Health Promotion Strategies and Socioeconomic Factors (Fall 2023)

Desklib offers solved assignments and past papers to help students succeed.

Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................1
LO 1- Discuss various influences socioeconomic on health.........................................................................2
1.1-Consequences of socioeconomic influences on health.....................................................................2
1.2-Evaluate the importance of government sources in reporting on inequalities in health...................4
1.3-Discuss reasons for barriers to accessing healthcare........................................................................5
L0 2- Comprehend health promotion models.............................................................................................6
2.1-Analyze the inter-relation between strategies formulated by the government and health
promotion models...................................................................................................................................6
2.2-Describe the role of designated professionals in reaching targets set by the government for health
promotion................................................................................................................................................8
2.3-Explain the role routine plays in order to promote healthy living.....................................................9
LO 3- Comprehend factors affecting promotion of health.........................................................................10
3.1- Elaborate the relation of health beliefs to theory of health behavior............................................10
3.2- Explain the possible result of potential conflict between the government and local industries....12
3.3- Discuss the value of providing important information related to health to the public..................13
LO 4- Planning a campaign for health promotion......................................................................................14
4.1- Planning a campaign for health promotion to achieve specific objectives.....................................14
4.2- Describe the manner in which health promotion campaigns support health promotion strategies.
...............................................................................................................................................................17
References.................................................................................................................................................18

Introduction
According to World Health Organization, health can be defined as not just absence of
any disease or ailment, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well being
(Huber et al., 2011). In order to promote the health care and health status of the
population in general efforts are being made constantly (Lobelo et al., 2018). This
assignment based on health promotion aims to focus and elaborate on the various
socioeconomic influences on health and the interrelation of health promotion, health
campaigns and strategies. It aims to discuss about the factors influencing health and
the methodologies which can be followed in order to promote healthcare in all sectors.
The importance of education and raising awareness regarding various health issues are
addressed in detail. Along with that, a genuine effort has been made to analyze the
models pertaining to health promotion in various sectors and their advantage and their
limitations.

LO 1- Discuss various influences socioeconomic on health.
Health is not affected or determined by a single factor, but there are various factors
which combine together to determine the health status of an individual or a community
Solar & Irwin (2010). One major determinant of health includes the socioeconomic
status, which loosely translates to factor concerning with the interactivity of social and
economic factors.
1.1-Consequences of socioeconomic influences on health
The above-mentioned scenario where a young homeless man lost his life to an ailment
which appeared like cough and cold clearly brings focus upon three major
socioeconomic issues namely unemployment, housing-homelessness, and access to
healthcare facilities. Health is a basic right and requirement for every human being;
however, not everybody is blessed enough to meet the criteria (Stringhini et al., 2010). If
this individual would have been fortunate enough to be able to afford a home and
access to basic healthcare facilities which could have come as a part of any stable job,
his life would have been spared. From a person who does not have a roof over his head
and sanitary situations to live in, it is quite ambitious to expect that he will have money
to spare for some ailment which appeared like a common cold and cough. There is a
major possibility that he might have contracted the symptoms from somebody passing
by. And, one cannot deny the possibility that something which appeared as common
cough and cold might have been the early or presenting symptoms of some major
disease such as tuberculosis. Only assumptions can be made at this point, regarding
what ailment he did or did not have. Social disparity is a major cause of death amongst
the ones who are not able to afford basic necessities (Kondo., 2012). Socioeconomic
status and the differences continue to play the role of a major underlying factor since
time immemorial. While it has been well established and recognized that socioeconomic
status is very strongly associated with the health conditions of individuals, just
recognizing the issue has not helped in solving the ongoing issue. Employment and
income is directly associated with ones concern towards personal health (Jennum &
Kjellberg., 2011). A deprived individual will likely focus upon immediate issues such as
being able to keep oneself and the family well fed. Minor health issues such as cough

and cold are more likely to be ignored. It is possible that only major issues will be
focused upon, and in case of complete lack of resources and inadequate health policies
from the state it is very well expected that even major issues will not be dealt with. It is
very unfortunate and sad to see that many health issues which could be just solved by
following basic sanitation and hygiene measures still continue to persist due to lack of
resources (Rollings et al., 2017). However, at the very same time it is not justifiable to
expect much from a person who does not even have a permanent address to a
residence.

1.2-Evaluate the importance of government sources in reporting on inequalities in
health.
The effect of inequalities in health due to socioeconomic differences has been
recognized by the government and steps have been taken in the direction. The
objectives being understanding the context behind the inequalities in health and bring it
on the policy agenda in the United Kingdom, to check and assess whether any existing
policies might be affecting inequalities in health, to apply the model of the policies in
order to check for any cons and pitfalls of implementing the policies, and to comprehend
the challenges being faced in the concerned areas (Hills., 2010). The data is collected
from various documents, after vigorous analysis, and a detailed discussion with the
ones who are responsible for fabricating the policies. In the current scenario the
government has started taking committed step in this direction in order to attempt to
reduce health inequalities. There has been a minor success as progress has been
noticed even if at smaller levels; however, challenges continue to thrive. There is an
understanding that many underlying reasons for health inequalities have been
recognized by the government; however, more work is yet to be done in the department
of formulating the policies to deal with the causative factors. There have been two
inquiries which have been crucial in understanding the interactivity between data and
policy, namely the Black Report and the Acheson Report. The Black Reports (1980) n
the inequality in health was formulated by the Labour government in the year 1977
(Scambler., 2012). It explained 4 different possible reasons of inequality in health.
However, it failed to notice any difference which health care could make in reducing the
health inequalities. The report was however rejected the then government in power due
to certain financial and political issues, so it has not made any major impact of the policy
for a long time. The Acheson report, which came later in 1998 put light on the fact that
evidence collected scientifically actually does affect the socioeconomic influence on
inequalities in health (Carey & Crammond., 2015). The report did consider social
determinants and 39 recommendations were made, amongst them three were consider
major. Despite the criticism, this report was accepted by the government, keeping in
mind that some of the recommendations were already being followed.

1.3-Discuss reasons for barriers to accessing healthcare.
There are numerous factors which could prove to be major barriers in accessing
healthcare, maybe financial or non financial, social or psychological. Although
important, but unfortunately it is not tough to imagine that there are certain barriers
which can stop an individual from having access to healthcare. They could range
anywhere from issues like inadequate education, location, and lack of transportation to
lack of trust, belief, culture, and prejudice (Gulliford & Morgan., 2013). In the absence of
proper education and awareness, an individual is unlikely to understand the value of
receiving care of any issue before it grows to something major. Many ailments which
could have been taken care of just by following prophylactic measures continue to affect
the population due to inadequate education and knowledge. Geographical status could
also cause major problem by limiting a person to reach the proper care at the time of
need or vice versa. In case a person resides in a place which is not connected well to
healthcare facilities, such issues can be seen commonly. Lack of residence or
homelessness, which as clearly a major factor in case of Ramon’s demise, and due to
lack of an address no concerned individual could have managed to help sufficiently.
Also, in case one has had a traumatic or bad experience in the past, personally or to
some other close individual, a strong prejudice is formed due to which one resists from
getting care in the fear of experiencing similar trauma. A community or an individual
might also restrict from getting care if they feel that their religious belief or culture might
be compromised if they agree to do so, particularly true in case of ethnic minorities
(Levesque., 2013). In the absence of trust from their part and inability to convince from
the providers side, a majority of the population is very likely to stay deprived of the basic
healthcare facility even when in need.

L0 2- Comprehend health promotion models.
Health promotion models can be loosely understood as a basic framework or structure
which has been fabricated to address health related concerns of the targeted population
(Sheeran & Abraham., 2013). These models aid in planning, understanding, and
explaining the concerns and to help managing the existing problems or eliminating them
in the longer run. While identifying these models, it is very necessary that specific health
concerns of the population is being kept in mind to make sure that it helps in guiding
health promotion.
2.1-Analyze the inter-relation between strategies formulated by the government and
health promotion models.
The term strategy can be defined as an approach or scheme of actionable ways
fabricated in order to achieve a goal in the long run. The government has taken a multi-
factorial approach in order to promote health and well being of the population in general
(Gagnon & Labonté., 2013). The local government along with the NHS works together
with the intention of promoting and improving health and provide a helping hand to
people to make healthier choices in their life. They work in the direction of reducing and
eliminating health inequalities. Partners are chosen meticulously who could aid the
governing body to help raise awareness in the public regarding health concerns ( Frenk.,
ET AL 2010). Steps are taken to inform and educate the population so as to help them
take control over their health needs, particularly focusing on the group which lacks
proper education regarding health. Work is done in developing a dedicated workforce
pool which is trained and equipped enough to be able to help to curb down the
inequalities and promote wellness. Evidence and data based scientific methods are
brought into practice, which are helpful to assess whether any change is being brought
about or not. Various stakeholders are brought in the scenario to engage more people
who are affected by the health status, which brings more focus to the area as personal
and organizational interests are present.

Major government strategies can be broadly classified as follows, namely legislative
measures, financing various social health related campaigns such as anti-smoking
campaigns, and taxation and fiscal measures. Various models for health promotion
have been fabricated, one of them being Tannahill and Downie (1996). This model is a
combination of intersection of prevention, health education, and health protection. It
aims on the prevention of the disease at the stages where it can be and to promote
health by taking prophylactic measures (Bowden., 2016). For instance creating
awareness regarding the detrimental effects of smoking and chewing tobacco, arrange
anti-drug campaigns, raising awareness regarding the need of taking care of one’s
health on a regular basis and necessary immunizations. Health protection meaning
taking measures which could benefit the population or specific communities on a
general level. It focuses upon using the policies in order to protect health and safety.
Another model relating to health promotion is The Health Belief Model and Personal
Health Behavior by Marsall H. Becker (1974). It broadly focuses on an individual’s
outlook, perception, severity, benefits, and barriers towards his or her own health
(Tyson., 2014). Data based scientific studies have been done on the model and at
various point of times, susceptibility and barriers have been proved to be the major
factors considering health promotion; however, this topic being critical demands further
research.

2.2-Describe the role of designated professionals in reaching targets set by the
government for health promotion.
A healthcare professional can be defined as an individual either specialized or
associated to a disciplined and is trained and allowed by the governing bodies to
provide necessary healthcare services to an individual. Healthcare professionals are
namely medical and dental professionals, nurses, nurse practitioner, midwives,
professionals allied to medicine such as psychologists, nutritionist, dieticians, and
physiotherapists, paramedics and professionals handling accident, trauma, and
emergency department, and all other professionals who are supposed to be in primary
contact with the patients such as professionals handling records, clinical photographers,
and pharmacists (Flodgren et al., 2011). Every professional who is concerned with
various department have a set of guidelines which they are expected to follow. The
system is designed and the professionals are trained in such a way that only the
concerned professional is allowed and equipped as per the governmental bodies to
deliver healthcare services expected from them. For instance a clinician specialized in
general medicine is equipped enough to address the clinical symptoms and any ailment
an individual suffers from, and on the other hand only a general surgeon is equipped
enough to address the issue if it requires surgical intervention. Healthcare as addressed
by the governing bodies is a systematic approach towards promoting the health status
of individuals, community, and population on a whole (Reeves et al., 2013). It is the
multi-factorial approach towards it via all designated professional that the vision or the
goal of equal and accessible healthcare facilities to all can be reached some day.
Healthcare promotion can be met only when the flow continues to go in the expected
manner.

2.3-Explain the role routine plays in order to promote healthy living.
Routines bring a general structure to an individual’s daily life. It has been established
that walking for at least 10-20 minutes a day can make a person feel revived, light, and
healthy, both mentally and physically. An activity as trivial as gardening can help a
person who is struggling with stress on a daily basis, as well as keep one active and on
feet while doing gardening activities. Diseases such as hypertension and diabetes can
also be kept at bay only if one commits to following a healthy daily routine (Department
of Health., 2010). Walking or exercising for a fixed time range every day or weekly,
engaging in activities which one likes such as social involvements, indoor and outdoor
hobbies, or arts and crafts, can do wonders to one’s health. Staying physically active
not only helps one to remain fit as a fiddle, but it also manages to keep an individual
mentally active and healthy (Rekhy & McConchie., 2014). Engaging in activities which
not only involves the body but also mind helps a person to remain sharp and active. It is
surprising to see that an act as simple as washing hands can keep numerous diseases
away from an individual. However, following such guidelines only once in a while does
not promote healthy living, instead incorporating such practices in the daily living and
making others aware of them as well is something which can improve the basic health
scenario for an individual and a community in the long run. Being aware of the health
concerns prevalent in one’s surrounding and then adapting to the habits which can help
avoid such ailments is something which if brought into routine can benefit majorly
(Grahn & Stigsdotter., 2010). For instance, a person who is aware that malaria is a
major issue in the vicinity can choose to make an effort to keep his or her surroundings
clean and to avoid letting mosquitoes fester in any stagnant water bodies. Also, an
individual who has family history of diseases such as obesity, hypertension, or diabetes,
can start following a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen to help avoid or manage
the disease as long as possible. Medications are helpful, but medications without being
able to manage the ailment are unlikely to be beneficial in the long run.

LO 3- Comprehend factors affecting promotion of health.
Health promotion is not unidirectional and is multi-factorial instead. There are numerous
factors which affect health promotion such as education, income, residence,
socioeconomic status, beliefs and culture, and the surrounding physical environment
(Nutbeam et al., 2010). Apart from the above mentioned factors, the will and the ease of
participating actively in improving one’s health is a major factor.
3.1- Elaborate the relation of health beliefs to theory of health behavior.
A theory is nothing but a guiding and systemic approach to understand any event,
behavior, or situation. It basically helps in understanding how one behaves the way they
behave. It is not exactly accurate or specific and is more of an abstract of an idea.
Theory of health behavior helps to comprehend why one not asserts to follow the
activities or habits which result in better health status (Sheeran & Abraham., 2013).
Theories help to provide insight and to understand the reason behind an issue which
persist, and the feedback which could likely be beneficial in order to bring some change.
One such theory, the Theory of Reasoned Action tries to put some light on the
behavioral aspect of an individual which justifies their actions towards promoting
healthcare. It focuses on understanding the belief which might affect and influence
one’s perspective towards health. It was developed by Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen in
1967. Fishbein’s theories imply interactivity between attitude and behaviors, which is
commonly referred as the A-B relationship (Fishbein & Ajzen., 2011). The mission of
Community Health Action model is to promote and imply processes in such a way that it
influences the community on a whole. The model is unique in its own as it considers
that any community via their collective effort and actions can influence the health status.
It involves and encourages entire community engagement and participation. Yet another
model, namely the stages of change model which is also known as the Transtheoretical
model was developed by Prochaska and Diclemente in late 1970s. It implies that an
individual goes through six stages of change namely pre-contemplation where an

individual does not intend to take any action in the near future, contemplation where one
intends and wishes to start following a healthier behavior, preparation where one is
prepared to take an action soon, action is the actual change which one makes,
maintenance where one is able to sustain the changed healthier behavior, and
termination where the individual loses the desire to go back to the initial unhealthy
behavior (Prochaska., 2013). However, despite explaining the behavioral context it fails
to explain the external socioeconomic factors which are equally important if not more.