Chapter 2 Health Education

Definition of Health Education According to WHO,Health education is any combination of learning experiences designed to help individuals and communities improve their health, by increasing their knowledge or influencing their attitudes.  It can be defined as the principle by which individuals and groups of people learn to behave in a manner conducive to the promotion, maintenance, or restoration of health

What is health education? Process which affects changes in the health practices of people and in the knowledge and attitude related to such changes. OR Teaching process providing basic knowledge and practice of health, so as to be interpreted into proper health behavior.

Aims of Health education Health promotion and disease prevention. 2. Early diagnosis and management. Utilization of available health services. To impact desirable health practices. To develop positive attitude towards health. To improve the school and community health status. To educate community about the prevalence of superstitions and prejudices.

Specific objectives of health education To make health an asset valued by the community. To increase knowledge of the factors that affect health. To encourage behavior which promotes and maintains health. To enlist support for public health measures, and when necessary, to press for appropriate governmental action.

5. To encourage appropriate use of health services especially preventive services. 6. To inform the public about medical advances, their uses and their limitations.

Scope of Health Education Home and family health School Community Hospital and disease prevention and control Nutrition Mental Health Emergency and first aid Human biology Use of health services

Principles of Health education Perception Interest. Participation. Proceed from known to unknown. Comprehension. Reinforcement by repetition. Motivation Interaction Learning by doing Good Human Relationship Empowerment Innovation

Importance of Health Education Health education allows people to take care of themselves. Gives information needed to make informed decisions about health and lifestyle. Helps in building healthy individuals and society. Leads to improved physical, mental and social health. Provides timely information about diseases and protects society. Emphasis on healthy child rearing practices resulting in healthy adults.