Foundations of Health Education

Abstract

The module covers principles and concepts of health education, different approaches to health education, assessing population health needs, health education methods and tools, as well as how to work with individuals (counselling methods), with small groups (including self-help groups), and with population. Health education is an important tool in overall promotion of health. Health education principles are directed to healthy life style and strengthening defense mechanisms by efficient contribution of individuals in the social life. Health education is important for entire population regardless of age, educational level, gender, health and other determinants. Health education should be adjusted to the local culture needs and possibilities. Health promotion program of the World Health Organization from 1984 and Declaration from Ottawa from 1986 represent a basis for an innovative approach toward health education based on the social concept of health and healthy life styles. The new broader approach ”Education for Health” beside relevant and precise information includes all spontaneous and organized actions directed toward health. An essential precondition for those actions is to provide such healthy environment where a healthy choice would be the easiest choice. In this way the control and responsibility for someone’s health are becoming an integrative part of everyday life of the individual, family, community and society through adopting healthy life styles, and creating supportive environments for health.