Health Education I: Main Exam, 4 March 2025

Mount Kenya University · Department of Community Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics · Diploma in Community Oral Health, Diploma in Community Health · DPH1201

Health Education I (DPH1201) Mount Kenya University 2024/2025 past paper with model answers.

Section A (40 marks)

1. Define the following terms:

  1. a) Public health education (2 marks)
    Model answer
    • Public health education: A systematic process of informing and influencing communities about health risks, preventive behaviours and services to improve population health outcomes.
  2. b) Health education (2 marks)
    Model answer
    • Health education: The planned learning experiences that increase individuals’ knowledge, attitudes and skills to adopt healthier behaviours.

2. Explain two aims of health education. (6 marks)

Model answer
  • Aim 1 – Increase knowledge: Provide accurate information so people understand health risks and benefits of preventive actions.
  • Aim 2 – Change behaviour: Enable individuals to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles through skill‑building and motivation.

3. Highlight four key principles of health promotion. (6 marks)

Model answer
  • Empowerment: Enable people to take control of their health.
  • Participation: Involve communities in planning and decision‑making.
  • Holistic approach: Address social, economic and environmental determinants of health.
  • Equity: Reduce health disparities and ensure fair access to resources.
  • More answers:
  • Sustainability: Promote long‑term health improvements.
  • Intersectoral collaboration: Work across sectors to support health.

4. Describe extended parallel process model (6 marks)

Model answer
  • Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM):
  • Threat appraisal: Assess perceived severity and susceptibility of a health risk.
  • Efficacy appraisal: Evaluate response efficacy (effectiveness of the recommended action) and self‑efficacy (confidence to perform it).
  • Outcome pathways:
  • High threat + high efficacy → danger control (protective behaviour).
  • High threat + low efficacy → fear control (avoidance, denial).
  • Low threat → no motivation to act.
  • Application: Guides message design to ensure sufficient threat and efficacy to promote adaptive health actions.

5. State three terms used for communication and health education activities. (6 marks)

Model answer
  • Health communication
  • Health promotion
  • Health education

6. State six areas where health education and promotion take place. (6 marks)

Model answer
  • Community settings – schools, workplaces, churches, and local clubs.
  • Health facilities – hospitals, clinics, and dental offices.
  • Public spaces – parks, markets, and transport hubs.
  • Media platforms – radio, television, newspapers, and social media.
  • Policy arenas – government offices, legislative bodies, and regulatory agencies.
  • Home environments – family homes and residential communities.

7. Outline six fundamental conditions and resources needed for good health. (6 marks)

Model answer
  • Adequate nutrition – balanced diet with essential macro‑ and micronutrients.
  • Clean water and sanitation – safe drinking water and proper waste disposal.
  • Physical activity – regular exercise and active lifestyles.
  • Safe environment – protection from hazards, pollution, and violence.
  • Social support – family, friends, and community networks.
  • Access to health services – preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care.

Section B (30 marks)

8. Discuss in detail the Jakarta Declaration five priorities for health promotion.

Model answer
  • Health for all – universal access to health services and equity in health outcomes.
  • Intersectoral action – collaboration across sectors such as education, agriculture, and housing.
  • Community participation – empowering communities to identify and solve health problems.
  • Health literacy – improving knowledge, skills, and attitudes for healthy choices.
  • Sustainable development – integrating health promotion into broader development goals.

9. Discuss the Components of communication.

Model answer
  • Sender – initiator of the message.
  • Message – content, structure, and encoding of information.
  • Channel – medium through which the message travels.
  • Receiver – target audience receiving the message.
  • Feedback – response from the receiver that informs the sender.
  • Noise – any interference that distorts the message.

10. Discuss the principles of health education.

Model answer
  • Clear objectives – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time‑bound goals.
  • Audience‑centric – tailored to the needs, beliefs, and literacy of the target group.
  • Evidence‑based – grounded in research and best practices.
  • Culturally appropriate – respectful of local customs and values.
  • Participatory – involving stakeholders in planning and implementation.
  • Sustainable – designed for long‑term impact and resource efficiency.

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