Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'California. Health Education-Risk Reduction'

In July 1980, the Barren River District Health Department (BRDHD), serving eight counties (combined population approximately 204,000) in Southcentral Kentucky, was selected as a demonstration site under the auspices of the federal Health Education Risk Reduction (HERR) Program. With continued HERR funding for eight years, the BRDHD developed several successful health promotion projects. Major components of these projects include: 1) community health promotion, which serves to identify high -risk groups in the community and provide them with health education-health promotion services, 2) school health education which included the development of a preschool health education curriculum, 3) teacher education workshop, which instructs primary and secondary public school teachers in health education methods, 4) smoking cessation. and 5) a large industrial wellness program. This study reports on an eight year program evaluation of the HERR demonstration. Overall, the program evaluation suggests an increase in health knowledge and some attitude and behavior change for many of the participants ii BRDHD programs.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavioral impact of knowledge regarding the relationship between breast cancer, vitamin D supplementation, and sunlight exposure considering levels of self-efficacy and response-efficacy. The study was based on protection motivation theory, which attributes behavior change to cognitive processes related to perceived threats and has demonstrated efficacy in promoting breast cancer risk-reducing behaviors. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design based on a survey using SurveyMonkey. Participants were New York City-residing women ranging in age from 25 to 74 who were recruited via an invitation from SurveyMonkey. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed on the data extracted from the survey in order to better understand the relationship of the variables in this study, and to test if any of the independent variables were significant predictors of vitamin D intake through supplementation and sunlight exposure. The results of this analysis showed that knowledge regarding the reduction in risk of breast cancer from sunlight exposure and through vitamin D supplementation was not related to changes in behavior involving increases in sunlight exposure and vitamin D intake through supplementation. Further, the results showed that those participants with higher levels of self-efficacy and response-efficacy regarding sunlight exposure and vitamin D supplementation had an increased amounts of vitamin D intake through supplementation on a daily basis. The results of this study can be used to help medical professionals understand the complexity involved in how their clients may or may not take action to reduce the potential for reducing the risk of breast cancer.

In the United States, about 8.5 million women live with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a debilitating systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and reduced bone mineral density that occurs with the loss of estrogen. The mortality rate for this group is about 3 to 4 times higher than other women and as many as 1 in 3 experience a fracture. Guided by the Health Belief Model, this project evaluated how a bone health fact sheet impacts knowledge about osteoporosis and self-efficacy for preventative behavioral change in premenopausal women (age 40-58 years). The project also evaluated if an electronic medical record (EMR) alert system with an additional bone health education in the patient instruction menu can improve participation by 11 health care providers (HCPs). Prior to the participants receiving the fact sheet, the knowledge, health beliefs, and perceived risks for developing osteoporosis were measured using the Revised Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (ROKT) and the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS). Although 87% of participants identified menopause as a major osteoporosis risk factor, fewer women (33%) knew that surgical removal of the ovaries was also a risk factor and half agreed or strongly agreed that calcium and exercise can prevent osteoporosis. After receiving the fact sheet, the participants had an average confidence score of 62% on the Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale (OSES) for engaging in exercise and an average confidence score of 65% for adhering to calcium intake guidelines. Furthermore, the EMR alert system facilitated 100% documentation by HCPs. These results indicated the fact sheet can motivate premenopausal women to engage in osteoporosis preventive behaviors. Importantly, the EMR reminder with education fact sheet can facilitate the active involvement of HCPs in patient education.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a community health risk assessment of the city of Long Beach, California specific to the 90813 ZIP code by utilizing an adaptation of the Catholic Health Association of the United States (2013) model for community health assessment to identify the most imperative risk factors for the chronic homeless population in the 90813 ZIP code of Long Beach. Data on three domains (physical health, mental health, and housing) measuring 16 risk factors were gathered from both archival data and major public sources. Data from Long Beach 90813 ZIP code were compared to data from Los Angeles County, California, and the United States. Risk factors that are the utmost concerning for the community appeared to be difficulties in obtaining health care, infectious diseases, both ER and hospitalization rates due to alcohol abuse and high poverty rate. Efforts to reduce the amount of both sheltered and unsheltered chronic homeless individuals should target all three domains. Recommendations for evidence-based programs and interventions to reduce the most salient risk factors are provided.

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine possible risk factors that predict asthma among adult, foreign-born African Americans in California. A total of 794 foreign-born African Americans (87 asthma cases) were included from the 2017-2018 California Health Interview Survey database. Data analysis included both descriptive and inferential statistical methods including chi-square analysis and multiple logistic regression techniques. The socioeclogical model was used to help understand and interpret the findings. The dependent variable was asthma status and the independent variables were the risk factors (tobacco smoking, alcohol use, health insurance, income level, and education level). Confounders included in the analysis were age, gender, and marital status. Findings yielded no statistically significant relationship between asthma status and tobacco smoking (p = 0.19, x2 = 1.74, OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.27-1.30), alcohol use (p = 0.92, x2 = 0.01, OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.61-1.58), health insurance (p = 0.63, x2 = 0.23, OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.44-1.65), income level (p = 0.99, x2 = 0.00, OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.44-2.24), or education level (p = 0.47, x2 = 0.52, OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 0.49-4.59). Although this study did not find significant associations between asthma and study variables, study limitations, mainly the small sample size, may have prevented the detection of small associations. Future research should involve a larger sample size to investigate whether the findings reported remain true. This study is a step in the exploration of the problem and has the potential to promote positive social change by increasing asthma awareness among foreign-born African Americans in California and among public health policy makers.

Rural communities across the United States suffer from multiple health disparities that range from access to care to awareness of medical information. These disparities are characterized by increased incidence of illnesses, mortality rates, lower quality of life, and lower life expectancy when compared to the general urban population. Several risk factors have been identified that play a direct role in these characteristics. These include geographic isolation, lower socioeconomic status, higher rates of health risk behaviors, and limited job opportunities, and less health education. Hawkins County Tennessee is one such rural community that suffers from these disparities. The leading cause of death in Hawkins County is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Due to the nature of disease, early life long modifiable risk factors play a critical role in its development. Health education and awareness of the disease is also a key factor in the disease's effects in the community. Studies have shown that early life healthcare awareness is an “important determinant of adult health status.” This led us to examine the current state of cardiovascular disease awareness and perception among teens in the community. To examine the current perception of CVD in Hawkins country we created an assessment for ninth grade students attending Cherokee Highschool during their health class block. We also aimed to assess the effectiveness of an interactive interventional educational program targeted at both educating the technical knowledge surrounding CVD and at reducing modifiable risk factors that lead to CVD. The interactive educational program was designed and given to students (n=82; 47 Male 35 Female) across 5 class period in two sections (Cardiovascular health and Nutritional & Physical health) that were taught one week apart. Students underwent a Pre-test/survey that examined four areas of interest: perception & technical knowledge of CVD, perception of physical activity, perception of nutrition and diet, and current family health. After completing the program students were then given an identical post-test/survey. Result means were compared between Pre and Post survey using Independent sample T-test. Analysis showed that technical understanding of CVD and of modifiable risk factor significantly increased across all areas (P

Background: College settings are likely environments for Black women to contract STIs (including HIV) or experience unintentional/unwanted pregnancies. Effective prevention strategies for this population include dialogue and activities that focus on gender, maturity, cultural barriers, personal strength, and information needs. However, technological advancements (including virtual reality) and innovation are limited in prevention efforts. Methods: Four 90-minute focus group sessions were conducted in a convenience sample of Black college females (ages 18 years or older) and a research-intensive public institution in the southeast. A series of surveys were distributed during each audio-recorded focus group session. A mixed-method approach to data analysis was based on applications of the Health Belief Model constructs to three principal research questions: (1) Q1: How do Black college females perceive the importance of sexual risk topics? (2) What are the experiences and attitudes of Black college females regarding the use of VR for education and training versus video game entertainment (i.e. “gaming)? and (3) Among Black college females, what sexual risk topics are considered most relevant to a VR education and training platform? Results: Each of four study cohorts enrolled between 2-6 participants each (n=15). Participant ages ranged from 18-48 (x̅=28.6, σ=9.2) years within age groups of 18-24 years (60%, n=9), 25-34 years (26.7%, n=4), and 35 years or above (13.3%, n=2). The majority of participants (86.7%, n=13) were enrolled as full-time students, and resided in various off-campus locations (73.3%; n=11). Assessments of sexual risk topic importance were reported based on aggregated Survey 1 Lickert scale values. The majority of participants equally viewed the topics of HIV and STI status as important, mostly important, or very important. Other notable concerns include sex with drug/alcohol use, risk of intimate partner violence, and sexual communication (e.g. partners and peers. Despite the lack of formal virtual reality knowledge, the majority of participants reported experience with VF technology via “gaming” (e.g. SIMS). They also concluded that a virtual reality platform for sexual health education and training should involve comprehensive approaches to HIV/STI and unintentional pregnancy via use of barrier methods, including birth control, as well as facilitation of sexual communication. Discussion: This research represents a unique approach to the identification of sexual health risk importance for HIV/STI transmission, as well as unintentional pregnancy, in Black college females. Although a successful demonstration of feasibility, this research is formative in nature – results should be interpreted as preliminary. However, methods and concepts presented in this thesis hold the potential for scientific contribution in prevention research, clinical practice, and other fields of study.

The purpose of this project was to design a series of self-directed learning modules for enrollees in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Riverside County, California. The WIC Program is a supplemental nutrition program that, among other things, provides participants with nutrition education to help them understand the health benefits of choosing more nutritious food. This project features information concerning the problem of food insecurity, the nutrition education of low-income women and children in the WIC program, and the characteristics of adult learners. The objective was to examine the WIC participants' comprehension and willingness to use self-directed learning modules as a nutrition education supplement.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft(CABG) Surgery increases blood flow to the endangered myocardium but does not slow the process of atherosclerosis. The only way to slow the process of coronary artery disease is to acknowledge the risk factors present and minimize or totally eliminate them from an individual's lifestyle. Men and women respond differently to stress and lifestyle modifications. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference between genders in compliance to a heart healthy lifestyle pre and post CABG surgery.Thirty men and thirty women who had CABG surgery at least one year earlier were interviewed to assess coronary artery disease risk. The procedure for the protection of human subjects were followed. The instrument used was the RISKO Heart Hazard Appraisal Tool. This instrument was developed in 1985 by the American Heart Association and scored individuals on systolic blood pressure, weight, serum cholesterol level and cigarette smoking habits. Pre-operative records were also reviewed using the same tool to assess individuals preoperative risk. The research design used was 2 x 2 repeated measures. Data were analyzed using 2 x 2 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).Two findings were discovered. First there was a statistically significant difference between men and women (F=5.82 p=0.019) with men scoring lower RISKO scores than women, indicating lower risk and better compliance to a heart healthy lifestyle, both pre- and postoperatively. Second there was a significant difference between preand postoperative RISKO scores in the total population (F=8.77 p=0.004). Postoperative RISKO scores were lower indicating an improvement in heart healthy lifestyle. There was no statistically significant difference between genders in the difference of pre- and postoperative RISKO scores (F=2.56 p<.115). The significance of this study was that it looked specifically at gender differences and assessed disparities in cardiovascular risk factors and the impact of surgery on men and women.This study found that overall, men had lower RISKO scores than women. Both genders also had improved RISKO scores postoperatively from preoperatively. No statistically significant difference between genders of the RISKO scores from preoperatively to postoperatively was found. Education needs to continue to play a big part in the cardiac rehabilitation process for both genders and specifically women need to become the target of further research and education to improve compliance to a heart healthy lifestyle.
School of Nursing

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at risk for developing life-threatening comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). As a consequence, T2DM is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and decreased quality of life, thus highlighting the importance of prevention of T2DM. Further, the prevalence of T2DM is substantially greater in rural populations compared to urban populations, making rural individuals particularly appropriate targets for T2DM prevention. T2DM is a largely preventable disease that is associated with modifiable risk factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Lifestyle interventions to improve these modifiable risk factors have been used to decrease the risk of developing T2DM. There is little evidence that supports lifestyle interventions as a means to decrease T2DM risk in rural populations with prediabetes, the precursor of T2DM. The purpose of this dissertation was to determine whether rural-living individuals with prediabetes would improve modifiable risk factors, specifically diet quality by following a lifestyle intervention; thereby, decreasing their risk of developing T2DM. Specific aims for this dissertation were to, 1) examine and synthesize data from dietary interventions used to reduce risk of T2DM in rural populations on order to identify gaps and guide future research, 2) critically evaluate validity and reliability of indices used to determine diet quality in research, and 3) determine the effect of a risk reduction program on improving diet quality and glucose control (as a measure of T2DM risk) in rural adults with prediabetes and CVD risk factors. Specific aim one was achieved by a review and synthesis of literature focused on lifestyle and dietary interventions used in rural populations to decrease the risk of developing T2DM. Common goals in these studies were a decrease in weight, decrease in dietary fat and calories, and an increase in physical activity. Decreased weight and increased physical activity were demonstrated in all eight studies, and a decrease in T2DM incidence was also demonstrated in one of the studies. However, diet quality was not adequately assessed in the majority of the studies. Furthermore, none of the studies were randomized controlled trials and only half used a control group. It was concluded that research using a more robust design is needed to determine the effect of lifestyle changes, specifically diet, on T2DM risk in rural populations. Specific aim two was addressed by a critical analysis of six common indices of dietary quality. Validity and reliability of the Healthy Eating Index, the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, the DASH diet score, the Diet Quality Index-Revised, the Healthy Diet Indicator, and the Diet Quality Score were examined. Five of the six indices are valid and reliable tools for measure diet quality but all five rely on an extensive food frequency questionnaire that may be burdensome for participants. The Diet Quality Score does not provide adequate evidence to support its use in research. It was concluded that a short, reliable, and validated diet screener may be useful in research. Specific aim three was addressed by a secondary data analysis of a longitudinal, randomized controlled study of rural residents with CVD risk factors and prediabetes. Diet quality, measured by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), and glucose control, measured by hemoglobin A1c, were analyzed in a subpopulation of 62 participants with prediabetes. Neither diet quality nor glucose control improved between baseline, four month, and 12 month post intervention. The reliability and validity of the MEDAS in this population is not known and may have been a factor in the lack of intervention effect related to diet quality. Participants were also not informed of their prediabetes status, thus it is not known if this knowledge would have made an impact on the outcomes of the study. In addition, the small sample size limits the statistical power to determine changes between the intervention and control groups. It was concluded that further research is needed to determine if a high quality diet will reduce T2DM risk in this rural population Considering the disproportionate prevalence of T2DM in rural populations compared to their urban counterparts, the results of this dissertation demonstrate a continued need for interventions that decrease modifiable risk factors associated with this disease. Interventions that target obesity, poor diet quality, and sedentary lifestyles in at-risk rural populations that are culturally tailored are needed to decrease risk of developing T2DM and the comorbidities associated with this preventable disease.

Many researchers have alluded to the inequity in distribution of HIV preventive services in South Africa (SA). Other researchers have demonstrated that socio-demographic factors are main determinants of distribution of preventive services like voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) in SA. VCT is a primary HIV prevention tool through which infected persons enter the treatment, care, and support programs; identifying the impact of socio-demographic determinants (SDDs) on VCT uptake in SA could help direct VCT services to areas and individuals that need them most. The research question in this study examined what and how SDDs impact the uptake of VCT in SA using the integrated theory of health behavior change (ITHBC) as its theoretical framework. A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design using secondary data from a population-based survey by the John Hopkins Education and Health SA (2012) was conducted. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, SDDs like province, settlement, employment, races, and age were statistically significant while marital status, education, and SES (socio-economic status) did not have statistically significant impact on VCT uptake. This study demonstrated that Black, unemployed men of low to medium SES between the ages of 15-49 years living in peri-urban and urban-informal areas of all provinces but especially Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and North West provinces of SA had the lowest VCT uptake. This study advocates policies and programs to improve VCT distribution and accessibility in places and individuals with lowest uptake. Improved uptake will help reduce new HIV infection, HIV-associated morbidity, and mortality; as well as ensure equity, equality, and social justice in the distribution of HIV preventive services in SA.

Mother-to-infant vertical transmission of HIV usually occurs during pregnancy, labor, delivery or breastfeeding. It is the third leading cause of transmission of HIV after sexual intercourse and blood transfusions. In 2008, 12 million women aged 15 years and above were anticipated to be living with HIV in countries within Sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, the association between parental HIV knowledge, attitudes and risk reduction practices, and HIV vertical transmission in Kenya were explored. The health belief model was used to help understand and interpret the findings. For this quantitative study, data were collected via surveys from 212 participants in 3 HIV clinics in Kenya. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Around 45% of respondents lacked knowledge on key aspects of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV particularly on expressing and heat treating milk from HIV positive mothers to make it safe for their babies. About 65% of Participants had awareness towards Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Logistic regression showed no association between socioeconomic factors and parental knowledge on MTCT of HIV. Logistic modeling found that there was association between attitude and MTCT, revealing that attitude increased the likelihood to influence MTCT. Being married was associated with reduced risk of MTCT of HIV. The overall results indicated gaps in knowledge and information packaging. The potential positive social change implication of this study is that factors related to HIV vertical transmission identified in this study might be utilized to develop and implement HIV prevention strategies to reduce HIV vertical transmission and decrease associated morbidity and mortality among this vulnerable population.

BACKGROUND: Studies done in both developed and developing countries have reported the tendencies of adolescents to engage in risky behaviours. Such behaviours include indulging in early and unsafe sexual activities, having multiple sexual partners, alcohol and drug use and dropping out of school among others. PURPOSE: The main aim of the study was to develop intervention strategies for reducing sexual risk practices among adolescents in Ethiopia. METHODS: A mixed method approach using quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed in order to investigate the risks of sexual practices among urban and rural adolescents in the selected area. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data quantitatively and focus group discussions were used for the qualitative part of data collection. A total of 449 students and 72 FGD participants were selected for quantitative and qualitative study respectively using systematic random sampling technique. Logistic regression was done to identify possible factors associated with knowledge on emergency contraceptive, condom utilisation, pre-marital sex practices and perception of risky sexual practices. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy (37.9%) respondents had experienced sexual intercourse at the time of the study. The higher proportion (42.6%) of those who had engaged in sexual relationships was from the rural school compared to 33.1% in the urban schools. The proportion of sexually active respondents was higher among males (44.8%) compared to (29%) females. Multiple partners were higher in rural adolescents (44.7%) compared to 31.8% among urban adolescents. Sexually Transmitted Diseases were reported by 28.6% of the sexually active adolescents and the prevalence was higher among males (73.5%) compared to 27% females. 87% of the sexually active adolescents rarely used a condom. CONCLUSION: The study identified a knowledge gap on ASRH which limited adolescents to access reproductive services. Social, cultural and economic factors contributed to adolescent engagement in risky sexual behaviours. Based on the major findings of this study, intervention strategies targeting behavioural, biomedical and structural interventions were proposed.
Health Studies
D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

The sample (N=188) was 100% Black (N=188), 83.5% female N=(157), with mean age of 43.16 (min=18, max=72, SD 12.567). Some 81.4% (n=153) were working full- or part-time during the pandemic with low-moderate work-related risks for COVID-19 transmission (mean =2.56, min=0, max=7, SD= 2.102). The sample had a moderate household size (mean=2.64, min=1, max=6, SD= 1.363) with low levels of multi-generational living, as 10.6% (n=20) had seniors living with them. For risk of COVID-19 transmission within the home, there was a low-moderate risk (mean=1.668; min=1, max= 4, SD=.699). Only 19.1% (n=36) had COVID-19 in the past year. Both physical health status and mental/emotional health status declined during the pandemic. They had moderate mental distress (mean= 1.94; min=0; max=3, SD=1.066) in the past year—with depression (70.7%, n=133), anxiety (78.2%, n=147), and trauma (45.2%, n=85), while 43% (N=81) sought counselling. They had moderately good social support (mean = 2.71; min=0, max=4, SD=1.172), and a good quality of life (mean=4.05, min=1, max=6, SD=1.073). They reported moderately high medical mistrust (mean=3.273; min=1.50, max=5.00, SD=.7615), and 58.7% (N=127) did or would vaccinate. Scores on the new Our COVID-19 Knowledge Test (OCKT-44) produced a mean of 40.34 (min=23, max=44, SD=3.092) for excellent knowledge, and 83.8% (N=155) of would recommend the OCKT-44 to others. Using paired t-tests, the experience of taking the OCKT-44 (with all true answers) demonstrated a positive impact on both COVID-19 Knowledge and COVID-19 Prevention Self-Efficacy. Using backward stepwise regression, controlling for social desirability, the significant predictors of a high Level of COVID-19 Knowledge Based on Our Covid-19 Knowledge Test (OCKT-44) Score were: if had COVID-19—yes (b =1.026, SEB=.431, p = .018); and, if has been/will be vaccinated—yes (b=.912 SEB=.405, p=.026)—with this model (R 2=.0.060, Adj R 2 =0.044) only explaining 4.4% of the variance. Second, significant predictors, controlling for social desirability, for the a high Level of Self-Efficacy for COVID-19 Risk Reduction Post-OCKT-44-Test-Taking were: gender—female (b =-.363, SEB=.157, p = .022); born in the U.S.—No (b=-.253 SEB=.117, p=.032); children—No (b = -.216, SEB=.052, p= .045); and, higher Quality of Life (b=.127 SEB=.052, p=.016)—with this model explaining (R 2=0.330, and the Adj R 2 =0.083) only 8.3 % of the variance. Qualitative data amplified and expanded upon the quantitative data findings.

Relatório de Estágio do Mestrado em Ciências da Educação apresentado à Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação
A Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) entende a Saúde como um estado de integrado de bem-estar físico, mental e social e não somente a ausência de doença ou enfermidade. De modo a conseguir alcançar este estado de bem-estar, os indivíduos e grupos devem ser capazes de identificar as suas aspirações, procurando satisfazer as suas necessidades e modificando favoravelmente o meio ambiente. Contudo, existem diversos fatores sociais, biológicos, comportamentais, culturais, económicos e ambientais que afetam diferenciadamente o estado de saúde dos indivíduos e das populações (OMS, 1986). Neste alinhamento, as ações de promoção da saúde têm como objetivo reduzir as desigualdades no estado de saúde da população, procurando assegurar oportunidades e recursos igualitários que capacitem todas as pessoas a realizarem completamente o seu potencial de saúde. Para tal devem ser assegurados ambientes favoráveis, acesso à informação, experiências, habilidades na vida e oportunidades que permitam fazer escolhas por uma vida mais saudável (OMS, 1986). Ao longo do presente relatório de estágio são descritas diversas ações, que tiveram como finalidade promover a saúde de públicos considerados vulneráveis. Foram realizadas ações de informação e sensibilização junto de estudantes universitários, que são considerados um grupo vulnerável, pois é neste contexto que muitos jovens iniciam e outros aumentam o consumo de substâncias psicoativas (SPA). Por sua vez, esses consumos estão associados a vários comportamentos de risco, nomeadamente, acidentes rodoviários, relações sexuais desprotegidas, intoxicação aguda alcoólica e violência. Neste âmbito foi desenvolvido um trabalho de parceria entre a Associação Existências e o Gabinete de Apoio ao Estudante da Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade de Coimbra, assente em dois grandes eixos: (i) na implementação de atividades de prevenção universal e seletiva, com o objetivo de capacitar os jovens na identificação, evitamento e redução de comportamentos de risco e (ii) na investigação sobre os comportamentos de risco e proteção em contexto recreativo noturno, divulgando os resultados junto da comunidade académica. Conjugando estes dois eixos apresentamos: (i) a intervenção e investigação desenvolvidas no âmbito do Projeto “Há Noites Assim”, um projeto de informação e sensibilização sobre comportamentos de risco em contexto recreativo noturno; (ii) a organização do evento “Intervenções em Saúde – Seminário de Projetos”, destinado a apresentar os vários projetos desenvolvidos e implementados pela Associação Existências no âmbito da proteção e da promoção da saúde; (iii) a dinamização da Semana da Saúde da FPCEUC, cuja finalidade é promover a saúde e a educação para a saúde nas suas diversas dimensões, promover oportunidades de adoção de estilos de vida saudáveis e da qualidade de vida dos estudantes universitários.Noutro contexto, as ações de promoção de saúde descritas incidiram em pessoas trabalhadoras do sexo e utilizadoras de drogas, que são também consideradas um público vulnerável face aos vários riscos associados às suas práticas, nomeadamente o risco da infeção pelo VIH/SIDA e outras IST e por não recorrerem aos serviços de saúde, permanecendo “escondidas” e de difícil acesso. Neste sentido, apresenta-se a intervenção psicossocial e socioeducativa em saúde realizada pela Associação Existências no âmbito do Projeto “Adão e Eva”, que nos seus giros de rua garante, através de numa abordagem de proximidade, uma intervenção individual e comunitária, que procura dar resposta às necessidades de proteção, prevenção e resolução de problemas, no âmbito dos seus comportamentos sexuais de risco e de consumo de SPA. Ao longo deste trabalho damos conta das diversificadas intervenções de uma equipa transdisciplinar, que funciona não como uma equipa de especialistas em diversas áreas, mas como uma equipa especializada em problemas, pelo que centrada num modo de atuação articulado (em relação a objetivos, processos e resultados) entre todos os seus profissionais e na qual existe lugar para o profissional das Ciências da Educação.
The World Health Organization (WHO) views health as a state of physical, mental and social well-being, and not only as the absence of illness or disease. In order to achieve this type of well-being, the individuals and groups need to be able to identify their aspirations, seeking the satisfaction of their needs and favorably modifying the environment. However, there is a number of social, biological, behavioral, cultural, economic and environmental factors that have different impacts in the state of health of individuals and populations (WHO, 1986). In this scope, health promotion actions aim to reduce inequalities in the health status of the population, seeking to ensure equal opportunities and resources that enable all people to fully attain their health potential. For this, favorable environments, accessible information, life experiences, skills and opportunities to make choices for a healthier life must be ensured (WHO, 1986). Throughout this internship report, several actions that had the purpose of promoting the health of vulnerable publics were described.The aforementioned information and awareness actions were developed among university students - considered as a vulnerable group, since it is in this context that many young people start and/or increase the consumption of psychoactive substances (PAS). In turn, these consumptions are associated with several risk behaviors such as road accidents, unprotected sex, acute alcohol intoxication and violence. Under this line, a partnership between Associação Existências and the Office of Student Support of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra was developed. This corporation was based on two main axes: (i) in the implementation of universal and selective prevention activities, with the objective of enabling young people to identify, avoid and reduce risk behaviors and (ii) in the investigation of risk and protection behaviors in the nocturnal recreational context, disseminating the results to the academic community. Combining these two axes we present: (i) the intervention and investigation developed in the framework of the project “Há Noites Assim” (There are nights like this), an information and awareness project on risk behaviors in the night recreation context; (ii) the organization of the scientific event “Intervenções em Saúde – Seminário de Projetos” (Health Interventions – Projects Seminary), designed to present the various projects developed and implemented by the Associação Existências in the scope of protection and promotion of health; and (iii) the organization of the “Semana da Saúde” (Health Week) which purpose was to promote health and health education in its various dimensions, the adoption of healthy life styles and the quality of university students’ life. In another context, the described health promotion actions have focused on sex workers and drug users, who are also considered as a vulnerable public due to the various risks associated with their practices, namely, the risk of HIV/AIDS and other STI infections and the lack of use of health services, what makes these publics remain “hidden” and difficult to access. In this sense, the psychosocial and socioeducative health intervention carried out by the Associação Existências in the ambit of the “Adão e Eva II” project guarantees an individual and community intervention that seeks to respond to the needs of protection, prevention and problem solving, in the context of their sexual risk behavior and PAS consumption, using street turns and proximity approach. Throughout this work we are able to take account of the diversified interventions of a transdisciplinary team that functions not as a team of specialists in different areas but as a team specialized in problems, being characterized by an articulated way of acting (in relation to objectives, processes and results) among all its professionals and in which there is room for the professional of the Sciences of Education.