Public Health Coordinator – How to Promote Focus on Social Inequality at a Local Level, and How Should It Be Included in Public Health Policies? Comment on "Health Promotion at Local Level in Norway: The Use of Public Health Coordinators and Health Overviews to Promote Fair Distribution Among Social Groups"

Aim: National public health policies in Norway are based on a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach. At the local level, this means that public health, as a cross-sectional responsibility, should be implemented in all municipal sectors by integrating public health policies in municipal planning and management systems. The paper investigates these local processes, focusing on the use of public health terminology and how this terminology is translated from national to local contexts. We ask whether the terms ‘public health’ and ‘public health work’ are suitable when implementing an HiAP approach. Methods: A qualitative case study based on analyses of interviews and planning documents was performed in three Norwegian municipalities. Results: The results present dilemmas associated with using public health terminology when implementing an HiAP approach. On the one hand, the terms are experienced as wide, complex, advanced and unnecessary. On the other hand, the terms are experienced as important for a systematic approach towards understanding public health ideology and cross-sectional responsibility. One municipality used alternative terminology. Conclusions: This paper promotes debate about the appropriateness of using the terms ‘public health’ and ‘public health work’ at the local level. It suggests that adaptation is suitable and necessary, unless it compromises knowledge, responsibility and a systematic approach. This study concludes that the use of terminology is a central factor when implementing the Norwegian Public Health Act at the local level.

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Children, Adolescents, and Public Health: Ethical Considerations

The Oxford Handbook of Public Health Ethics ◽

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190245191.013.16 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 191-204

Author(s):

Margaret Moon

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Health Information ◽

Social Power ◽

Global Perspective ◽

Health Policies ◽

Ethical Considerations ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

Political Economic

The population of children and adolescents encompasses a remarkable range of physiological, developmental, and experiential phenomena. Considered from a global perspective, differences may seem to overwhelm similarities. This chapter proposes and explains three distinct but interrelated characteristics that should frame ethical considerations of public health approaches to children and adolescents: (1) lack of political, economic, and social power; (2) status as subject to stewardship by adults; and (3) presumed lack of capacity for decision-making.The impact of these shared characteristics is examined using public health approaches to health information, health promotion and access to confidential services. Public health policies that anticipate the risks related to powerlessness and failures of stewardship, and seek to promote respect for developing capacity can help to create conditions in which children can thrive.

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The EU Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.602 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

I Bakogianni

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Disease Prevention ◽

Policy Making ◽

Health Policies ◽

High Quality ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

The Eu

Abstract Issue/ problem Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol and tobacco use are leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases. They are all modifiable and health promotion policies can support that. Description of the problem However, information overload, controversies and uncertainties, budget constraints and difficulties in balancing disparate interests are common challenges that can hamper action by policy makers in the field of public health. To support them, the European Commission has created the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway. It is a reference point for independent and reliable information to assist policy making; it summarises both the data and knowledge needed to support prioritisation of public health policies and justify investments in health promotion. Results The Knowledge Gateway currently covers the areas of nutrition, physical activity, alcohol, marketing of foods and beverages, and related societal impacts such as disease burden and health inequalities. These topics have been prioritised by Member States representatives and policy makers. The content is organised into concise, well-structured briefs which include definition of each issue, health related effects, and examples of policy recommendations and implemented policies. The high-quality source documents are selected in a tiered approach and are mainly authored or endorsed by authoritative public health organisations. Lessons Judging by the positive feedback received, the Knowledge Gateway is being used widely across Member States and stakeholders. The content of the Knowledge Gateway will be further expanded to support other health priorities such as mental health promotion. Policy makers have a unique, trusted “one-stop-shop” with high quality information to support, justify and strengthen the development of public health policies and health promotion. Key messages The use of reliable authoritative information for the development of public health policies can support the prevention of major non-communicable disease risk factors. The EU Knowledge Gateway is a unique reference point of reliable, independent information to support policy making in the area of public health.

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