Health Education II: Exam, 22 November 2018

Moi University · Department of Community Health · Diploma in Community Oral Health ·

Health Education II past paper from Mount Kenya University 2018-2019 with model answers for all questions.

Answer ALL questions in section A and answer ANY Other Two questions from Section B

SECTION A: 50 MARKS (50 marks)

1. Define the following:

  1. a) Credibility
    Model answer
    • Credibility: The degree to which the health educator is perceived as trustworthy, knowledgeable and reliable by the audience, influencing acceptance of the message.
  2. b) Leadership styles
    Model answer
    • Leadership styles: The characteristic ways a health educator directs, motivates and manages a group, e.g., authoritarian, democratic, laissez‑faire, transformational and transactional.
  3. c) Group task
    Model answer
    • Group task: An activity assigned to a group of learners that requires cooperation and shared responsibility to achieve a common health‑education objective.
  4. d) Audio and visual aids
    Model answer
    • Audio and visual aids: Teaching tools that use sound (e.g., recordings, spoken word) and images (e.g., slides, videos, charts) to enhance understanding and retention of health messages.
  5. e) Problems
    Model answer
    • Problems: Obstacles or difficulties that hinder the planning, delivery or effectiveness of health‑education programmes, such as limited resources, cultural barriers or low literacy.

2. Explain five principles for selecting audio visual aids.

Model answer
  • Principle 1 – Relevance: Choose aids that directly relate to the learning objectives and audience needs.
  • Principle 2 – Simplicity: Keep visuals clear and uncluttered; avoid unnecessary detail.
  • Principle 3 – Visibility: Ensure size, contrast and lighting allow all participants to see/hear the aid comfortably.
  • Principle 4 – Accuracy: Information presented must be factually correct and up‑to‑date.
  • Principle 5 – Cultural appropriateness: Use images, language and symbols that are acceptable and meaningful to the target community.

3. Highlight five teaching methods.

Model answer
  • Lecture – teacher‑centered oral presentation with visual slides.
  • Discussion – interactive group talk encouraging participants to share ideas.
  • Demonstration – showing a skill or procedure while learners observe.
  • Role‑play – learners act out scenarios to practice communication.
  • Problem‑based learning – small groups solve a health‑related case.

4. Briefly explain how to be credible in health care practice.

Model answer
  • Be knowledgeable – keep up‑to‑date with evidence‑based practice.
  • Communicate clearly – use simple language and avoid jargon.
  • Show empathy – listen actively and respect patients’ feelings.
  • Maintain professionalism – be punctual, dress appropriately and follow ethical standards.
  • Demonstrate consistency – follow through on advice and provide reliable follow‑up.

5. Explain five objectives of school health education.

Model answer
  • Increase knowledge – students learn facts about nutrition, hygiene and disease prevention.
  • Develop attitudes – foster positive health‑seeking behaviours and responsibility.
  • Promote skills – teach practical abilities such as hand‑washing or first‑aid.
  • Encourage participation – involve pupils in health‑clubs and peer‑education.
  • Facilitate community linkage – connect school with local health services for referrals and programs.

6. Differentiate between formal and informal groups citing examples in each.

Model answer
  • Formal groups – structured, officially recognised with defined roles (e.g., school health committee, hospital infection‑control team).
  • Informal groups – spontaneously formed, no official hierarchy (e.g., a group of nurses who meet for coffee to discuss patient care, peer support circles among students).

7. Explain Laissez faire type of leadership style.

Model answer
  • Laissez‑faire leadership involves minimal direct supervision; leaders provide resources and autonomy, allowing members to make decisions and self‑direct their work. It works best with highly skilled, motivated teams but may lead to lack of coordination if guidance is insufficient.

8. Briefly explain five disadvantages of audio visual aids.

Model answer
  • High cost – purchasing and maintaining equipment can be expensive for schools.
  • Technical problems – equipment may malfunction, requiring expertise to repair.
  • Distraction – flashy visuals can divert attention from core content.
  • Limited accessibility – not all learners benefit equally (e.g., visual impairments).
  • Over‑reliance – teachers may depend on aids and neglect interactive teaching methods.

SECTION B: 30 MARKS (30 marks)

9. Opinion leaders play a major role in our health education programs;

  1. a) Define an opinion leader.
    Model answer
    • Opinion leader: an individual who is respected, trusted and influential within a specific community or peer group, whose attitudes and behaviours are used by others as a reference for adopting health messages.
  2. b) Explain types of opinion leader.
    Model answer
    • Formal opinion leader: appointed or recognized by an organization (e.g., health worker, teacher) to disseminate information.
    • Informal opinion leader: gains influence naturally through personal relationships, charisma or expertise.
    • Professional opinion leader: respected specialist or practitioner whose clinical judgment guides peers.
    • Community opinion leader: local figure (e.g., religious leader, elder) whose social standing shapes community norms.
    • Media opinion leader: journalist or social‑media influencer whose platforms reach large audiences.
    • Peer opinion leader: a member of the target group who is looked up to by fellow peers.
  3. c) Discuss six characteristics of opinion leader.
    Model answer
    • Credibility: perceived as knowledgeable and trustworthy.
    • Accessibility: easily approached and available to the target group.
    • Communication skill: able to convey messages clearly and persuasively.
    • Social connectivity: extensive networks within the community.
    • Consistency: demonstrates behaviours that align with the health messages.
    • Motivation: genuinely interested in improving community health.
  4. d) Explain three roles played by opinion leaders.
    Model answer
    • Advocate: promotes health messages and encourages adoption among peers.
    • Mediator: bridges gaps between health professionals and the community, clarifying doubts.
    • Model: demonstrates the desired health behaviours, providing a visible example for others.

10. Problem-solving techniques are used to tackle issues affecting a dental health program;

  1. a) Define problem solving.
    Model answer
    • Problem solving: a systematic process of identifying a health‑related issue, analysing its causes, generating and selecting feasible solutions, and implementing actions to achieve desired outcomes.
  2. b) Discuss four major principles of problem solving.
    Model answer
    • Define the problem clearly: specify the health issue, its scope and affected population.
    • Gather relevant data: collect evidence, statistics and stakeholder input to understand underlying causes.
    • Generate multiple alternatives: brainstorm a range of possible interventions without premature judgment.
    • Select and implement the best solution: evaluate options against criteria (feasibility, cost, impact) and apply the chosen action.
    • Monitor and evaluate: continuously assess outcomes and adjust the approach as needed.
    • Participatory involvement: engage community members and stakeholders throughout the process to ensure relevance and ownership.
  3. c) Explain the formulation of alternative collection action used in problem solving.
    Model answer
    • Identify the problem clearly: restate the issue, its scope and impact on the dental health program.
    • Gather relevant data: collect quantitative and qualitative information from records, surveys, and stakeholder interviews.
    • Brainstorm possible actions: involve the team to generate a wide range of alternative interventions without judging feasibility.
    • Evaluate alternatives: assess each option against criteria such as cost, effectiveness, resources, time and acceptability.
    • Select the best alternative(s): choose the most feasible and impactful action(s) for implementation.
    • Develop an action plan: outline steps, responsibilities, timelines and monitoring indicators for the chosen alternative.

11. Credibility is an important element for one to be a good leader or health practitioner in health education. Discuss five positive steps to boost credibility.

Model answer
  • Demonstrate competence: continuously update knowledge and skills, and apply evidence‑based practices in dental health education.
  • Maintain honesty and transparency: share information openly, admit mistakes and provide truthful explanations.
  • Show consistency in behaviour: follow through on commitments, adhere to professional standards and policies.
  • Engage respectfully with stakeholders: listen actively, value others’ input and communicate with empathy.
  • Provide reliable outcomes: deliver measurable health education results and document successes to build trust.

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