Health Education and Promotion: Supplementary Exam, August 2018

Mount Kenya University · Department of Community Health · Diploma in Community Oral Health · DPH2108

Mount Kenya University Health Education and Promotion past paper 2017-2018 with model answers for DPH2108 unit.

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

Section A (40 marks)

1. Define the following terms; (8 marks)

  1. a) Disease.
    Model answer
    • Disease: A deviation from normal physiological functioning that results in impaired health, caused by pathogens, genetics, environmental or lifestyle factors, and may produce signs, symptoms, and functional limitation.
  2. b) Advocacy.
    Model answer
    • Advocacy: The active process of influencing policies, resources, and public opinion to support health‑related goals, representing the needs of individuals or communities to achieve equitable health outcomes.
  3. c) Health promotion.
    Model answer
    • Health promotion: The combination of strategies and actions that enable people to increase control over, and improve, their health, encompassing education, policy development, community participation and supportive environments.
  4. d) Communication.
    Model answer
    • Communication: The exchange of information, ideas and feelings between sender and receiver using verbal, non‑verbal or written channels, aimed at achieving mutual understanding and influencing health‑related behaviour.

2. Describe four aims of health education and promotion. (4 marks)

Model answer
  • Increase knowledge: Provide accurate information so people understand health risks and protective behaviours.
  • Develop skills: Equip individuals with practical abilities to adopt healthy practices.
  • Change attitudes: Influence beliefs and values to support healthier choices.
  • Facilitate behaviour change: Encourage adoption and maintenance of actions that improve health.

3. Explain two roles of health educator. (4 marks)

Model answer
  • Program planning and implementation: Design, organise and deliver health‑education activities tailored to target groups.
  • Evaluation and research: Assess the effectiveness of interventions and use findings to improve future programmes.

4. Name six fundamental conditions and resources needed for good health. (6 marks)

Model answer
  • Fundamental conditions
  • Resources
  • Access to clean water
  • Adequate nutrition
  • Safe housing
  • Education
  • Healthcare services
  • Social support
  • Economic stability
  • Environmental safety
  • Legal protection
  • Community participation

5. Differentiate between hygiene education and hygiene promotion. (4 marks)

Model answer
  • Hygiene education: focuses on teaching knowledge and skills about personal and environmental hygiene practices.
  • Hygiene promotion: goes beyond education to create supportive environments, policies and social norms that encourage and sustain hygienic behaviours.

6. Outline six areas of actions outlined by Ottawa charter. (6 marks)

Model answer
  • Health promotion
  • Health protection
  • Health surveillance
  • Health education
  • Health research
  • Health policy development
  • Health service delivery
  • Health financing
  • Health equity
  • Health system strengthening
  • Community participation
  • Intersectoral collaboration

7. Describe any four health and behaviour models used in health education. (8 marks)

Model answer
  • Health Belief Model – focuses on perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action and self‑efficacy.
  • Theory of Planned Behaviour – behaviour predicted by attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control.
  • Social Cognitive Theory – learning through observation, modelling and self‑efficacy.
  • Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) – precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance.

Section B (30 marks)

8. Name and describe any five principles of health education.

Model answer
  • Audience‑centric – tailor to the target group’s needs and context.
  • Evidence‑based – use research and data to guide content.
  • Culturally sensitive – respect cultural beliefs and practices.
  • Participatory – involve stakeholders in planning and evaluation.
  • Sustainable – design interventions that can be maintained over time.

9. Describe the components of communication in health education.

Model answer
  • Message content – clear, accurate, relevant information.
  • Message source – credible, trusted, relatable.
  • Message channel – appropriate media or interpersonal means.
  • Audience characteristics – demographics, literacy, attitudes.
  • Feedback mechanisms – opportunities for questions and clarification.
  • Evaluation – assess reach, comprehension, behaviour change.

10. List and explain the Jakarta Declaration five priorities for health promotion.

Model answer
  • Healthy public policy – develop legislation, taxation and regulations that create conditions for health (e.g., tobacco control, safe water laws).
  • Healthy community environments – shape physical and social surroundings to support healthy choices, such as safe parks, clean air and accessible recreation.
  • Reorientation of health services – shift health‑care delivery from curative focus to preventive and promotional activities, integrating health promotion into routine care.
  • Personal health skills – empower individuals with knowledge, attitudes and skills to take control of their health through education and behavior‑change programmes.
  • Partnerships – foster collaboration among government, NGOs, private sector and communities to pool resources and coordinate actions for health promotion.

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