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Question 32 — Equity and Health (20 marks) (a) (i) Why are health promotion strategies more effective when they focus on skills, education and prevention? (ii) Explain how intersectoral collaboration has increased the potential for success of ONE health promotion strategy for a population group experiencing inequity - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 32 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 32
Question 32 — Equity and Health (20 marks) (a) (i) Why are health promotion strategies more effective when they focus on skills, education and prevention? (ii) Exp... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 32 — Equity and Health (20 marks) (a) (i) Why are health promotion strategies more effective when they focus on skills, education and prevention? (ii) Explain how intersectoral collaboration has increased the potential for success of ONE health promotion strategy for a population group experiencing inequity - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 32 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Why are health promotion strategies more effective when they focus on skills, education and prevention?
Answer
Health promotion strategies tend to be more effective when they emphasize skills, education, and prevention due to several key reasons. Firstly, these strategies equip individuals with the necessary knowledge to make informed health decisions. For example, educational programs about nutrition not only inform people about healthy eating habits but also teach them how to read food labels, thereby encouraging healthier food choices.
Moreover, focusing on skills allows individuals to develop competencies that can lead to sustainable behavior changes. For instance, teaching physical fitness skills can increase participation in health-promoting activities. Additionally, preventive measures can significantly reduce the incidence of chronic illnesses, ultimately alleviating the burden on healthcare systems and improving population health.
Lastly, an emphasis on education and prevention fosters a community-wide understanding of health issues, leading to collective action in addressing health disparities.
Step 2
Explain how intersectoral collaboration has increased the potential for success of ONE health promotion strategy for a population group experiencing inequity.
Answer
Intersectoral collaboration has played a pivotal role in enhancing the success of health promotion strategies. A notable example is the National Tobacco Strategy, which addresses smoking rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This strategy involves collaboration between various sectors such as health, education, and community services to deliver comprehensive programs aimed at reducing smoking rates.
By bringing together health professionals, community leaders, and government agencies, the strategy ensures that health promotion activities are culturally relevant and accessible. For instance, outreach programs that partner with local community organizations can effectively communicate the harms of smoking and provide support for cessation strategies. Such collaboration not only amplifies resources but also fosters community trust, making health interventions more effective.
Step 3
To what extent has the inequity gap changed for TWO population groups as a result of government interventions?
Answer
Government interventions have significantly impacted the inequity gap for various population groups, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and geographically isolated populations.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, targeted health services established through government funding have improved access to healthcare. Programs aimed at culturally appropriate health education and the availability of local medical services have led to a marked reduction in health disparities. For example, the establishment of the Aboriginal Medical Services has improved the delivery of health care and increased community engagement in health promotion.
Conversely, geographically isolated populations, such as those in rural areas, have also seen positive changes. Initiatives like the National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program have enhanced access to healthcare facilities, thereby reducing barriers caused by physical distance. This has led to improved health outcomes and a narrowing of the inequity gap, indicating that government interventions can effectively address health disparities when designed with specific population needs in mind.