Implementing on a health promotion strategy utilizing social capital

Abstract

Objective: Presented at the 32nd Japan Society of Health Education and Research Academic Conference, this report covers health promotion practices using social capital involving the University of the Ryukyus Health Promotion Support Project Lib (2010–2018), municipalities, and residents.

Practice: In City A, participants became health promotion committee members after the class, leading resident-driven activities such as promoting health checkups and improving the local environment by planting flowers in vacant lots. In City C, participants used “Dohsa-hou” in preventive long-term care services to help each other reduce pain among older adults. Additionally, three projects collaborated to create a support network for the daily lives of older adults using “Dohsa-hou.” In Village D, a health promotion strategy model based on Kusunoki’s theory was established, focusing on “partner building” and “race.” This strategy change increased the resident participation and encouraged others to join the projects.

Conclusion: Promoting health through partnerships among practitioners, researchers, and residents can potentially spread health promotion throughout the community. Moreover, the interaction with residents provides practitioners and researchers with valuable insights and ideas for health promotion.