Search results

This paper presents comparative data from two evaluations which employed the draw and write technique to collect data from primary school pupils (ages eight to ten years). Pupils from health promoting schools and schools with conventional health education classes were significantly more likely to draw pictures across a range of categories than pupils who had received no health education, but these varied significantly by the type of intervention. Pupils from health promoting schools drew more pictures illustrating relationships, play, rest and work, while those who had been exposed to traditional health education were more likely to draw pictures showing individual lifestyle behaviours. This implies that the draw and write technique is sensitive to differences in approach to health education within schools. A number of gender differences emerged which also supported this interpretation. This research also suggests that this technique is sensitive to the influence of school based health initiatives and is a useful tool for assessing such developments.

An advertisement explicitly depicting behaviours associated with transmission of HIV was developed with the aim of reminding people of the continued threat posed by the virus to health. Evaluation of the advertisement was carried out to assess its impact on the target group of people, those aged 18‐36 years. An international film festival provided the opportunity for the advertisement to be screened and an exit poll was carried out with a randomly selected 11 per cent sub‐sample of the total audience of 2,045. The results indicate that the advertisement reached and was assimilated by the target audience. Some differences were found based on socio‐demographic variables, with women finding the portrayals in the advertisement more realistic than men. All audience reactions were positive with support expressed for wider dissemination of the advertisement. The advertisement has subsequently been released nationally through cinemas.

This paper describes the development of mental health promotion strategies for rural communities in Northern Ireland. The initial phase of a community‐based project targeting depression and suicide is examined. The paper brings together practitioner and research perspectives on an analysis of the factors that made this initiative possible and facilitated its development to date. The paper is written in two sections. Section one describes the process and practical experience of planning and implementing the initial phase of the project. Section two reports on the community needs assessment study. The research approach adopted is outlined and the implications of the findings are discussed.