Health Education and Promotion: Main Exam, 2 April 2019

Mount Kenya University · Department of Community Health · Diploma in Community Health · DWH201

Mount Kenya University Health Education and Promotion past paper 2018-2019 with model answers for students.

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

SECTION A: 40 MARKS (40 marks)

1. Define the following terms used in health promotion.

  1. a) Health promotion
    Model answer
    • Health promotion: Enabling individuals and communities to increase control over, and improve, their health through education, policy, and supportive environments.
  2. b) Public health education
    Model answer
    • Public health education: Systematic provision of information and skills to populations to influence health behaviours and prevent disease.
  3. c) Health education
    Model answer
    • Health education: Planned learning experiences that increase knowledge, attitudes, and skills for health‑related decision making.
  4. d) Communication
    Model answer
    • Communication: The process of exchanging information, ideas and feelings effectively to influence health attitudes and actions.
  5. e) Health (WHO, 1948)
    Model answer
    • Health (WHO, 1948): A state of complete physical, mental and social well‑being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

2. Describe FOUR fundamental conditions and resources needed for good health.

Model answer
  • Adequate nutrition: Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
  • Safe water and sanitation: Clean drinking water and proper waste disposal.
  • Health‑protective environment: Housing, air quality, and occupational safety.
  • Access to quality health services: Affordable, culturally appropriate care and preventive services.

3. Explain the THREE basic strategies for health promotion according to Ottawa charter.

Model answer
  • Build healthy public policy – develop laws, regulations and fiscal measures that create supportive environments for health.
  • Create supportive environments – ensure that the settings where people live, work and play promote health and reduce risk.
  • Strengthen community action – empower communities to take control of their health through participation and local initiatives.

4. As a health educator name any FIVE of your roles.

Model answer
  • Conduct needs assessments to identify community health problems.
  • Design, implement and evaluate health education programmes.
  • Develop culturally appropriate health education materials.
  • Facilitate group discussions, workshops and training sessions.
  • Advocate for health‑promoting policies and resources.

5. Describe TWO approaches for health education.

Model answer
  • Behavioural approach – focuses on changing individual knowledge, attitudes and skills through education and counselling.
  • Socio‑ecological approach – addresses multiple levels (individual, interpersonal, community, policy) to create supportive environments for health.

6. Name FIVE significance of studying health education and promotion.

Model answer
  • Improves public awareness of disease prevention and health‑maintaining behaviours.
  • Enables individuals to make informed health choices.
  • Reduces the burden of disease and associated health‑care costs.
  • Promotes equity by reaching vulnerable and marginalized groups.
  • Provides a foundation for effective health policies and programmes.

7. Highlight THREE targets of health education.

Model answer
  • Increase knowledge and awareness about health issues.
  • Develop positive attitudes and motivation for healthy behaviours.
  • Facilitate the acquisition of skills needed to adopt and maintain those behaviours.

8. Enumerate FOUR barriers to effective communication.

Model answer
  • Language barriers – differences in vocabulary, dialects or literacy levels.
  • Cultural differences – varying beliefs, norms and health perceptions.
  • Emotional barriers – fear, anxiety or mistrust that hinder open communication.
  • Environmental distractions – noise, poor lighting or lack of privacy that impede message exchange.

SECTION B:

9. Discuss the FIVE key principles of Ottawa charter of 1986 of health promotion. (15 marks)

Model answer
  • Build healthy public policy – develop legislation, taxation, and regulations that create environments supportive of health.
  • Create supportive environments – ensure physical, social and economic settings that enable people to make healthy choices.
  • Strengthen community action – empower communities to identify needs, plan and implement health‑promoting initiatives.
  • Develop personal skills – provide education, information and life‑skill training so individuals can control their health.
  • Reorient health services – shift health‑care focus from curative to preventive, integrating health promotion into all services.

10. Discuss the components of communication in health education. (15 marks)

Model answer
  • Sender – the individual or organisation that originates the health‑education message.
  • Message – the content, language and format (facts, attitudes, behaviours) being communicated.
  • Channel – the medium used (oral, printed, electronic, visual aids) to deliver the message.
  • Receiver – the target audience whose knowledge, attitudes or practices are to be influenced.
  • Feedback – the response or interaction that indicates whether the message was understood and acted upon.
  • Context – cultural, social, economic and environmental factors that affect how the message is perceived.

11. Discuss any FIVE aims of health education and promotion. (15 marks)

Model answer
  • Increase knowledge – provide accurate information so people understand health risks and protective behaviours.
  • Change attitudes – influence beliefs and values to foster a positive outlook toward healthy lifestyles.
  • Promote skill development – teach practical skills (e.g., oral hygiene techniques, nutrition planning) for self‑care.
  • Encourage behaviour change – motivate adoption of healthy practices and reduction of risky behaviours.
  • Empower communities – enable groups to take collective action, advocate for resources and sustain health‑promoting environments.

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