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Article
Publication date: 9 February 2024

Radhika Mitra

Oral health is an integral part of general health. Different population groups have been assessed for oral health status in India, but still, many have been neglected; one such…

Abstract

Purpose

Oral health is an integral part of general health. Different population groups have been assessed for oral health status in India, but still, many have been neglected; one such group is the prisoners. The prison population is a unique and challenging one with many health problems, including poor oral health, which may be due to lack of knowledge about good oral health practices. This study aims to assess effectiveness of oral health education on oral health knowledge, attitude and practices and oral hygiene status among the male prison inmates of central jail in Kolkata, India.

Design/methodology/approach

An interventional study was done among 240 male convicts. The data was elicited using a structured proforma; oral health status was assessed by recording OHI-S index, and the severity of gingivitis was assessed by recording the gingival index. Oral health education was delivered by using audio-visual aid. Oral health knowledge, attitude, practices and oral hygiene and gingival status were reassessed among the inmates before and after dental education at the end of three and six months.

Findings

A significant change in oral health knowledge, attitude and practices was seen, which in turn resulted in an appreciable decrease in the mean gingival index score (1.73 ± 0.382 to 1.20 ± 0.321) and OHI-S (3.31 ± 0.815 to 2.57 ± 0.551) in all the inmates after oral health education program over the period of time.

Originality/value

The oral health education with reinforcement proved to be an effective tool to instil good oral hygiene practices in the inmates.

Details

International Journal of Prison Health, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2977-0254

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 May 2024

Saemi Lee, Janaina Lima Fogaca, Natalie Papini, Courtney Joseph, Nikole Squires, Dawn Clifford and Jonathan Lee

Research shows peer health education programs on university campuses can support students in pursuing sustainable health-related behavior changes. However, few programs deliver…

Abstract

Purpose

Research shows peer health education programs on university campuses can support students in pursuing sustainable health-related behavior changes. However, few programs deliver peer health education through a nondiet, weight-inclusive framework. Research shows that health educators who challenge the status quo of diet culture and weight-focused health interventions may face unique challenges when sharing this perspective with others. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of peer educators who provided critical health education by introducing a nondiet, weight-inclusive approach to health.

Design/methodology/approach

Five health coaches from a university health coaching program at a mid-sized southwestern university participated in a semi-structured interview. The data were analyzed through interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

Peer educators faced numerous challenges when introducing nondiet, weight-inclusive approaches such as lacking credibility as a peer to challenge weight-centric messages, feeling conflicted about honoring clients’ autonomy when clients are resistant to a weight-inclusive approach and feeling uncomfortable when discussing client vulnerabilities. Peer educators also identified several strategies that helped them navigate these challenges such as being intentional with social media, using motivational interviewing to unpack clients’ concerns about weight, and seeking group supervision.

Originality/value

Given the reality that health coaches will face challenges sharing weight-inclusive health approaches, educators and supervisors should explicitly incorporate strategies and training methods to help peer health coaches prepare for and cope with such challenges. More research is also needed to examine effective ways to introduce weight-inclusive approaches to college students.

Details

Health Education, vol. 124 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 August 2024

Satomi Fujimori, Kazuki Ashida, Noriaki Watanabe, Tomoyuki Nishino, Fumihito Sasamori, Masao Okuhara, Hisaaki Tabuchi and Koji Terasawa

This study aims to compare the physical fitness test results of Japanese children in 2008 and 2018 to narrow the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy and extend…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to compare the physical fitness test results of Japanese children in 2008 and 2018 to narrow the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy and extend healthy life expectancy. In addition, this paper sought to explore the potential of implementing health education programs as a new social context to promote race equality and human rights in health and social care.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in 2008 and 2018 in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Physical fitness tests related to growth and development were administered to participants aged 6–17 years.

Findings

Physical fitness measurements in 2018, specifically those for walking ability and endurance, were significantly inferior to those in 2008. In a gender-specific analysis, boys outperformed girls in muscle strength, muscle endurance, walking ability and endurance tests, while girls outperformed boys in the balance test.

Research limitations/implications

Most of the junior and senior high school students who participated in the EO test exceeded the upper limit of 120 s, suggesting that the load of the measurement method is low and improvement is necessary. In 2018, a large variation in 6M results was observed among participants, possibly due to the differences in the level of seriousness during the 6M test. Therefore, to ensure that junior and senior high school students properly perform the EO and 6M tests, it is necessary to devise an effective method of implementation, such as changing the physical fitness test load.

Originality/value

Mere health education is ineffective to address health inequalities. Addressing structural factors is essential to avoid unintended consequences such as increasing the gap between groups of people. However, one way to extend healthy life expectancy is to improve overall health, including differences in the health status of groups due to differences in region and socioeconomic status.

Details

International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Laura Alonso Martínez and María Begoña Vigo-Arrazola

Government’s role and sex education are vital in promoting inclusivity and sexual health. To understand the impact that the legislation has had on sex education, it is necessary…

Abstract

Purpose

Government’s role and sex education are vital in promoting inclusivity and sexual health. To understand the impact that the legislation has had on sex education, it is necessary to evaluate it at the different training levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is a critical review aimed at comparing educational and state legislation and its impact on Sex Education in Spain and the United Kingdom.

Findings

In most countries the compulsory contents in the curriculum are oriented to sexually transmitted infections and contraception. Nonetheless, this approach is deemed inadequate and restrictive, failing to cope with the challenges posed by globalization, including the increased spread of sexual infection. Legislative constraints hinder the comprehensive implementation of public health education strategies and social justice concerning sexuality.

Research limitations/implications

Scope may miss legislative nuances and regional differences.

Practical implications

Findings emphasize comprehensive sex education to tackle modern challenges and to urge policy makers to incorporate these insights.

Social implications

Enhanced sex education laws foster health equity that will contribute to reducing violence and improving positive attitudes and behaviours.

Originality/value

Insufficient analysis exists on the effects of ministry measures in sex education, connecting health, well-being and sustainability. This underscores the urgency of researching the legislative, educational and societal consequences, enabling interventions to address negative sexual attitudes and behaviours, including gender violence, biases against sexual diversity, emotional challenges, sexual freedom and health problems, based on respect for Human Sexual Rights.

Details

Health Education, vol. 124 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 August 2024

Irene Torres, Samantha Kloft, Muskan Kumar, Amita Santosh, Mariana Pinto-Alvarez and Daniel F. López-Cevallos

This study compared approaches to school closures in four Latin American countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru), describing the impact on the health and educational…

Abstract

Purpose

This study compared approaches to school closures in four Latin American countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru), describing the impact on the health and educational wellbeing of school-age children and youth, and evaluating their approaches in regard to continuing education through the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected 75 publicly available documents including scientific and gray literature (government documents and news releases), that referred to school closures and their impact on children’s health and wellbeing. We did thematic analyses using open, axial, and selective coding and applied the latest Health Promoting Schools standards and indicators to the findings.

Findings

Results showed that countries followed epidemiological reasons for prioritizing school closures while adopting some policies that abide by Health Promoting School principles. While they emphasized the need to reopen schools so that instruction could continue, school closures were among the longest in the world. The most significant impacts on wellbeing identified in the four countries were related to food security and mental health.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on a particular set of documents, and it may not capture the full spectrum of relevant information in different contexts or regions.

Practical implications

By comparing school closures approaches among four Latin American countries, this study highlights the importance of context-specific interventions. In a post-pandemic era, lessons learned from these experiences should help foster more resilient and inclusive educational systems and explore the paths forward for following the new Health Promoting Schools framework in the region.

Originality/value

Cross-country qualitative analyses on this topic are rare. This study adds to the knowledge base by eliciting lessons for future health education research and policy efforts.

Details

Health Education, vol. 124 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2023

Hao Wang and Yunna Liu

This study aims to construct a mental health service system for middle school students in the post-COVID-19 era with the framework of Six Sigma DMAIC (define, measure, analyze…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to construct a mental health service system for middle school students in the post-COVID-19 era with the framework of Six Sigma DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) and analyze the influencing factors of the mental health service system to study the implementation strategies of quality-oriented mental health services in middle schools.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in Tianjin, China, from September to November 2022, and 350 middle school students from Tianjin Public Middle School were selected as subjects. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data. In this study, the Six Sigma DMAIC method, sensitivity analysis method, exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis were used to analyze the mental health services provided to middle school students.

Findings

Based on the Six Sigma DMAIC framework, this study indicates that the contribution rate of the mental health service process factor is the largest in the post-COVID-19 era. The mental health cultivation factor ranks second in terms of its contribution. Mental health quality and policy factors are also important in the construction of middle school students’ mental health service system. In addition, the study highlights the importance of parental involvement and social support in student mental health services during the post-COVID-19 era.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, a study on middle school students’ mental health in the post-Covid-19 era has not yet been conducted. This study developed a quality-oriented mental health system and analyzed the influencing factors of mental health for middle school students based on data analysis and the Six Sigma DMAIC method.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 July 2024

Emma Oljans, Tecklah Usai, Doroth Chinofunga and Martin Mickelsson

The paper aims to explore how values and knowledge are expressed in student’s discussions about food and health.

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to explore how values and knowledge are expressed in student’s discussions about food and health.

Design/methodology/approach

Food practices present a complex phenomenon extending beyond biomedical descriptions, including social dynamics of food in families and communities. Contextual conditions of social groups and settings have significant impacts on food choices and practices. Although values constitute a central part of educational goals, deliberate values education remains an often-neglected area, with a tendency in both curricula and educational practice to focus on knowledge and overlook how values intersect with knowledge. The paper utilises group interviews supported by participant observations to study the food and health practices as expressed in students' discussions.

Findings

The paper’s findings show how values are expressed together with knowledge as value-knowledges around food and health within the social contexts of family, cultural identities and peer relationships. While moving through their lives, students draw on and utilise biomedical, social-cultural and sensory value-knowledges, simultaneously considering the nutrition and taste of foods, the value of connecting with family and peers in cultural settings as well as getting enough food to feel satiated.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original approach around the necessity to consider and integrate cultural identities in discussions and education about food and health to empower students and their communities in a way that is socially just and equitable. This involves shifting discussions of health education away from students as (ir)rational obstacles but rather as partners in co-creating knowledge for sustainable food and health equity.

Details

Health Education, vol. 124 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 May 2024

Palka Mittal, Sheetal Kalra, Abhishek Dadhich and Puneeta Ajmera

Child-to-Child (C-to-C) approach is an evidence-based approach that ensures the child’s participation in bringing about positive changes in healthcare. By systematically…

Abstract

Purpose

Child-to-Child (C-to-C) approach is an evidence-based approach that ensures the child’s participation in bringing about positive changes in healthcare. By systematically investigating the literature, the study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach and recognize associated themes, methodologies and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive search on PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane and Dimensions AI databases was performed for original research articles on C-to-C intervention, with no time and geographical restrictions. Following PRISMA and PICO, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool assessed the studies. A data tabulation technique was used to summarize these studies.

Findings

The approach shows promising results in enhancing children’s understanding of health issues and their participation in community health promotion. This, in turn, encourages the adoption of better healthcare practices and shows improved health outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to understand the long-term impact of the approach on populations from diverse socioeconomic statuses in different study settings.

Practical implications

The findings will be helpful for practitioners, educators, policymakers and other stakeholders in creating more successful and effective C-to-C intervention programs to make informed decisions, achieve sustainable behavior change and improve health.

Originality/value

The originality of this review paper is evident in its unique focus on the C-to-C approach, which empowers children not only as recipients of health education but also as active contributors to promoting health. Further, the present research also explores the intricacies of how children learn from each other, offering new insights into effective educational practices.

Details

Health Education, vol. 124 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Ana Júlia Souto Carvalho, Jhonatan Rafael Zárate-Salazar, Michelle Cristine Medeiros Jacob, Patrícia Lima Araújo, Sávio Marcelino Gomes and Fillipe De Oliveira Pereira

This study aims to examine the role of edible mushrooms in the Brazilian diet, considering their strategic significance in meeting nutritional goals within sustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of edible mushrooms in the Brazilian diet, considering their strategic significance in meeting nutritional goals within sustainable development. Despite their potential in the nutrition of the Brazilian population, significant knowledge gaps still exist. To address this, the authors formulated this study into five main sections: the consumption of edible mushrooms in Brazil, the factors influencing the consumption, the occurrence of edible mushrooms in Brazil, the nutritional contribution of mushrooms consumed in Brazil and sustainable mushroom production in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compiled current literature to develop this viewpoint paper using systematic review, systematic search and narrative review search methods.

Findings

Mushrooms are sporadically consumed in Brazil, primarily by the urban population, with challenges in estimating the most used species. Social, economic and cultural factors, health considerations and reduced meat consumption influence mushroom consumption behavior. While Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes and Agaricus bisporus are primary species, ethnomycological studies highlight a more diverse consumption among traditional indigenous communities. Brazil hosts approximately 133 wild mushroom species safe for human consumption. Some can be sustainably cultivated using substrates derived from agricultural and urban waste, offering high-protein, high-fiber, low-fat foods with bioactive compounds holding antioxidant and prebiotic potential.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has investigated how edible mushrooms contribute to the food and nutrition of the Brazilian population. This study emphasizes the crucial role of edible mushrooms in preserving Brazil’s cultural heritage, contributing to food and nutritional security and enhancing the overall diet quality.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 54 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the knowledge of Amhara Sayint district community in Northeastern Ethiopia towards the health impacts of climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 July to 5 September 2022, involving 605 randomly selected households in Amhara Sayint district, Northeastern Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pilot-tested and content-validated questionnaire administered via Kobo Collect survey tool. The data were then exported to STATA for management and analysis. A proportional odds approach of ordinal logistic regression model was fitted with a 95% confidence level to identify factors associated with the community’s knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change.

Findings

Of the total respondents, 3.47% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1, 5.3) and 42.98% (95% CI: 38.9, 47) had inadequate and medium levels of knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change, respectively. Proportional odds model analysis result indicated that gender (female) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.053, 2.13), wealth status (poorest) (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.83), educational status (unable to read and write) (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.25, 13.68) and participation status in environmental protection activities (not) (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.71) were factors that significantly associated with inadequate and medium levels of knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change.

Research limitations/implications

The result of this research is not supported by qualitative methods.

Practical implications

Residents of the study area know the climate is changing; however, they lack adequate knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change.

Social implications

Significant number of people have inadequate level of knowledge about health impacts of climate change so relevant health education is needed.

Originality/value

This research is original in its focus on assessing public knowledge about the health impacts of climate change in the Amhara Sayint district, northeastern Ethiopia, a perspective often overlooked in existing studies. Its findings are crucial for guiding future research and developing targeted public health strategies and educational initiatives.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

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