Terviseedenduse

Terviseedenduse (health promotion) is a field of public health focused on enabling people and communities to increase control over and improve their health. It addresses not only individual behaviours but also the social, economic, environmental, and policy determinants of health, with the aim of improving well-being and reducing health inequities.

Key principles include participation, empowerment, equity, multisectoral collaboration, and sustainability. Methods and approaches include health education, community development, policy change, environmental modifications, and organizational practices in schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and communities. Digital media and mass communication are often used to support behavior change and awareness.

Common focus areas include healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol control, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, injury and violence prevention, and vaccination promotion as part of broader health protection and disease prevention efforts.

Outcomes are assessed through indicators such as prevalence of risk factors, health-related quality of life, morbidity and mortality trends, and health equity measures, as well as cost-effectiveness of interventions. Effective health promotion relies on monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation over time.

In Estonia and other countries, health promotion is embedded in public health policy and primary care, implemented through government programs, non-governmental organizations, schools, and workplaces, often with intersectoral coordination and community participation.