Health Education and Promotion: Main Exam, 25 November 2024

Mount Kenya University · Department of Community Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics · Certificate in Community Health · CPH1303

Mount Kenya University Health Education and Promotion (CPH1303) 2024/2025 past paper with model answers.

Instructions: ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN SECTION A AND ANY OTHER TWO IN SECTION B

SECTION A (40 marks)

1. Describe the characteristics of an adult learner.

Model answer
  • Self‑directed: adult learners take responsibility for their own learning and set personal goals.
  • Experience‑based: they draw on rich life and work experiences which become a resource for new learning.
  • Goal‑oriented: learning is motivated by immediate relevance to personal or professional problems.
  • Pragmatic: prefer practical, problem‑solving approaches over abstract theory.
  • Need to know: want to understand why the content is important before committing time.
  • Readiness to learn: become ready to learn when life situations create a need for new knowledge or skills.
  • Internal motivation: driven more by internal factors (self‑esteem, personal growth) than external rewards.
  • Respect for autonomy: expect respect for their opinions and the freedom to choose learning methods.

2. Explain the roles of a health educator.

Model answer
  • Needs assessment: identify community health problems and target audiences.
  • Program planning: design, develop and organize health education interventions.
  • Implementation: deliver education through workshops, media, counseling, and community outreach.
  • Advocacy: promote policies and resources that support health promotion.
  • Evaluation: assess effectiveness of programs and use data for improvement.
  • Collaboration: work with multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders and community leaders.
  • Capacity building: train peers, volunteers and community members to sustain health initiatives.
  • Research: conduct or apply research to inform evidence‑based practice.

3. Outline four determinants of health.

Model answer
  • Social/economic status: income, education and occupation influencing access to resources.
  • Physical environment: housing, water, sanitation and workplace conditions.
  • Health behaviors: diet, tobacco use, physical activity and substance abuse.
  • Genetics/biology: hereditary factors and biological predispositions.
  • Health services: availability, accessibility and quality of medical care.
  • Cultural factors: beliefs, traditions and social norms affecting health choices.
  • More answers: political climate, gender, age, psychosocial stressors.

4. Explain six principles of health education.

Model answer
  • Participatory: learners actively engage and contribute to the learning process.
  • Goal‑oriented: clear, measurable objectives guide the education activity.
  • Culturally appropriate: content respects and reflects the target audience’s culture.
  • Empowering: builds skills and confidence for individuals to take control of their health.
  • Holistic: addresses multiple determinants of health, not just knowledge.
  • Evaluation‑driven: includes ongoing assessment to modify and improve the program.

5. Describe three health education and promotion approaches.

Model answer
  • Health education model (e.g., PRECEDE‑PROCEED): systematic framework for planning, implementing and evaluating interventions.
  • Social marketing: uses commercial marketing techniques to promote healthy behaviours.
  • Community‑based participatory approach: involves community members in all stages of program development.
  • More answers: ecological model, empowerment model, health belief model.

6. Explain the role of non-verbal communication in passing messages.

Model answer
  • Enhances message clarity: facial expressions, gestures and posture reinforce verbal content, reducing misunderstandings.
  • Conveys emotions and attitudes: body language signals empathy, confidence or concern, influencing receiver’s perception.
  • Regulates interaction: eye contact, nodding and timing control turn‑taking and engagement.
  • Cultural signalling: non‑verbal cues reflect cultural norms, ensuring messages are appropriate and respectful.
  • Supports memory retention: visual and kinetic cues aid recall of health information.
  • Detects barriers: observing non‑verbal resistance helps educators adjust strategies promptly.

7. Describe the health education setting.

Model answer
  • Definition: A health education setting is any environment where health information is delivered to a target audience to influence knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
  • Key components: target population, learning objectives, content, teaching methods, assessment, and follow‑up.
  • Common settings: schools, workplaces, community centres, health clinics, media platforms, and online portals.
  • Characteristics: interactive, culturally appropriate, evidence‑based, and tailored to the audience’s literacy level.
  • Evaluation: pre‑ and post‑tests, feedback surveys, and behavioural outcome measures.

8. Explain three basic principles for health promotion work/as explained in the Ottawa Charter

Model answer
  • Health Empowerment: enable individuals and communities to increase control over health determinants.
  • Health Equity: reduce health disparities by addressing social, economic, and environmental factors.
  • Healthy Public Policy: create policies that promote health across all sectors.
  • Community Action: mobilise community resources and participation.
  • Health Surveillance: monitor health status to inform planning and evaluation.

SECTION B (30 marks)

1. Discuss the justification for health promotion.

Model answer
  • Population health focus: shift from disease treatment to overall well‑being.
  • Social determinants: address factors like poverty, education, and environment.
  • Prevention emphasis: reduce risk factors before disease onset.
  • Intersectoral collaboration: involve all sectors for comprehensive solutions.
  • Sustainability: promote long‑term health improvements rather than short‑term fixes.

2. Describe the social cognitive theory in relation to behavior change.

Model answer
  • Core concept: behaviour is influenced by personal, behavioural, and environmental factors.
  • Observational learning: individuals model behaviours seen in others.
  • Self‑efficacy: belief in one’s ability to perform a behaviour.
  • Outcome expectations: anticipated benefits or costs of the behaviour.
  • Reciprocal determinism: continuous interaction between person, behaviour, and environment.

3. Explain five common barriers to effective communication.

Model answer
  • Low health literacy: difficulty understanding health information.
  • Cultural barriers: language, beliefs, and norms that hinder communication.
  • Emotional factors: fear, anxiety, or mistrust affecting message reception.
  • Environmental distractions: noise, time pressure, or lack of privacy.
  • Technological gaps: limited access to or familiarity with communication tools.
  • More answers: lack of feedback mechanisms, inadequate training of communicators, and inconsistent messaging.

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