Reflection on course MHST 631 Health Promotion I

This course has significantly expanded my understanding of health promotion and its critical role in improving individual and community well-being. Initially unfamiliar with the field, I now have a solid foundation in health promotion frameworks, models, and theories, which has helped me envision practical strategies for the patients I serve in the healthcare system. I've also gained insight into the barriers patients face when healthcare lacks diversity, equity, and inclusivity. However, I acknowledge that the course has been challenging for me. I struggled with grasping the various health behaviours and theories and faced difficulties reconciling my understanding of global issues with how these theories or models apply in reality.

Despite these challenges, which affected my level of engagement, the course has provided many highlights that have inspired me. I am confident that these insights will continue to guide me as I navigate my personal and professional development.

I was reflecting on the coin model (Nixon, S., 2019). has challenged my understanding of privilege and its impact on health. While I was aware of societal inequalities, the model has illuminated the intricate ways these intersect, creating complex layers of advantages and disadvantages. Recognizing my position within this system is uncomfortable yet essential. It has become clear that effective health promotion requires more than just providing services; it demands a deep commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and empowering marginalized communities. This model has inspired me to become a more conscious and engaged ally in pursuing health equity.

The introduction to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) presented an ambitious framework by the United Nations to ensure global equitable access to essential human rights such as food, education, employment, clean water, and healthcare (United Nations, n.d.). Initially, I assumed these goals would solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. However, after reviewing the research, it became clear that many countries are significantly behind in meeting these targets, with some making minimal or no progress. Canada's performance in this area is also troubling, highlighting the urgent need for more vigorous efforts to advance these vital objectives.

In the first and second assignments, I focused on the low enrollment rates in pulmonary rehabilitation, attributing it to COPD patients' skepticism about its benefits or a lack of awareness regarding its advantages. Through Dr. Cooper's feedback and the study materials throughout the course, I recognized that my biases about patients' noncompliance contributed to their limited access to health services. I felt a profound sense of shame, realizing that society, the healthcare system, the community, and even we as healthcare providers have often created and maintained barriers that prevent patients from receiving the care they need.

In conclusion, this course has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of health promotion as a multifaceted and complex field. While challenges arose in grappling with certain concepts, the overall experience has been enriching. The knowledge gained and a newfound awareness of social inequities have ignited a passion for contributing meaningfully to improving population health. I know I still have so much to learn; however, I have identified a clear direction - address the complex health challenges individuals and communities face, working towards a more equitable and just healthcare system.

References

Nixon, S. (2019). The coin model of privilege and critical allyship: Health implications. BMC Public Health, 19(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7884-9

United Nations. (n.d.). The 17 goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals