Moveluencer - movement promotion in the context of covid 19

 

In times of a pandemic, regular physical activity is recommended as protection against the additional stressors caused by a significantly changed daily routine and, above all, severe restrictions in social life. Within this context, promoting active mobility is a meaningful approach to improving the health of the population. The project ‘MOVEluencer’ is a physical activity promotion project following a multidimensional and participatory approach. It has been running since July 2021 in six small rural communities in Styria, a province of Austria (average: 2262 residents). These communities were selected based on inequality factors related to health and physical activity. The promotion of active mobility is at the heart of the project. The main target groups include children and adolescents, their parents, as well as older adults. The aim of the analysis phase was to identify infrastructural resources that are favorable to a physically active lifestyle through a photo contest. A total of 268 photos were sent in by 67 people (43% female). In spring 2022, ‘movement events’ were implemented to raise awareness in terms of active mobility among the population. These events were supplemented by the offer of fitness tests and approximately 265 persons (age: 10 to 84 years) participated. As a follow-on activity, 4 to 5 ‘walking buddies’ will be trained in each community and they will subsequently offer regular walking meetings. In the 3rd project phase, specific physical activity programs will be developed and implemented together with the target groups of the project. Aspects for the sustainable anchoring of physical activity promotion are considered in each project phase. It has been shown that awareness of the health benefits of active mobility in rural areas is rather low. Therefore, improving lifestyle and infrastructural conditions as well as measures to promote physical literacy are important.

Key messages

• Awarenes among the population regarding the health benefits of active mobility is low in rural areas.

• Social media campaigns to promote physical activity are successful in all age groups.

Identification of competences in regional health network management

Background

Aim of Com.HeNet is among others to identify competences which are needed to implement and manage a health network on regional level in European countries.

Description

All participating countries have used the same method for data gathering. Templates in terms of method guidelines were developed and used uniformly. First, a structured literature search was conducted to gather data regarding circumstances, structures and challenges in relation to RHNM. Relevant existing papers, reports and officially released documents from public facilities or e.g. reports from governmental authorities have been included. Grey literature from online websites and resources were also accessed. The second method represents semi-structured guided expert interviews. The interview guideline was developed by European experts (n = 10) from divers fields e.g. Public Health, Sport science and Management. Afterwards pre-testing the interview guideline, relevant experts and stakeholders from diverse fields, were interviewed e.g. Public Health, Health Promotion, clinical services, politics, practitioners or research. Overall n = 33 interviews were carried out [Austria = 5, Bulgaria = 5, Germany = 5, Hungary =5, Spain= 6, Poland =7]. Afterwards the interviews have been transcribed and analysed. The statements were evaluated in a structured and summarizing analysis for homogeneity / diversity / quantity of the various opinions. All results were incorporated in a uniform predefined template (competence profile).

Conclusions

Semi-structured/ guided interviews represent a suitable method to gather data in terms of required competences for health network management. Desktop research / literature search is appropriate to support the qualitative data gathering.

Main message

The mix of the two methods as well as the international views of respective countries was a positive value for the project.

Competences in the management of health regions: Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria

Background

Competences were analysed through desktop research and semi-structured/guided interviews with relevant stakeholders and experts. Subsequently the results of Hungary, Bulgaria, and Austria will be presented and discussed.

Results

Hungary has 9,9 Mio inhabitants. The health status of the population is generally poor and characterized by inequalities. The country has one of the highest mortality rate in the EU. The public health system contains elements compatible with the concept of RHNM. Based on expert opinions main competency areas needed would be of Communication, Management, Public Health and Data Management and Analysis. Bulgaria's population is 6.9 Mio. The mortality rate is highest among the EU. The country has laid down foundations in terms of essential structures, facilities and academic programmes. Identified competences for RHNM are Management, digital health qualifications and soft skills. Austria has 8,9 Mio inhabitants. The mortality rate is close to the EU average. Austria is already aware of the concept of RHNM as it exists on small scale within the country. Identified competences from expert interviews are project management, Public Health and Health Promotion, social skills and communication.

Discussion

The function of RHNM is already existing in AT on small scale, in HU it is in function but diverse and in BG it is not existing. The countries are facing similarities in terms of health needs e.g. aging population, chronic diseases but there are differences in terms of the health status as BG and HU have higher mortality rates than AT. In Austria and Bulgaria there is more focus on management competences for RHNM, Hungary has greater emphasis on the health competences.

Main message

Overall, the function of RHNM would add a value in all countries and overall there is a good prospect for the introduction or reinforcement.

Improving Health Literacy in Austrian Companies: Results from a Systematic Company Recruitment

Issue

The HL-Survey-EU-2011 showed limited health literacy (HL) among the Austrian population (51,6%), especially in the federal state of Styria (63,1%). The project “Auf Gesundheitskurs - gesundheitskompetent in Feldbach” focuses on individual and organizational HL by training and educating production and service company workforce in a rural region in Austria.

Description

The population in the target region is especially disadvantaged regarding HL due to the parameters of age, gender, education, income and ethnicity. There are several small and medium-sized businesses within this area. This project (2018-2020) aims to improve knowledge, competences and skills of multipliers from different companies concerning organizational and individual HL, based on an in-person training programme. However, in order to recruit participants for this research project, a systematic recruitment approach was used.

Results

A total of 783 companies, listed in the community database, were contacted via email in order to inform about the project and to invite for an interview. After the initial email, 40 companies were selected, based on four characteristics: industry sector, company size, distance to town centre, relevance to HL, and contacted via phone as well. However, 7 companies out of 783 confirmed the first interview and 6 out of 7 signed the project cooperation. 18 out of 40 phone contacts led to personal meetings, 9 resulted in signing the cooperation. In total, 15 companies have decided to participate in the project.

Lessons

Overall, telephone contact led to much higher response rates than email alone. The parameters which effected positive outcomes during the interaction by phone and in-person were demonstrating benefits (healthy workplace, motivated staff, positive atmosphere, new customers), explaining the practical value, clarifying costs, expenditures and time effort. Although the topic of workplace health promotion is popular in this rural region, the focus on HL is new.

Key messages

Key factors in company recruitment for HL initiatives in rural regions are telephone and personal contact. Pointing out specific benefits for companies within the recruiting process seems also crucial.