Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health from Coursera

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Syllabus

An Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health

This week you will be introduced to participatory approaches to public health. What are they? Where do they come from? And why are they essential to solving contemporary public health challenges? Firstly, you will meet the team and get an idea of how this course is structured. We also want you to share your own experiences with other learners - in this way, you'll identify what you already know about participatory approaches, share useful insights and make connections with one another. In Lesson 1 you'll learn the key principles and characteristics of a participatory approach and learn about the history of participation in HIV social movements. In Lesson 2, you'll focus on the case study of Ebola, to explore how participatory approaches can be used in pandemics. Take note - we'll be returning to this discussion in Week 4 to see what lessons from Ebola can be applied to COVID-19.

The Social and Cultural Context of Public Health

This week will help you to understand the social and cultural context of public health. In Lesson 1, you will think about how to understand culture and society and their relationship with health, drawing upon readings from anthropology and sociology. You will then apply that thinking to the importance of culture for participatory public health. You will read and analyse studies in Malaysia and London, before hearing an interview with a researcher about how culture affects participation in health research Singapore. In Lesson 2, you will explore some of these concepts further through an in-depth case study of participatory projects with sex workers.

Foundations of Participatory Approaches: Knowledge, Action and Power

Welcome to Week 3. In Lesson 1, you will reflect further on what it means to create knowledge in a participatory way. You will learn about different epistemological approaches to knowledge creation, before doing an exercise exploring your own positionality in the social field. In Lesson 2, you will study the case of Participatory Action Research (PAR), as a way of introducing you to the concepts of action and power. You will watch a video introducing you to PAR, before undertaking readings and activities to explore these in more depth. This will help you to think about the forms of action you could take to help improve the health and well-being of the communities you work with.

Critically Engaging with Participation: Are Participatory Approaches the Future?

In Week 4, you will take a step back and place participation in context. In Lesson 1, you will be introduced to some ways of thinking about and evaluating participation, including some of the popular typologies of participation. You will start to consider if participatory approaches are always a good thing, and some of the dangers participation might pose. In Lesson 2, you will explore how participatory approaches could be used to tackle the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores participatory approaches to public health, which is critical for professionals in the field

Led by experts in the field of participatory public health, Helen Ward

Examines real-world case studies to make the learning experience more practical and engaging

Covers essential concepts in participatory approaches, such as knowledge, power, and action

Provides foundational knowledge for beginners in the field of participatory public health

Could be enhanced with more hands-on exercises and activities to reinforce learning

Reviews summary

Course raises frustrations

According to students, this course is frustrating in that technical issues with exams makes it difficult to complete the course. There is only a single positive review of the course, which simply states that it is an amazing course without describing what the course entails.

Positive review without explanation.

"it's amazing course "

Course exams have technical issues.

"I have taken the exam more than 6 times and I see that all the questions are answered, even took PHOTOS to be sure., and the machine does not WORK.!"

"Says that I missed answer some questions, and it is not true, if you like them, I can send you the photos of the complete answers of the exams, I am tired !"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health with these activities:

Review fundamental concepts in social and cultural anthropology

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Refreshing your knowledge in social and cultural anthropology will strengthen your understanding of the social and cultural factors that influence health and well-being.

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Review key concepts and theories in social and cultural anthropology
Consider how these concepts apply to the field of public health

Review Participation and Power in Health

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Refreshes your understanding of the relationship between participation and power in health, which is a key concept in this course.

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Review the readings on participation and power from previous coursework or resources.
Take practice quizzes or complete exercises to test your understanding.

Review statistics

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Refreshes your statistics skills before taking this course by reviewing foundational concepts such as descriptive and inferential statistics.

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Review probability theory.
Review hypothesis testing.
Review descriptive statistics.

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Review basic principles of public health

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Review basic concepts and vocabulary of public health such as population health, health equity, and disease prevention.

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Review the history and evolution of public health.
Review the core functions of public health.
Review the major public health challenges facing the world today.

Volunteer with Local Health Organizations

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Offers practical experience in applying participatory approaches to health promotion and disease prevention.

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Identify local health organizations that use participatory approaches.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in community outreach programs, health education campaigns, or other activities that engage community members in health initiatives.

Explore case studies of participatory health research projects

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Examining real-world examples of participatory health research projects will provide practical insights into how these approaches are implemented.

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Identify case studies of participatory health research projects through online databases or research articles
Read and analyze the case studies, focusing on the methods used and the outcomes achieved
Consider the strengths and limitations of the participatory approaches used in each case study

Participatory Health Research Project Proposal

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Develops your skills in designing and planning a participatory health research project, which is the focus of the course.

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Identify a health issue that you are interested in researching.
Develop a research question and hypothesis.
Design a research plan that includes methods for engaging community members in the research process.

Practice applying social and behavioral theories to public health

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Engage in exercises and simulations that apply concepts from social and behavioral theories to develop public health interventions.

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Apply the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to a public health problem.
Apply the social ecological model to a public health problem.
Design a health promotion intervention based on the principles of behavior change.

Engage in discussions with peers on the ethical considerations of participatory approaches

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Discussing ethical considerations with peers will enhance your understanding of the responsibilities involved in participatory public health work.

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Identify ethical issues related to participatory approaches, such as power dynamics and informed consent
Organize a discussion group or join an online forum to share perspectives on these ethical considerations
Reflect on the discussions and consider how ethical principles can be integrated into participatory practices

Volunteer with a community health organization

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Gain practical experience in participatory public health by volunteering with a community health organization.

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Find a community health organization that aligns with your interests.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteer schedule.

Participatory Approaches to Public Health Case Study Analysis

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Reinforces your understanding of participatory approaches to public health through analysis of real-world case studies.

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Select a case study of a participatory health project.
Analyze the case study, focusing on the principles and characteristics of participatory approaches.
Write a summary of your analysis, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the participatory approach used in the case study.

Develop a Participatory Health Education Campaign

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Applies your knowledge of participatory approaches to the design and development of a health education campaign.

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Identify a specific health issue and target audience.
Develop a campaign message and materials that are culturally appropriate and accessible.
Involve community members in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the campaign.

Explore case studies of participatory public health projects

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Watch video documentaries and engage in guided discussions of real-world examples of participatory public health projects.

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Watch a documentary on the Participatory Research Network (PRN).
Read a case study of a community-based participatory research project.
Participate in an online discussion forum on the strengths and challenges of participatory public health.

Organize a symposium on participatory approaches in your community

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Organizing a symposium will allow you to apply the knowledge you've gained in this course and engage with your community on the importance of participatory approaches in public health.

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Identify a local organization or group to partner with
Develop a proposal outlining the goals and objectives of the symposium
Secure funding and resources for the symposium
Invite speakers and panelists who have expertise in participatory approaches
Promote the symposium to the community and encourage participation

Develop a toolkit for community members on how to participate effectively in health research

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Creating a toolkit specifically tailored to your community will empower individuals to actively participate in shaping health research initiatives.

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Identify the specific needs and interests of your community
Gather information on best practices for community participation in health research
Develop the toolkit, including resources, guidance, and practical tools
Disseminate the toolkit to community organizations and individuals

Support emerging public health practitioners by mentoring them on participatory approaches

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Mentoring others will solidify your understanding of participatory approaches and contribute to the development of the next generation of public health professionals.

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Identify opportunities to mentor emerging public health practitioners
Share your knowledge and experiences on participatory approaches
Provide guidance and support as they implement participatory strategies in their own work

Develop a participatory public health project proposal

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Design and propose a participatory public health project that addresses a real-world health issue.

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Identify a public health problem in your community.
Develop a plan for engaging community members in the design and implementation of a participatory public health project.
Write a project proposal that includes a budget and timeline.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers provide health care and support services to people in their communities. They may work with individuals, families, or groups to address a variety of health issues. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to work effectively with communities and address their health needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker

Public Health Researcher

As a Public Health Researcher, you will be responsible for conducting research on the health of the public. This may involve studying the causes of disease, evaluating the effectiveness of public health programs, or developing new ways to improve the health of communities. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you build a foundation in the principles of participatory public health, which can assist you as you work with communities to identify and address public health issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Researcher

Health Equity Researcher

Health Equity Researchers study the causes of health disparities and develop strategies to eliminate them. They may work in government agencies, research institutions, or non-profit organizations. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct health equity research and advocate for policies that improve the health of marginalized communities.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address their needs. They may work on a variety of issues, including health care, education, and housing. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to work effectively with communities and empower them to take action to improve their health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Social Worker

Social Workers help people to cope with difficult life circumstances and improve their overall well-being. They may work with individuals, families, or groups to address a variety of issues, including mental health, substance abuse, and poverty. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to work effectively with communities and address the social determinants of health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Health Educator

Health Educators teach people about health and provide information on how to improve their health. They may work in schools, community centers, or hospitals. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to effectively engage with communities and promote healthy behaviors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses provide health care and support services to communities. They may work in schools, community centers, or hospitals. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to work effectively with communities and address their health needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Global Health Specialist

Global Health Specialists work to improve the health of people around the world. They may work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or the private sector. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to work effectively in a global health context and address the health needs of underserved populations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Specialist

Health Communications Specialist

Health Communications Specialists develop and implement communication campaigns to promote healthy behaviors and improve public health. They may work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or the private sector. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to create effective health communication materials and engage with communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies that affect the health of the public. They may work in government agencies, research institutions, or non-profit organizations. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to understand the political process and advocate for policies that improve the health of communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They may work in a variety of settings, including health care, education, and social services. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to manage a nonprofit organization and achieve its mission of improving the health of communities.

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Health Economist

Health Economists study the cost and value of health care. They may work in government agencies, research institutions, or the private sector. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to understand the economic determinants of health and develop policies that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system.

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Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists study the relationship between the environment and human health. They may work in government agencies, research institutions, or the private sector. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to understand the environmental determinants of health and develop interventions to protect the public from environmental hazards.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and develop strategies to prevent and control outbreaks. They may work in government agencies, research institutions, or non-profit organizations. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct epidemiological research and develop effective public health interventions.

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Health Informatics Specialist

Health Informatics Specialists use information technology to improve the health of the public. They may work in government agencies, research institutions, or the private sector. The Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health course may be useful as you work to develop and implement health information systems and use data to improve public health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Informatics Specialist