Health Promotion

Health Promotion---Theory, Models and Approaches



Health Promotion

Health promotion is the methodology or a process to enable people to have control over the health related services for the improvement of the health. As these health promotion models have been enacted in developing countries, they can be a guideline for the developing countries to address their major health issues. (Naidoo & Wills, 2000)

Health promotion is not simply an initiative to be done by a designated organization. It is a collective exercise to be done by the people for the people, by individuals and as a group. Health promotion has revolutionized the health systems. The increases in the participation of the individuals have enabled the people to exert their control over the health determinants. (Gard, 2000, pp 64)

As the participation of individuals has increased in health promotion, it has come forward as a powerful strategy for social change and development. It has also enabled people to raise their concern to reduce inequalities in health sector. The other impacting aspect of health promotion has been creation of awareness of healthy lifestyle among masses. Now every individual has at least started to give healthy lifestyle a serious thought. Making healthy choices is becoming a rising trend among individuals these days. Health promotion not only just focuses upon medical health but also upon other factors such as anthropology, psychology, behavioral sciences, education, etc and their respective methodologies. (MacDonald, 2003, pp 143)

Approaches to Health Promotion

Medical Approach

Medical approach aims to reduce premature mortality and promises liberty from disease and severe disability. Methods that ensure include Immunization through vaccination, screening of patients and fluoridation. This approach is based on scientific methods. (Ewles & Simnett, 2003, pp 43)

Behavior Change Approach

Behavior approach focuses upon encouragement of individuals to take up healthy behaviors. This approach views health as the responsibility of individuals ...