination and abuse of power by individuals higher up the social ladder.
• Lack of quality education- it causes lack of awareness for the need of healthy practices
and education has shown to be a candid indicator or mortality rates as high school and
university graduates were surveyed to have better life expectancy than their peers who
dropped out in school or did not attend school.
• Vices of urbanization and modernization- the crowding of neighborhoods and
compromised conditions of living in an urban setup leads to inadequate housing facilities and
unhygienic surroundings. And individuals with poor quality access to these are the most
affected.
• Neglect addiction and substance dependence- poor people with limited financial resources
avoid seeking help for their risky behaviors such as smoking or alcohol addiction because of
their complex priorities and making ends meet.
Thus promoting health and well being must be based on extinguishing inequalities among
different social groups ( Marmot, 2012 ). Not focusing on just the rich but the poor as well
and vice versa.
Q2. Relevance Of Government Sources In Reporting On Inequalities In
Health.
Surveillance tools for exacting the social factors are used to collect data to evaluate the
variance among the individual determinants. These tools help assess the extent of health
inequalities based on social causes as social inequalities determine the persistence of disease
patterns and behavioral risks that affect health outcomes. And addressing these determinants
is the major method of solving the issue of health inequalities as they account for 40-50% of
the variation (Marmot, 2010 ).And reports based on these determinants enable comparative
study of the wider determinants and risk factors. The legislative solutions are then based on
these studies. These determinants are affected by local and foreign influences in the
availability of resources required for daily needs. And they are divided among 7 domains-

5
natural and work environment, labor market, vulnerability, income, crime, and education and
Marmot indicators. Software introduced by Public Health England (PHE ).these factors are
plot and the data is being constantly updated with the aid of local authorities and Clinician
Commission Groups (CCGs ).(PHE report 2017 ).The data is collected indicating the local
status of health outcomes among various communities and income groups ward level
assessments of population density, evaluation of personal assets, transport statistics, pollution
indicators, health assets, and geographical distribution of risk factors.
These have to lead to the policies and campaigns based on them. For example, Spatial
Planning for Health program by PHE aims at designing the neighborhoods to reduce
overcrowding and improve sanitization and promote healthy living. Various initiatives are
taken by NHS to form Urban Checklist and Healthy New Towns for planning if the boroughs
during Olympic and Paralympics games 2012 which was followed through till 2015 as formal
alterations to London Plan (Barton, 2013)Transportation and housing plans have been
proposed for reducing pollution and improve the availability of cost-effective resources for
good quality of living (Crane, 2017. ).Food Environment Assessment Tool by the University
of Cambridge allows improvement in the availability of options in healthy food choices via
food retailers.
These tools are thus very effective in policy and action planning as the target issues are
addressed and taken into consideration.

6
TASK 2
Q3. Importance Of Ayesha Providing Relevant Health-Related Information
To The Public
Ayesha is a Public Health Practitioner who is sanctioned to conduct the training workshop in
schools for reducing the incidence of teenage obesity across the UK. According to a study,
one third of UK children are overweight and the odds are increased by 8.1% per year among
the age group 11-15 years from 2004-2013 (van Jaarsveld, 2015 ).At such a young age
obesity combined with the sedentary lifestyle can cause future complications in these
growing age groups and present as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid imbalances, and polycystic
ovarian syndrome in girls to name a few (Procter, 2007)The workshop should be conducted
to enlighten the teenagers, teachers and youth workers to understand the importance of the
concept of health, awareness, causes, and consequences of obesity, offer solutions and
motivate a healthy fitter lifestyle. The aim of the workshop must be to cause a paradigm shift
in terms of changing their outlook towards food as nourishment and not just something to
satisfy their cravings ( Burgoine, 2014). Also, encourage them to adopt physical activity as a
part of their daily routine and charm them by constantly emphasizing the advantages of the
same. A thorough reflection of their dietary habits and eating behavior must be done to make
them understand why they lead to obesity and assure them that these attributes can be
changed and not something that they have to live with. The hope and encouragement to make
such a great change their lives must be treated with great care and empathy. And great respect
must be given to their personal and cultural beliefs about their diet. The cultural practices of
using spices, oil and other elements along with Islamic tradition of Halal, must be dealt with
sensitivity and the ideas must be backed up facts, figures and the science behind the effect of
these practices.
The language of conduct must, therefore, be very basic for the teenagers to understand and
connect them to the idea being out across. And euphemisms and examples must be used to
convey the strong and complex ideas that may be difficult to comprehend for young minds.
Positive role models must be introduced to promote the ideas of healthy eating and a digital
campaign alongside the youth workers about the same can be beneficial. The effect of social
media and internet in causing awareness is proved to be very effective among the teenagers
as keeping up with the current times and compatibility with their peers is a major driving
force in this age group. Instigating fear in the minds about the negative consequences must be

7
retrained to avoid negative feelings of hopelessness and depression which are further de-
motivating factors to adopt a new lifestyle.
The youth workers and teachers must also be involved in these workshops in order to serve as
reinforcing mentors in the journey of lifestyle change.
Q4. How The Health Beliefs Relate To Theories Of Health Behavior And How
The Role Of Routine In Promoting Their Healthy Living Will Be
Incorporated Into Ayesha’s Health Promotion Campaign.
The Health Belief Model (HBM ).refers to the modality of imparting education about diet,
dietary habits and the effect of daily physical activity on the health of the children to reduce
the incidence of obesity and promote the healthy lifestyle. The workshop must aim at making
the teenagers aware of the consequences of the unhealthy eating behavior and lack of
physical activities affects their body long term. A presentation must be done revealing the
effects at each of their lives as they grow into adulthood and mature into old-age. The rash
consequences of obesity must also be highlighted as lifestyle diseases like diabetes and
hypertension are also associated with obesity as it is a major risk factor. The concern during
teenage years is not the future threat to their lives but the existing struggle to meet the
expectations of their peers (Erickson's psychosocial theory ).During this age, teenagers are
conscious about their outward appearance and are presentable looking at all times.
Connecting the two concerns Health and the teenage struggles of peer pressure, adopting a
healthy lifestyle and encouraging physical exercise and healthy diet must be endorsed as the
answers to teenage struggles and provide them with images of positive role models of people
who have accomplished this change. This imagery reinforces the idea in their minds of
looking attractive and also promoting a positive body image. Care must be taken to not
emphasize on being thin but fit because that may cause vulnerable teenagers to be pushed in
the psychological disorders like anorexia nervosa.

8
Q5. Potential Conflicts With The Local Fast Food Industry On Health
Promotion.
The growing fast food culture in the UK has introduced the high calorie-packed meal as a
lunch option in most households with school going children. This has lead to more fast food
joints in the vicinity of schools providing easier and quicker access to very unhealthy food.
This is countered by the PHE by regulating the density of food outlets around schools and
neighborhoods to regulate the fast food joints and thereby controlling the takeaway food
culture. The Hot Food Takeaway SPD and Adoption Statement by Supplementary Planning
have extinguished outlets within 10 minutes walking radius of the schools (Council,
2012 ).This may be a point of conflict for Ayesha to remove an already existing joint and
may cause friction among the local retailers. Also promoting Food Environment Assessment
Tool (FEAT ).objective developed by University of Cambridge that introduces healthy food
options at affordable prices by the food retailers improving the access to healthy food for all.
That can pose a problem because of the presence of competitive retailers. The cost of
investment by these retailers is huge and they may aggressively protest the proliferation of
the healthy food outlets. Also due to the higher cost of these healthy meals against low-cost
unhealthy meals, investors are sceptic to enter the business due to small margins in profit.
Healthy eating habits must be encouraged nevertheless and long-term benefits in the health of
the children of the community must be placed at a higher priority than profit margins.

9
TASK 3
Q6. Analyze the links between government strategies and models of health
promotion
Making people aware of harmful effects of improper lifestyle and the beneficial effects of
living healthy is what health promotion is about. Government has launched a variety of
strategies to make the people understand the importance of living a holistic lifestyle. There
are pamphlets, posters, TV advertisements emphasizing the risks associated with unhealthy
options and promoting health. The strategies and plans proposed by the government are of no
use if they are unable to reach the general public and are unable to deliver the message they
are intended to deliver.
The theories and models of health promotion govern the strategies put forward by the
government. A strategy can only be effective if the behavior of the targeted population is well
known and understood as it is the behavior and beliefs which determine the outcomes and
effectiveness of any strategies regarding health promotion. The learning of behavior can only
be achieved by proper understanding and implementation of these models of health
promotion (Sallis et al., 2015).
Considering the behavioral choices and patterns of choices of children and increasing the
obesity prevalence among teenager age group the government has started a Change for Life
campaign which aims in making children eat healthy. This campaign promotes health by
including TV advertisements, animated short films which is supported by radio and other
media sources.
Q7. Explain the role of professionals have in meeting government targets
for health promotion
Implementation of any government policy is largely dependent upon the quality of workforce
available with the government. Healthcare professionals largely comprise this workforce.
They bridge the gap between the boardrooms of the government officials, to making this plan
a reality by implementing it on ground. All the policies formulated by the government hinges
largely around health care professionals. These are the group of people who communicate
with the general population on a day to day basis and understand barriers associated with the
implementation of any public policy. Apart from health care professionals, skilled personnel
having an in depth knowledge of human behavior also helps the government to understand

10
the problem associated with implementation of any policy. Every individual is different and
the problems they face are different, unless there is a group of individuals which is in close
association with the people, the implementation of any public policy will remain a huge task.
It is these healthcare professionals who are intricately involved in life of the general
population who can help out the government in ironing out minor discrepancies in framework
of any government strategy making them a crucial part in dealing with health related issues of
government (Frenk et al., 2010).

11
TASK 4
Q6. Select and plan a health promotion campaign that meets specific health
and social care objectives
Ample of diseases are prevailing in the society which are creating challenges for medical
professionals and health care workers. Among these diseases prevalence of obesity is
increasing as an epidemic. The increase in obesity among children at such a rapid pace has
become a main cause of concern for the health care providers. To tackle with this situation
the government health authorities need to reach the large population to explain them and
make them understand the consequences of this prevailing health issue.
The health care practitioners are the one reaching and addressing the general population,
taking the government strategies to deal with a certain health issue and helping it in achieving
the required goals. As a trained health care practitioner there are number of ways through
which the general population can be reached for educating them about childhood obesity.
A health promotion campaign can be planned for promoting healthy living among the
children. This campaign needs to reach the children at each level on a periodic basis. With the
help of social media this can be achieved effectively through TV commercials, health
promoting short films and cartoon series, taking the help of a public figure by whom children
in this age group is influenced more, in promoting healthy eating and habits and arranging
school level health care programs. Each and every measure to reach the children should
revolve around the food they eat and physical activities they do.
The campaigns making children aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle should also
incorporate the teachings about consequences of not inculcating such lifestyle to generate a
threat such kind of living has on them. Schools are the best targeted places in achieving the
required results out of such health promotion strategies (Story et al., 2009). An interactive
talk session can be organized showing the children importance of eating healthy and
indulging into physical activities and asking the barriers they face in achieving this. Periodic
organizing of events like skits, plays and health quiz competitions will aid in enhancing the
interest about health education in children. A threat can be generated for the consequences
and detrimental health effects that unhealthy living has by taking real life examples and
showing them the affects. Health promoting posters and charts can be placed at different
places within the school premises. Arrangements to address the parents can also be done
which will help making the patient aware about the gravity of this situation and incorporate

12
and promote a healthy lifestyle at their homes. The physical activity participation should be
made mandatory as a part of school curriculum which would help in develop children’s
interest and make them active leaving the sedentary lifestyle.
A number of such ways and all other health promotion activities are the only ways to curb
this growing condition in the society.
Q7. Explain how the health promotion campaign supports health
promotion strategies
Developing strategies by the government is an important aspect of health promotion in a
country but, if the best of the strategies fail to reach the targeted population these are of no
use at all. Thus, to bridge the gap in developing strategies and their reaching the people, the
health promotion campaigns are of prime importance.
The strategies devised by the government targets the whole population as one without
considering the diversities among them and such campaigns play their role to help in making
them specific to certain population according to their beliefs and culture and consider their
specific needs by modifying these strategies and making them more acceptable affecting a
large group of people. The campaigns thus help in making any strategy a target specific one
by implying the required modifications in it.
The campaigns which are being organized by trained health care professionals are efficient in
providing the best of information about the strategies, the healthcare services available and
providing a psychological assistance with relation to the prevailing conditions. The
campaigns, as they directly address the population help in knowing even the minor of the
barriers in accessing the services or implementing strategies. These barriers once known can
be proposed to government authorities which will further help in making the changes more
target specific and measures to rectify the problems can be taken effectively (Arena et al.,
2015).
The health promotion campaigns educate the people about health and health related issues
and also about the number of strategies government has devised which helps in people