Primary Health Care through Community Action

: Primary Health Care through Community Action

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Question : Effective planning for , and successful implementation of health promotion programs requires consideration of the health status of individuals within the context of the communities wherein they live Discuss how health beliefs , attitudes , values and behaviours developed through processes of socialisation , impact on the health status of individuals . Explain how the planning and implementation of health promotion programs may be informed by an understanding of the relationship between these elements . Provide an example of this dynamic in action based on your clinical experience

or from published sources It is expected that you will relate theory to this analysis

An attitude is a learned tendency of an individual to behave in a consistent fashion to a person , group or an object . Behaviour is an action the individual performs which can be observed and which follows a certain pattern . Beliefs are mental processes , cognitions or thoughts about the properties of an object , person or activity . Values are principles or qualities that tend to control human actions . Ideas values and attitudes learned by an individual of a social group are known as `culture . Five variables , namely motivation , attitude behaviour , values and beliefs , are closely associated with the individual 's socio-cultural orientation . Motivation is something that makes an individual to strongly act in a certain way . Attitudes behaviour , beliefs and values developed through social interactions may affect the health status of the individuals of the population

Individuals are complex living creatures with several attitudes and beliefs that affect their behaviour . As the individual interacts with the environment , more complex ideas develop in the mind . Human behaviour is interactions formed between the individual and the environment

A comparative research study was conducted to examine the inequalities in the health status between Gypsy populations and non-Gypsy populations (Parry , G , 2004 . The study was conducted to determine the health experiences , attitudes and beliefs of the Gypsy population . The Gypsy population in the UK are made up of 4 separate subgroups (namely British , Welsh , Scottish and Irish

Previous studies have shown that Gypsies have a much poorer health status than non-Gypsies . Standard survey measures such as structured interviews , questionnaires and studying illnesses , were being used to study their health experiences , beliefs and attitudes . The study was important because , the area had to develop a health policy to reduce health inequalities , by targeting socially isolated groups . This exercise was also important to help in planning a community health program for the group . To study their health behaviour , attitudes and beliefs , indirect questions were being asked during the interview Additionally , general knowledge of Gypsy culture and traditions were also being examined

The results showed that the Gypsies had a poorer health status and experienced symptoms of poor health more often , than non-Gypsy population (Parry , G , 2004 . Some of the problems which were prevalent in the group include respiratory diss , mental dis , chest problems , arthritis and problems during delivery . The health needs of the community were high , but the utilisation of health services...