The forgotten dimensions in health education research

Abstract

This paper evaluates the content focus of health education research as presented in the professional literature over a 6-year period (2000-2005). The majority of research (1365 papers) addresses the physical dimension of health (79%), while other health dimensions receive less attention. It is argued that the current content focus of research in health education fails to harmonize with the multidimensional, dynamic and functional nature of health as generally defined. The goal of health education, positive behavior change, also seems less reachable without a better understanding of how nonphysical dimensions of health influence wellness behaviors. At present, there exists an opportunity for health educators to move toward research agendas that more fully appreciate the interconnectedness of various dimensions of health and that evaluate them evenhandedly. Practical application of this approach will require a partial break from the biological orientations of other health professions, new research agendas that clarify multidimensional health relationships and new programs that seek to influence outcomes in a variety of dimensions.

Spirituality and Quality of Life in Limb Amputees

“…The main purpose of this descriptive, quantitative research study was to examine the relationship among the independent variables of existential and religious spirituality with the dependent variable, QOL, among individuals with amputation. The results revealed that a significant correlation existed 6,18,28,29 DHP, Duke Health Profile; 11,15,22 CHART, Craig Handicap Assessment Reporting Technique. between existential spirituality and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (r ¼ 0.73, p < 0.01).…”

“…14 Medical education of clinicians in the 20th century is grounded in the Cartesian model, based on a rigid mindbody separation. 15 Most clinicians do not receive education on spiritual assessment, and the inclusion of spirituality and religion in patient care is rare. 16,17 Despite research reporting that Americans believe that spirituality plays an important role in their health and QOL, the biomedical model of medicine has neglected the existential questions and spirituality issues that accompany illness, focusing instead on diagnosis and treatment.…”

“…16,17 Despite research reporting that Americans believe that spirituality plays an important role in their health and QOL, the biomedical model of medicine has neglected the existential questions and spirituality issues that accompany illness, focusing instead on diagnosis and treatment. 15,18,19 Understanding spirituality's effects on patients' abilities to cope with amputation is an important component in rehabilitation of patients with limb amputations. 20…”

Health Education Performance in Health Houses: A Descriptive study from Iran during April-September 2011

“…Previous studies have revealed that education can positively affect health. Overall, the goal of education is to enhance health awareness and attitude, which in turn improves the individual's behaviors and promotes health, comfort, and overall performance in all areas of health (11,12).…”

Recovery-oriented Medical Training: An Informational Rapid Literature Review for the University of Recovery as a New Concept of Co-learning between Patients and (Future) Healthcare Providers

“…Social determinants are believed to be reasons as to why the prevalence of diabetes is so high among these patients, but there is now a growing argument that emphasizes the interconnectedness of mental and somatic health dimensions [24], with one dimension affecting the state of the other. This relation has been intuitively known for centuries, but unfortunately, modern mental healthcare and physical healthcare are still often working in silos, if not one against the other [25], and with very important, if not tragic consequences in terms of poorer quality of life and shortened lifespan.…”