scholarly journals Strategies for reaching vulnerable groups in municipal health promotion

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Quilling ◽  
M Kuchler ◽  
J Leimann ◽  
S Dieterich ◽  
C Plantz
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Work Package ◽  
Participatory Approaches ◽  
Disadvantaged Groups ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Municipal Health ◽  
Country Specific

Abstract Background Contrary to the actual goal of health promotion, which is to reach all population groups equally, groups with an already better state of health are reached by such health services whereas vulnerable or socially disadvantaged groups are often not reached. Specific offers for the latter, however, can lead to stigmatization by reducing them on certain risk factors. This results in a further increase of health inequalities. Methods As part of the Joint Action Health Equity Europe (Work Package 6), 13 participating countries have initiated individual projects since autumn 2019 to promote community health and health equity. These projects are based on previously systematically identified country-specific needs. Through content analysis according to Mayring of interim reports and interviews with the project partners, it will now be investigated which strategies have been used to reach vulnerable groups. Recommendations for other countries will be derived from this comprehensive experience. Results At this stage, the observations indicate that different strategies are chosen to reach different vulnerable groups. It can be assumed that direct connection to existing networks, which enable low-threshold access to these groups in their everyday life and participatory approaches that involve the target group in planning and implementation, seem to be promising. Conclusions The diversity, uniquely portrayed by the various projects from different European countries, provides an overview of the differences and similarities in the strategies used for reaching vulnerable groups from which approaches can be generated that are internationally relevant and transferable. Key messages Gaining access to vulnerable groups requires special consideration in health promotion. The results of the JAHEE project (WP6) show promising and diverse strategies for dealing with vulnerable groups.

scholarly journals Current capacities and challenges for equity-oriented municipal health promotion in Europe

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Plantz ◽  
E Quilling
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Promising Practices ◽  
Existing Structures ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Self Assessments ◽  
Regional Public Health ◽  
Municipal Health

Abstract As a basis for implementing actions in the frame of Work package 6 - healthy living environments in the Joint Action Health Equity Europe, each of the 13 participating countries conducted a country assessment. Methods The country assessments were self-assessments conducted in the first quarter of 2019. Partners received templates that had been agreed upon beforehand. Most of them conducted the country assessments by themselves or with the help of colleagues from their institutions as a desk-based review, and validated results with external experts and stakeholders. The first part of the country assessment referred to how municipal health promotion capacities are currently developed in the countries. Through the second part of the country assessment, each of the 13 countries selected up to 4 promising practices. Results In most of the 13 countries, municipalities have a clear mandate to promote health. However, there is a big heterogeneity in resources, structures and capacities of municipal health promotion within and between countries. One key challenge is the self-government of municipalities and health promotion as a voluntary task. One of the main problems is a deficit in intersectoral working. It appears that poor municipalities are even more disadvantaged in terms of capacities for municipal health promotion. 33 promising practices were identified, covering programmes, strategies, tools and interventions mostly from the local level, with a big variety of topics and approaches for health equity. Conclusions There is a big fragmentation and heterogeneity in municipal health promotion between and within European countries. National and regional public health authorities are in the position to contribute a lot to support municipalities. This can include promoting quality development, providing data, integrating health equity in existing structures, plans and approaches or collaborating with the broad range of existing stakeholders and networks.

scholarly journals Country Report: How do Greek municipalities currently promote health and health equity?

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Velissari ◽  
A Vantarakis ◽  
M Zamparas
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Household Waste ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Country Report ◽  
Municipal Level

Abstract The establishment of municipalities in Greece is governed by Kallikratis Law (2011). There are 325 municipalities in Greece. The municipalities promote activities relating arts, education, health, sport and social services. In addition, there are a few national laws giving municipalities extra possibilities. Main financial sources of municipalities are municipal taxes, fees and duties, VAT tax. Central government finances major infrastructure projects in the municipalities, based on individual projects. Also, some NGOs are helping municipalities in their social role. Aim The investigation of the promotion of health and health equity in municipal level. Findings: Social determinants of health are the main causes for health inequalities at a municipal level. Due to that, some municipalities have developed programs to mitigate them. Municipalities have developed the National Intermunicipal Network of Healthy Cities - Health Promotion has as its sole purpose the prevention of diseases, health Promotion, the screening control of high-risk population groups and generally promote integrated policies in the field of Public Health. Today includes 218 (67%) KALLIKRATI Municipalities from all regions of the country. Municipal social capacities are: kindergartens, programs for migrants, daily care centres for elder people, health care centres (urban and rural), community nursing /home nursing care, mainly to elder and vulnerable groups. Environmental hygiene: The most important role is the collection of household waste and their appropriate disposal, as well as the protection of the environment. There are difficulties in promoting health and health equity by the municipalities: a) lack of financial & human recourses, b) lack of explicit responsibility of Municipalities c) lack of capacity about health issues and 4) bureaucracy. Conclusions There is place for action at the municipal allowing municipalities to implement various programs relating to healthy living environments.

Using action learning to reduce health inequity in Danish municipalities

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Paldam Folker ◽  
Sigurd Lauridsen
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Social Service ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Health Inequity ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disadvantaged Groups ◽  
Line Staff ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Municipal Health

Purpose The aim of this study is to clarify how action learning can be used as a vehicle for promoting equal access to municipal health services for socially disadvantaged groups in a Danish context. It is the purpose of this paper to describe the methods for reducing health inequity developed in the study and to discuss how action learning methodologically contributed to achieving these results. Design/methodology/approach In the study, the front-line staff from 19 health and social service units in six different municipalities, in Denmark, each formed an action learning group to develop methods for reducing health inequity in a municipal health setting. Each group was guided by an external facilitator, according to an Action Learning Action Research phase model (ALAR-model), which structured the cyclical development of methods into four phases: diagnosing, planning action, taking action and evaluating action. Findings Two types of results of the study are reported in the paper. First, the authors present an overview of the results the 19 participating municipal units have achieved in their action learning processes, as well as two case examples of how two units have worked with action learning and the concrete methods and tools they have developed in this process. Second, they report the challenges and dilemmas the 19 units faced when working with action learning in the study. Originality/value With its use of action learning techniques and the ALAR-model, this study contributes to the development of practice-based methods to reduce unequal access to municipal health services for socially disadvantaged groups. Through the study, the front-line staff in the health and social service units has been involved in the problem-solving process, to a much greater extent than it has previously been adopted in a Danish municipal health setting.

scholarly journals Workshop: Creating healthy living environments in municipalities – European concepts, needs and actions

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Joint Action ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Healthy Living ◽  
Work Package ◽  
Living Environments ◽  
Municipal Level

Abstract Health equity is influenced by the local social and physical environment we are living in. Municipalities all over Europe have a key role in shaping and addressing these living conditions. This is why one of the Work packages in the current EU Joint Action Health Equity Europe (JAHEE) deals with the living environment, and what municipalities can contribute to shape them in a health promoting and equity-oriented way. Current action in this field is fragmented, varies highly between and within European countries and strongly depends on political leadership. The Work package aims at providing a systematic and structured support for participating countries in taking action to create healthy living environments. In Work package 6 - Healthy living environments, 17 national and regional public health authorities from 13 countries collaborate to exchange knowledge, practices and implement actions that promote healthy living environments. This workshop aims at bringing together current knowledge and experience of why and how to create healthy living environments on the municipal level. Furthermore, it is supposed to inform what countries currently do and need to do in this field of action from the perspective of national public health institutes and ministries of health. And thirdly, an innovative local example of how to put the theory into practice will be presented. The “Should be”: The first presentation will describe the common conceptual basis for the project partners - the Policy Framework for Action. As was agreed upon among the project partners, the specific focus is a broad community approach towards health promotion that is steered from the municipal level. The “To be”: The second presentation will focus on common European challenges and potentials based on the country assessments that were conducted in the frame of the project, and how municipalities can be supported from the European, national and regional levels. Third and fourth presentations will present more in-depth country reports from Greece and Serbia describing the current capacities and potential for municipal health promotion. The “Good Practice”: The fifth presentation from the Netherlands will present an innovative approach from the City of Utrecht that is implemented in the frame of the Joint Action Health Equity Europe. The findings will be discussed using an interactive online-tool, and finally next steps, future actions and recommendations will be outlined. The workshop will give the possibility for stakeholders that are not currently involved in the Joint Action to inform themselves of the activities on the European level. The broadening of the audience is also crucial for enhancing awareness of health equity and healthy living environments as well as increasing the acceptance of the conceptual framework at national levels. Through exchange of knowledge and experience, potential new partners could be reached and involved in the project. Key messages The workshop brings together current knowledge of why and how European municipalities can create healthy living environments. The workshop presents what European countries currently do and need to do in this field of action.

Health psychology and health promotion

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 123-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni Faltermaier
Keyword(s):  
Health Psychology ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Occupational Groups ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Health And Illness ◽  
Prevention And Health Promotion ◽  
Basic And Applied Research

Abstract. The Flensburg health psychology group takes a salutogenic perspective and aims at developing innovative health promotion approaches. It stands in the interdisciplinary context of health and educational sciences. Our focus in research is on both, stress processes and lay representations of health and illness in the context of salutogenic theories of health. Basic and applied research activities aim at developing subject-oriented approaches of prevention and health promotion that are designed to promote health resources and competencies in selected settings and target groups. Current research is concentrated on socially disadvantaged groups, on occupational groups and on men to develop tailored health promotion approaches that reach groups in need and which show sustainable effects.

Applying Community‐Based Participatory Approaches to Addressing Health Disparities and Promoting Health Equity

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 217-221
Author(s):  
Yolanda Suarez‐Balcazar ◽  
Vincent T. Francisco ◽  
Noé Rubén Chávez
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Participatory Approaches

scholarly journals Protocol of a study to evaluate a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Nawabi ◽  
L Lorenz ◽  
F Krebs ◽  
A Alayli ◽  
I Lück ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Lifestyle Interventions ◽  
Health Services Use ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Prenatal Visits

Abstract Background The risk of developing obesity and chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus) in children is influenced by the mother's lifestyle during pregnancy (prenatal programming). This study evaluates a computer-assisted preventive lifestyle counseling carried out during prenatal visits and infant check-ups. GeMuKi (acronym for 'strengthening health promotion: enhanced check-up visits for mother and child') is a complex intervention consisting of multiple components implemented by different cooperating healthcare providers. Methods GeMuKi supplements regular prenatal visits and infant check-ups with an additional counseling regarding physical activity, nutrition and alcohol and tobacco use. Providers, who carry out the counseling, receive communication training using motivational interviewing techniques. Pregnant women in 4 intervention regions in Germany receive GeMuKi from gynecologists, midwives and pediatricians, while participants in the 4 control regions receive standard care. As part of a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial with 1860 participants, questionnaires are filled in at 4 time points. Weight development and health data of the mother and child are recorded. Health services use will be analyzed using statutory health insurance claims data. Interviews will be conducted to evaluate the implementation process. Results Targeted preventive measures at the beginning of pregnancy intend to reduce the risk of inadequate gestational weight gain (primary outcome). Secondary endpoints are amongst others maternal lifestyle, infant weight development and body composition. Conclusions GeMuKi is set up as a long-term, low-threshold, multimodal intervention in living environments and existing structures. Findings will add to the evidence on lifestyle interventions during pregnancy to reduce the risk for overweight and obesity. Results will contribute to the prevention of early programming of chronic disease and will inform decisions about scale up and public funding. Key messages Lifestyle interventions provided from the beginning of pregnancy intent to be beneficial for the health of both mother and child to prevent obesity and chronic diseases. Low-threshold interventions embedded in regular prenatal visits are accessible for the complete pregnant population, including vulnerable groups.

Can municipal health promotion programs improve the health of the population? Review of foreign practices

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
V.A. Zinovyeva ◽  
M.V. Popovich ◽  
A.V. Kontsevaya ◽  
E.V. Ousova ◽  
A.V. Manshina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Promotion Programs ◽  
Municipal Health
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