Health EducationPub Date : 2021-09-06DOI: 10.1108/he-07-2021-0099
H. Sumnall, A. Atkinson, S. Gage, Ian Hamilton, C. Montgomery
{"title":"Less than human: dehumanisation of people who use heroin","authors":"H. Sumnall, A. Atkinson, S. Gage, Ian Hamilton, C. Montgomery","doi":"10.1108/he-07-2021-0099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/he-07-2021-0099","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeStigma reduction is an important public health challenge because of the large morbidity and mortality associated with some forms of substance use. Extreme stigma can lead to dehumanisation of target groups, who are ascribed with lesser humanity. The authors examined whether there was blatant and subtle dehumanisation of people who use heroin, and if these were associated with levels of support for non-discriminatory drug policy.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional online study using a UK convenience sample (n = 307 [75.2% female, mean age 28.6 ± 12.2 years]) was conducted. Participants completed assessments of blatant (Ascent of Humans [AoH] scale) and subtle (an emotion attribution task) dehumanisation and a bespoke measure assessing support for non-discriminatory drug policies. Other measures controlled for stigma towards people who use drugs (PWUD) and moral disgust.FindingsThere was greater blatant dehumanisation of people who used heroin compared to the general population and other potentially stigmatised reference groups, including people who use cannabis. The authors also found evidence of subtle dehumanisation, and people who used heroin were rated as being less likely to feel uniquely human emotions, less likely to feel positive emotions and more likely to feel negative emotions. Blatant dehumanisation was associated with significantly lower probability of support for non-discriminatory drug policy.Social implicationsDehumanisation may present significant challenges for stigma reduction initiatives and in fostering public support for drug policy and treatment. Denial of the humanity of this group could be used to justify discriminatory policies or relative deprioritisation of support services in funding decisions. Activities that seek to “rehumanise” PWUD, including social inclusion, and encouraging compassionate media representations that portray the lived experiences of substance use may be useful areas of future work.Originality/valueThis is the first study to investigate blatant and subtle dehumanisation of people who use heroin, and how this relates to public support for drug policy.","PeriodicalId":47067,"journal":{"name":"Health Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45703441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Health EducationPub Date : 2021-08-30DOI: 10.1108/he-02-2021-0027
Catriona O’Toole, V. Simovska
{"title":"Same storm, different boats! The impact of COVID-19 on the wellbeing of school communities","authors":"Catriona O’Toole, V. Simovska","doi":"10.1108/he-02-2021-0027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/he-02-2021-0027","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the functioning of education systems in a multitude of ways. In Ireland schools closed on March 12th and remained closed for the remainder of the academic year. During this time educators engaged with students, families and colleagues in new and diverse ways. The purpose of this study was to explore educators' experiences during the closures, particularly regarding the impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing of students, school staff and wider school communities.Design/methodology/approachA series of one-to-one interviews, lasting approximately one hour, were conducted in July 2020 with 15 education professionals online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Participants occupied various roles (classroom teacher, school leader, special educational needs coordinator, etc.) and worked in a diverse range of communities in Ireland. Qualitative data from interviews were transcribed and emergent themes identified through an inductive followed by deductive analytic approach.FindingsThe interviews highlighted the central role that schools play in supporting their local communities and the value teachers place on their relationships with students and families. Many teachers and school leaders found themselves grappling with new identities and professional boundaries as they worked to support, care for and connect with the students and families they serve. There was considerable concern expressed regarding the plight of vulnerable or marginalised students for whom the school ordinarily offered a place of safety and security.Originality/valueThe findings reveal how COVID-19 has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities and the central role of schools in promoting the health and wellbeing of all its members.","PeriodicalId":47067,"journal":{"name":"Health Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42012801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Health EducationPub Date : 2021-08-25DOI: 10.1108/he-05-2021-0077
Alexander Preko, Anthony Nkrumah Agyabeng, J. Mensah
{"title":"Slum dwellers' occupational activities and health implications","authors":"Alexander Preko, Anthony Nkrumah Agyabeng, J. Mensah","doi":"10.1108/he-05-2021-0077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/he-05-2021-0077","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe literature has acknowledged that good health is a crucial component of well-being. This study explores the country-specific understanding of slum dwellers' occupational activities and their environmental behavior.Design/methodology/approachUsing the environmentally responsible behavior model, the study utilized exploratory qualitative approach to purposely sample 35 respondents, who responded to health-related behaviors through in-depth interviews.FindingsFindings show that respondents are engaged in diverse socio-economic occupational activities such as selling of cooked and uncooked food in polythene bags, selling of sachet water and burning the waste generated from these activities in the slum environment. In addition, the study found specific occupational activities of masons, carpenters, tilers, salon beauticians, scrap dealers and unhygienic waste disposal in the slums. Finally, this study uncovered divided opinions in terms of respondents' environmental responsibility and awareness of environmental ramifications. Therefore, issues such as health hazards, unhealthy environment and soil deterioration are common at the slum dwellings.Research limitations/implicationsThe study findings and the conclusion drawn cannot be generalized to represent the entire population of slum dwellers in Ghana due to the qualitative methodology employed.Practical implicationsThis study revealed a country-specific understanding of the environmentally responsible behavior of slum dwellers based on their occupational activities, which can inform health policies.Originality/valueThe outcome of this study advanced contextual culturally specific understanding, concerning health-related behavior of slum dwellers, which is important to policymakers and practitioners in contexts.","PeriodicalId":47067,"journal":{"name":"Health Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42835118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Health EducationPub Date : 2021-08-24DOI: 10.1108/HE-02-2021-0035
A. Martiniuk, J. Challinor, R. Arora, S. Handayani, Catherine G. Lam
{"title":"Digital solutions to facilitate education, training and professional support for paediatric oncology and other health professionals in rural and other low-resource settings","authors":"A. Martiniuk, J. Challinor, R. Arora, S. Handayani, Catherine G. Lam","doi":"10.1108/HE-02-2021-0035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-02-2021-0035","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose>Globally, cancer represents an increasing proportion of child mortality as progress against infectious causes is made. Approximately 400,000 children will develop cancer, each year, around the world. Only about half of these cancers will ever be diagnosed. In high-resource settings, 80% of children will survive, but only about 30% will survive in low-resource settings. Digital solutions have a valuable role in increasing health professional knowledge, skills and empowerment to diagnose, treat and otherwise care for children and adolescents with cancer. This review sought to identify digital resources that support the training and development of the paediatric oncology workforce in resource -poor settings.Design/methodology/approach>This paper presents a narrative descriptive review of peer-reviewed publications and digital platforms that contribute to health professionals' education and training regarding paediatric oncology, particularly in rural and other low-resource settings.Findings>Digital solutions were identified for building communities of practice, facilitating access to information and support and providing access to training, education and supervision specifically for paediatric oncology health professionals. A total of 33 resources are discussed in depth. A quality assessment of the digital resources is provided using the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose (CRAAP) tool and suggestions to improve the quality of resources are discussed.Practical implications>The authors anticipate that this summary of digital resources for the global paediatric oncology professional community will inform digital health investments and design of digital innovations to meet emerging needs and will have an impact on the workforce in the real world. Ultimately, this work will contribute to an improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with cancer in resource-poor settings.Originality/value>This is the first discussion and summary of digital education platforms which educate, train and offer support to health professionals with respect to paediatric oncology. These digital platforms are often aimed at, and are essential for, health professionals in rural and other low-resource settings.","PeriodicalId":47067,"journal":{"name":"Health Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49373424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Health EducationPub Date : 2021-08-13DOI: 10.1108/he-01-2021-0014
Godi Katito, E. Davies
{"title":"Exploring the social-ecological factors related to physical activity participation among Black, Asian and minority ethnic immigrants","authors":"Godi Katito, E. Davies","doi":"10.1108/he-01-2021-0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/he-01-2021-0014","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeDespite the health benefits of physical activity (PA), participation rates Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) adults in the United Kingdom (UK) are low in comparison to the general population. This study aimed to explore the social-ecological factors related to PA participation among BAME immigrants.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were carried out with 12 purposively selected adults from the BAME populace residing in one postcode district of a city in southern England.FindingsThe three main themes that developed from this study demonstrated that the barriers to PA participation among BAME were perceived to exist at intrapersonal, and environmental (social and physical) levels.Research limitations/implicationsUnderstanding these unique social-ecological factors may assist in intervention development.Originality/valueProminent barriers included intrapersonal factors such as deportation fear and cultural beliefs; and environmental factors such as the cost of accessing PA facilities. Length of residency appeared to be related to increased PA.","PeriodicalId":47067,"journal":{"name":"Health Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46257181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Health EducationPub Date : 2021-08-06DOI: 10.1108/HE-12-2020-0125
D. Alt, Lior Naamati-Schneider
{"title":"Online argumentation-based learning aided by digital concept mapping during COVID-19: implications for health management teaching and learning","authors":"D. Alt, Lior Naamati-Schneider","doi":"10.1108/HE-12-2020-0125","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-12-2020-0125","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected educational systems worldwide, forcing them to abruptly shift from face-to-face to online teaching and learning. This case study illustrates how a traditional lecture-based activity for undergraduate students in a Management of Health Service Organizations program was transformed into an argumentation-based learning activity using the technique of digital concept mapping and was deployed in an online format during the COVID-19 lockdown.Design/methodology/approachThe students were tasked with solving an ill-structured problem bearing significance for their future professional lives and connected to the contents of their course (entitled “Assimilation of service quality in health systems”). The activity was composed of two phases. In Phase 1, participants were asked to provide five arguments to establish their proposed solution to the problem by using a concept map on a digital platform (Mindomo). In Phase 2, they were asked to substantiate their arguments. Reflective journals were used to ascertain how the participants viewed the activity. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data by searching for themes demonstrating different epistemological positions.FindingsSix themes were inductively derived from the students' reflections: (1) transitioning from passive to active learning; (2) generating epistemic change; (3) social perspective-taking; (4) domain-based knowledge; (5) prior knowledge and experience; and (6) online collaboration with other students. Episodes, thoughts and feelings expressed by the students were reported so as to increase the reliability of the recurrent and common themes.Originality/valueThis study mainly shows that combining constructivist teaching and learning tools with advanced technology in an online course enables the development of lifelong learning capabilities among students in the health management professions.","PeriodicalId":47067,"journal":{"name":"Health Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42771287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Health EducationPub Date : 2021-08-05DOI: 10.1108/he-04-2021-0058
Hajar Ebrahimipour, Maryam Mokhtari Dinani, A. Pandari
{"title":"Influential social marketing interventions in physical activity promotion","authors":"Hajar Ebrahimipour, Maryam Mokhtari Dinani, A. Pandari","doi":"10.1108/he-04-2021-0058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/he-04-2021-0058","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and rank the influential social marketing factors for physical activity promotion.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive-survey approach is used in this study. First, the influential social marketing factors for physical activity promotion were determined through the review of theoretical foundations and literature. The factors with a >0.7 content validity index (CVI) value, based on the experts' opinion, were selected. A total of 23 individuals participated in the study, including sports marketing experts and members of physical activity committees of Iranian sports federations, and they were selected purposively. The study data were collected using a pairwise comparison questionnaire and analyzed using the DEMATEL-based analytic network process (DANP) method.FindingsIn this study, a total of 17 influential social marketing factors were identified and categorized in 5 dimensions: product, price, place, promotion and partnership. Based on DEMATEL-based analytic network process (DANP) results, the “promotion” with the weight of 0.212 was the most important dimension and “providing inexpensive sports services” with the weight of 0.096 was the most important social marketing factor influencing the promotion of the physical activity.Originality/valueThe results highlight the importance of sport for all services expenses and costs in promoting physical activity. Thus, the results can be the basis for policies regarding social marketing to promote physical activity.","PeriodicalId":47067,"journal":{"name":"Health Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47235753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Health EducationPub Date : 2021-08-03DOI: 10.1108/he-02-2021-0018
D. Barwood
{"title":"Supporting health literacy in adolescent populations: distinguishing pedagogies for sun safety education in schools","authors":"D. Barwood","doi":"10.1108/he-02-2021-0018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/he-02-2021-0018","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe aim of this paper is to distinguish pedagogies supporting critical health literacy development in adolescent populations. Specifically, for sun safety education in schools.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on an exploratory intrinsic case study design to qualitatively examine the learning conditions that Pre-Service Teachers' (PsTs) mobilise to advance Health Literary (HL) in learning activities.FindingsThis paper presents data that shows the different ways thirty Pre-Service Teachers (PsTs) in Western Australia conceptualise HL in sun safety education for Year 7 students (12–13 years old). Examination of three consecutive lesson plans categorised learning activities (n = 444) according to HL competencies. Data shows that the PsTs pedagogically advance HL but are constrained when conceptualising learning to support critical HL. Further examination of the lesson plans of the 11 PsTs who pedagogically advanced learning to support a critical level of health literacy, distinguished the learning conditions and pedagogies supporting critically health literate adolescents.Originality/valueBy distinguishing pedagogies to situate individual and social health within broader societal goals, the paper identifies teacher education institutions as key players enabling young people to socially advocate healthier living, particularly, regarding melanoma and non-melanoma incidence.","PeriodicalId":47067,"journal":{"name":"Health Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41805025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Health EducationPub Date : 2021-08-03DOI: 10.1108/HE-01-2021-0012
A. Mitchell, A. Mork, Janice L. Hall, C. R. Bayer
{"title":"Navigating COVID-19 through diverse student learning communities: importance and lessons learned","authors":"A. Mitchell, A. Mork, Janice L. Hall, C. R. Bayer","doi":"10.1108/HE-01-2021-0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-01-2021-0012","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to describe one Southern United States of America (US), historically Black medical school's approach to adapting medical education training through learning communities (LCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe COVID-19 pandemic created a wide variety of problems for higher education. Classes moved quickly from in-person to virtual instruction with little time for training; faculty and students had to adapt to new learning platforms, learning styles, study techniques and technological challenges. Emotions ran high due to constant change, transitions and numerous unknowns. The LC structure embedded in the curriculum of this US medical school aided in the navigation of these challenges.FindingsOf the 95 MD1–MD4 respondents combined who responded to the COVID-19 LC survey, 67% rated the LC sessions good/outstanding, 20% average, 7% poor/fair and 5% N/A. When asked if LCs had helped them during the pandemic, overall, 66% said “yes” and 34% said “no.” When asked how LCs have helped during the pandemic, themes emerged related to safety, adapting to feelings of isolation/mental health/emotional support, and academic progress.Originality/valueThe small LC group structure created a sense of security for receiving academic help, emotional support, a network of assistance resources and a place to process COVID-19 losses and insecurities. Receptivity to utilizing the LC structure for support may relate to the medical students' commitment to addressing health disparities, serving the underserved and embracing a medical school culture that values community.","PeriodicalId":47067,"journal":{"name":"Health Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44650570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}