Effectiveness of health promotion methods designed to change lifestyle behavior and improve health and wellbeing in patients with mental health problems
INTRODUCTION
Health promotion is an art of medical science dealing with the study of biological, environmental, psychological, physical and mental research. To reduce premature death, giving the patients information on how to control and change their physiological activities such as the use of safety belts in cars and avoidance of substance abuse such as excessive alcohol. It is managed by a government agency such as Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
Health promotion plays a significant role in individuals and communities due to the following reasons: Improving the health status of individuals, communities, states and the nation as a whole. This enhances the quality of life for everyone. Reducing premature deaths by focusing on prevention and reducing financial and human costs that all citizens would spend on medical treatment. A trained health promoter needs to develop audio, visual and electronic materials to conduct more research and plan health education programs that will help them enhance their knowledge and manage health-related illness among others. The paper will explain how to carry health promotion on the patients suffering from pre-natal depression.
Postnatal depression can be defined as a mental disorder which affects the parents affects the parent of a child after delivery and it is mostly associated with unhealthy dietary and alcohol during the pregnancy. There are different symptoms associated with the disorder which includes changed sleeping patterns, crying, anxiety, and sometimes irritability. Statistics shows that approximately 15% of all the women suffer from postpartum disorders whereby postnatal depression is the main disorder in this category. Assuming this data, it would reflect that nine hundred and fifty postpartum women are affected in the United States each year. The prevalence of existence of the disorder is an increase in the United States. However, the data presented includes the data of the women who suffer other disorders in postpartum other than postnatal depression.
Methods used in health promotion include an educational approach that aims at giving information about health, helping them explore their values and attitudes and making their decision later. Empowerment, health facilitator, acts in helping people have different views and making a general neutral conclusion that favors all individuals. Changing attitudes and behaviors through group work and skills training. Self-empowering such as guidance and counseling between people and practicing decision-making which increases their self-esteem as they practice and interact with one another. Health promotion leads to improved positive living to individuals and the community.
For health promotion to be valid, it is important to consider the content of the information in which the message must be meaningful to all the users, context, meaning the information should be relevant to the receiver and credibility that entails a reliable source that can be trusted and kept for future reference without any alliterations. (Victoria Health.Vic.Public Health)
LITERATURE REVIEW
There are many challenges experienced by the parents after childbirth. One of the common ways to prevent the effect prenatal depression. It is important to help promote the positive lifestyle for the individuals and the community in whole. The main advantage is that encouraging people to lead a healthy lifestyle will reduce the medical cost which is currently high. The resources used in curing will be channeled to other department and thus economic development. The other reason for health promotion is that it encourages prevention of the diseases and the common disorders which are better the cure of the same disorders. Therefore, we should encourage positive lifestyle for the community and the individuals.
They vary depending on the person affected.
Experts usually advise that the affected person seek medical intervention when some of these symptoms are noticed after delivery (Field, 2010, p. 2). If a due care is not taken, the symptoms can persist and have severe impacts on your life and that of a child. Milgrom et al. explain that different health promotion methods applied by the specialists which aim at changing the lifestyle behavior, the wellbeing of the parents, and to improve the health of the patients (Milgrom, et al., 1999). The aim of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of these life promotion methods. There are some advantages of health promotion in the society.
Benefits of Good Health to the Society
There are various benefits of good health to the society, which is in conjunction with the welfare improvement of the people who are mentally disturbed. The individuals who have mental problems need a lot of care of the society. The mentally disturbed people usually lack the capability to do things to their will. In most cases, the organization is mandated to take care of such people who in most cases suffer because of neglect or even the negative stigma attached to their problems. There are various advantages of taking attention and even improving the well-being of the mentally challenged people. Some of these benefits or even benefits to the society include the following. Good mental health helps in the control of the contraction of mentally related sicknesses, such as tension, fatigue, depression as well as anxiety (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2016, par3). The other advantage of having a mental health of a person to the society is that good mental capability enhances the development of both the individuals as well as the society as a whole (Hemera & Thinkstock, para 2, 2016).
Good mental health also helps in the solving of problems in the society. When the culture shows care and concern to the sick people, especially the mentally disturbed, there is the likelihood of peaceful coexistence. When the organization promotes the love and care for the sick persons, then problems can easily be solved. Another advantage of having the group support good care for the mentally disturbed individuals is that there is the presence of diligence as well as the promotion of hard work in the community. The organization that takes care of its sick people always promotes the culture of togetherness, unity as well as the humanistic culture (Rhode Island Psychological Association, para 4, 2015).
Theoretical Models of Health Promotion
There are various theories and models used in the process of health promotion. Some of these models include the Social Learning, which is also known as the social cognitive theory. This approach usually emphasizes on the relationship between a person’s character as well as the environment in which the person is living in. This model puts a lot of emphasis on the Communal determinism upon which a person is expected to reciprocate. The design pays attention to the results expectations as well as the expected learning through observations (Bandura, 2014, p. 8).
It has been found that alcohol usage is one of the primary cause of the depression among the women. Women what at any point in their pregnancy used alcohol are at high risk of depression especially during postpartum. Studies show that alcohol abuse disorders commonly coexist. It becomes an added challenge to these individuals trying to treat this situation and to the health providers. The individuals who experience depression during or after pregnancy are likely to change their diet among other impacts which include disrupted sleeping patterns, lack of interest to activities and at sometimes poor concentration.
Changed diet is responsible for postpartum depression in many ways. The dietary habits during pregnancy are directly related to postnatal depression. These changes are mostly caused by the use of alcohol during pregnancy which is a common occurrence with many women abusing alcohol during pregnancy. Results showed that analyzed the data collected “prospective mother-child cohort 'Rhea' study” where529 pregnant women participated in the research proved how dietary changes are coherent with postpartum depression. The consumption health certain foods which include vegetables, nuts, dairy foods, fish and olive oil, and fruits are characterized by reduced risk of postnatal depression. Alcohol abuse leads to change in the dietary pattern thus minimizing the usage of these foods. Therefore, alcohol has an adverse impact which leads to increased level of depression.
Different models can say that can assist someone with depression resulting from the unhealthy eating during the pregnancy and alcohol drinking during the pregnancy period. The first one is limited health model. This is the commonly used model which attempts to enlighten and to in the prediction of the health behaviors. This model usually focuses on the beliefs and the attitudes of the individuals. The model was developed firstly in 1950 by renowned psychologists Hoch Baum and Kegels, who at that time were working in the United States in the public health services. This model can be used to control alcohol intake and maintain healthy feeding. Understanding the health behaviors through this model will aim at understanding the patient psychologists will be in a good position to take a health-related action.
The other model is the education model, and it is very instrumental in the prevention of depression for the postnatal depression. It involves educating the people on the negative impact of what they are doing, in other words, creating awareness of their actions. For instance, it is good to educate the pregnant women on adverse impacts of the taking alcohol during the pregnancy. The advantages of making healthy food are how they are responsible for depression free life during the postnatal period. This model can help mitigate the impacts through the creation of awareness. People will understand the effects and the benefits of the actions they are doing and thus they will aim at having a depression-free period after delivery.
Another famous model health behavior model. It is an important model that aims at understanding the health condition of the patient. This one will focus on understanding the cause of the depression to the patient hence it is not a preventive model but rather a corrective model. Based on this model, the measure to cure the depression will be sought. It is applicable here because one can understand be explained the adverse effects of taking alcohol during the pregnancy. Again, one can understand the importance of having healthy dietary during the pregnancy and after the pregnancy since it helps in reducing the prevalence of stress and depression.
The other model that aims at health promotion is the Community organization model, which usually aims at identifying the problems in the society, with the help of the health officials. The people in the community are expected to assist in the identification of the problems, through direct participation. The officials with the support of the population in the city, then come up with the primary strategies and programs aimed at addressing these problems. The Community Organizational Model usually aims at making a key strategy for the general planning and organization. The model also aims at empowering the local communities by bringing development to their immediate doorstep. The design also aims at encouraging and also building a concrete basis for the general societal actions and activities (Rural Health Information Hub, 2016, para 4).
These models usually aim at promoting health in the society as well as the development of the society as a whole. The models aim at advancing the welfare of each and every member of the community, regardless of their status. Other models also aim at improving the social and the well-being of the people in the society such as Health -Belief Model, the Theory of planned behavior, the Theory of reasoned action, among others (Riverside Community Health Foundation, 2015, p.3).
Reasons Why People May Change Their Lifestyle Behavior
People change their behavior significantly for several reasons. The change in behavior and the lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight, though. In most cases, it is a process that people have to undergo so as to attain. There are various reasons, though, as to why an individual or a group of people would decide to change their lifestyles. Some of these reasons include the will that a person has in making a healthier life, the drive for a more active and responsible life and peer pressure from friends, close associates as well as family members (The Australian Psychological Society Limited, 2016, para 3).
The Methods That Support Behavior Change and their success
Sometimes, the methods employed to support behavior change might be adequate while at other times they might be ineffective. The success of any method used always lies with the intensity of application, the level of participation of the targeted parties. The success of the methods used might also depend on the will of the targeted parties.
The methods employed might be faced with a lot of challenges because the targeted people are not willing, and they feel that whatever is administered is not part of them. With the mentality that whatever is being offered is against their will, most of the time, the projects and the methods used are doomed to fail altogether. The same factors also determine the success of the project. Most of the times, the people are forced to take the measures applied because they do not have any other option. The success is determined by the application of some ground rules such as the Behavior change aptitude charters, the Behavior change specialist, the Competency, opportunity and enthusiasm among others (NICE Guidelines, 2014, para 2). Use of techniques that discourages the people from consuming some of the products such as a massive tax on cigarettes, the higher charge for health insurance for smokers and fines for not wearing safety belts while driving. Individuals are having an explicit knowledge of health prevention such as fluoridation of drinking water daily and keeping the environment neat.
The offer of free preventive services such as cervical screening, immunization and use of nicotine chewing gum to aid smoking cessation. Making personal decisions about lifestyle such as avoiding alcohol. Individual consulting with health professionals may be advised about diseases, treatment and personal management of preventive health measures. (Bonnie Raingruber, p. 16).
Self- confidence in one’s ability to change creates a great determination to make them improve as they get encouraged from their professional doctors and family members on how to overcome these challenges. Preparing the patient to believe they can change by joining a social group or health club and gaining more information on how to deal with the situation. Take the precaution of possible solutions to increase the standards.
Taking action by practicing alternatives identified and had a clear view of the motivational factor that created the change. Practice every day to have positive results. By resolving the issues, one gets support from the health sector by engaging a self-talk for the further benefit and boosting his well-being and moral values.
Maintenance of his body to prevent and put together the change into real life situation. Done by avoiding situations of the past that made the past life tough and practice of unhealthier behaviors. A positive behavioral change creates an excellent image and gaining of good reputation in the whole community and family members gaining trust and determination in terms of character creating a good code of conduct and relation with other people in the society
People suffering from postnatal depression are influenced by many factors in their life which can be categorized into social, cultural, and historical forces. Social factors orchestrate prenatal depression mainly through people who surround you. One may be unable to interact free to the people they used to be in the same social group. It may lead to depression. The article of Danaci explains how the parent of a child can suffer due to the alienation of the peers (Danaci, et al, 2002, p. 126). This condition can be treated by the application of cognitive behavior treatment to enable the parent to overcome the challenge.
The other effects that are likely to affect the well-being of the mother are culture and historical experiences as explained by the journal article of postnatal depression in Turkey: epidemiological and cultural aspects (Danaci, et al, 2002, p. 132). According to the sources, depression to the mothers can result from the past cultures and experiences which the parents was used to, and since she can perform them after childbirth, depression starts. Also, Tiffany explains that depression can also result from a change of the roles earlier presented and disturbances due to delivery a situation which will be stressful for the parent (Field, 2010, p. 2). Therefore, these changes can have adverse impacts on the parents. Health care promotion activities should be employed in this situation to improve the wellbeing and lifestyle behavior of the parent. Postnatal depression can affect the life of the life of parent in different ways.
Different scholarly materials have proven that postpartum depression has many effects on the health and the well-being of the mother. On the book wrote by Marcia et al. says there an impact of the depression on the development of the baby and mother are explained. First, the depression can change the habits and the physical wellbeing of the mother due to various reasons. It is responsible for the modification of diet of the mother which can result in malnutrition (London, et al, 2015). Other impacts explained in the text are changes in sleep and the activity levels. The mother can always feel over exhausted after a light activity a condition which leads to inactivity of the mother (Danaci, et al, 2002, p. 129). The impact can affect the woman on the long term basis.
It can be so severe if the treatment is not done in the right time or particularly when there is no adequate treatment. According to Field, the research shows more that 30% of the women who experienced severe depression have not fully recovered even one year after a baby (Field, 2010). The partners of the women in this group are not spared too as it is said that it was difficult to stay with a woman suffering from postpartum depression. However, experts have little data on the extent of implications although it is explained that partners need a lot of support during this time or otherwise they will result in depression too (London, et al., 2015).
Finally, different health promotion programs are carried out to assist the people who are adversely affected by postpartum depression. According to a book called “Treating Postnatal Depression,” different methods can be used to prevent the postnatal depression in the mothers and the partners who are affected by it. Jeannette et al. explain that there are commonly two methods of controlling the impacts of postnatal depression. The first method is by self-help. It can be achieved through the person who has the challenge talking to the family members and friends to get the assistance on the challenges she may be facing (Milgrom, et al., 1999). Some of the pieces of advice he can get include exercising regularly and having a healthy diet.
The other approach applicable is the use of antidepressants. However, this method is recommended when the level of depression is so high such that the natural ways will be ineffective (Milgrom, et al, 1999). It is also applicable where the other types of treatments have not worked out. In case the depression is not so severe, psychological therapy can be done on the patient by use of the self-help course or application of different courses of treatment, the most common one being the cognitive behavioral therapy (Hupp, et al., 2008).
In conclusion, listening to different ideas, one has never been trained on is a useful way of learning. A person gets to improve his skills and way of learning and giving it the curiosity part for the knowledge of health making them recognize the usefulness of a standardized method for improving their health status. Health professional support for lifestyle behavior is an essential character for the promotion of hospital structure to improve all family clinical outcomes. To deliver quality results for patients and healthcare services, managing staffs’ needs to work as a team and create informed patients who have a plan to and willing to change their lifestyles and improve their health in future.
CONCLUSION
It is critical to know that not only women who develop postnatal depression but fathers can also develop the disease after the birth of a baby which is stimulated by all the new changes that accompany the newborn. Therefore, it is necessary for affected families to be supportive to the parent affected.
Health care providers also have the challenge of handling these mothers with high integrity. The condition of the patient can get better or worse depending on the care they receive from the facility they attend. The doctors and the nurses have to update the patient on the car provided and the progress as well as the prognosis so as to make the mother more confident of their condition. Health talks help provide all the information that the patient would have and alley much from the anxiety.
In times that a patient achieves full recovery, it is important to be taught of the predisposing factors as well as the aggravating factor. The information will be helpful in future pregnancies. The family and friends will also understand what aggravates the condition and therefore, help in taking care of the mother better in the future.
In antenatal care, it is important to identify patients with the previous history of mental illness. It is important for women to know that preexisting condition makes them prone to depression in the puerperium. The mothers also have to be taught the effect of the treatment they take. On them as well as the babies. Some of the drugs that they take may have effects on them and their newborns. In future, the mother may be forced to use treatment for longer, and that may also affect parenting in the long run. It is important that the family members are involved in helping bring up the children of affected mothers.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Postnatal depression being a significant problem for mothers who deliver it is important that strategies are out in place to ensure that the best care is given to the parents. Depression like any other disease requires that the mother is reviewed by a medical practitioner after symptoms have been observed. Treatment is prescribed to decrease the current sign and symptoms as well as prevent further deterioration of the condition. The baby can be taken from the mother during recovery time so that she gets back to her usual self sooner. The clinicians are also faced with the challenge of educating the mother on the condition for the mother to recover faster.
The mothers have to be taught that depression is not their fault and that they do not act how they do intentionally. The postnatal depression is an illness and does not automatically guarantee that the mother will go on to become an insane person. With treatment full recovery is achieved. The problem does not interpret that the mother is a bad parent. The family and friends of the victim have to be supportive at this time. Information makes it easier for them to help in the care of the newborn. They can also assist with the care of the sick mother especially with personal care such as hygiene and feeding which tend to be neglected in times of such sickness. The care of the baby is placed on the people around her who can help in feeding, changing and all the daily needs of the newborn.
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