Question

Describe how health education historically emerged?

What are the three major functions of a health educator?

Identify two professional associating for health educators?

Answer 1

1. HOW HEALTH EDUCATION HISTORICALLY EMERGED

• Health education is defined as any combination of learning experiences designed to facilitate voluntary actions conductive to health (green and Kreuter 2005). The history of health education dates back to the 19^th century, it was not until the 1940’s that the field begins evolving as a distinct discipline. Over time health education’s theory and practice base have broadened from focusing on one-to-one to mass media behavioral interventions to encompass responsibility for policies, systems and environments that affect population health.
• In 1950 health education was emerging as integral part of elementary, secondary and college curriculum
• In 1974 center for disease control was established and in 1979 the surgeon general’s report on health promotion and disease prevention was published
• In 1980’s certified health education specialists were recognized
• In 1990’s national health education standards and responsibilities/competencies for entry level health educators were published
• In the early 21^st century, the terms health education and health promotion are often used interchangeably in the United States, while internationally health promotion is used as an overarching concept that includes health education.

2. THREE MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF A HEALTH EDUCATOR

• Planning
• Implementation
• Evaluation of educational programs

Planning

• Determine what health problems might exist in any given groups
• Determine community resources available to address the problem
• Plan for data collection and analysis
• Actions are based on the need assessment done for the community
• Involves the development of goals and objectives which are specific and measurable
• Interventions are developed that will meet the goals and objectives

Implementation

• Implementation is based on a thorough understanding of the priority population
• Utilize a wide range of educational methods and techniques

Evaluation

• Evaluation based on the setting, utilize tests, surveys, observations, tracking epidemiological data or other methods of data collection
• Health educators make use of research to improve their practices

3. IDENTIFY TWO PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS FOR HEALTH EDUCATORS

1. American association for health education

It the oldest and largest health education association representing 5,500 health educators

1. Association of health professionals and health educators

For more than five years it has serve as an independent professional association represented by a diverse membership of health educators throughout the India and few international countries.