Brief description of the readings The first article focuses on a strategy of development of individual behaviour patterns and enactment of effective policies that aim at reducing environmental exposures and stressors that impact the health of a community negatively. The authors propose that the reduction of factors influence exposure to environmental health hazards can be effectively addressed through a change of behaviour of an individual or change of policies that aim at reducing the exposure to such hazards (Parker, Baldwin, Israel, & Salinas, 2004). The article presents health theories and models that guide individuals to lead healthy lives through the change of personal behaviour. It focuses on integration of the various models and theories
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To achieve these changes in a community, effective values have to be developed, including equitability in health care provision across gender, race, social status, religion, and age. Social justice is also essential to protect the marginalized populace in a community to avert inequities in the delivery and accessibility of healthcare services. Health promotion strategies should also respect and promote cultural diversity. Individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds are treated with dignity, respecting their personal liberties, and prioritizing those at higher risks of health challenges due to poverty, physical disabilities, or lack of power. This is addressed through ethnic change process where all the stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute to the health promotion efforts. Democratic governance also ensures equitability is achieved. Holistic health paradigm is another value that addresses the entire well-being of an individual from their physical, spiritual, social, and mental health as well as their general …show more content…
This is because the approach is designed to address the roots of unhealthy behaviours and practices, both at the individual and societal levels (Lorence, Park, & Fox, 2006). The approach is also cost effective as it focuses resources on the high risk individuals or community, where the health care intervention is highly needed. In addition, with the social approach, a slight change in a risk factor in a community would positively improve the health of many people.
Disadvantages of applying the strategy The process of identifying the high risk communities, or the most affected individuals in a community is time consuming and relatively costly. In addition, the strategy is likely to leave out low and moderate risk groups that are also significantly affected by the risk factors of concern (Gregg & O’Hara, 2007). Individuals who change behaviours are sometimes exposed to discrimination as the community puts him or her outside the social circle.
Part 2: Relevance and appropriateness of the processes used in assessing the needs of the target
To achieve these changes in a community, effective values have to be developed, including equitability in health care provision across gender, race, social status, religion, and age. Social justice is also essential to protect the marginalized populace in a community to avert inequities in the delivery and accessibility of healthcare services. Health promotion strategies should also respect and promote cultural diversity. Individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds are treated with dignity, respecting their personal liberties, and prioritizing those at higher risks of health challenges due to poverty, physical disabilities, or lack of power. This is addressed through ethnic change process where all the stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute to the health promotion efforts. Democratic governance also ensures equitability is achieved. Holistic health paradigm is another value that addresses the entire well-being of an individual from their physical, spiritual, social, and mental health as well as their general …show more content…
This is because the approach is designed to address the roots of unhealthy behaviours and practices, both at the individual and societal levels (Lorence, Park, & Fox, 2006). The approach is also cost effective as it focuses resources on the high risk individuals or community, where the health care intervention is highly needed. In addition, with the social approach, a slight change in a risk factor in a community would positively improve the health of many people.
Disadvantages of applying the strategy The process of identifying the high risk communities, or the most affected individuals in a community is time consuming and relatively costly. In addition, the strategy is likely to leave out low and moderate risk groups that are also significantly affected by the risk factors of concern (Gregg & O’Hara, 2007). Individuals who change behaviours are sometimes exposed to discrimination as the community puts him or her outside the social circle.
Part 2: Relevance and appropriateness of the processes used in assessing the needs of the target