Population Health: Health & Health Behaviour

Universiteit Leiden via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/population-health-behaviour

Introduction

### Course Review: Population Health: Health & Health Behaviour **Platform:** Coursera **Provider:** Leiden University **Course Link:** [Population Health: Health and Health Behaviour](#) #### Overview In an era where health-related challenges are increasing, understanding the intricate connections between health behaviour, cognition, emotions, and the environment becomes imperative. The **“Population Health: Health & Health Behaviour”** course by Leiden University presents a comprehensive introduction to health psychology, examining how these elements influence our health status. From its foundation in health behaviour theories to the practicalities of patient empowerment and intervention strategies, this course is designed to equip learners with both knowledge and applicable skills that are crucial for navigating the complexities of health care today. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Welcome to Leiden University** - The course kicks off by familiarizing students with the university and outlining the course structure. It provides essential tips on online studying, ensuring participants know how to navigate the digital learning environment effectively. 2. **Understanding Health Behaviour** - This module delves into the core theories of health behaviour. Students explore models that examine and explain health behaviours and are encouraged to apply these theories to their own lives. The assignments prompt reflection and facilitate potential behaviour change, making the learning process deeply personal and impactful. 3. **Understanding Health Behaviour in the Context of Illness** - Here, students investigate how chronic conditions affect everyday life. This module encompasses the various life domains impacted by illness, including emotional and social aspects. Students engage with the theory through discussions and reflective assignments, aiding in the development of empathy and understanding towards those affected by health conditions. 4. **Empowering Patients** - Focusing on patient-centred care, this section equips students with strategies to empower patients effectively. It encompasses motivational interviewing and examines digital tools for patient interaction. Assignments encourage critical thinking about the implementation of these strategies on a global scale, reinforcing the importance of adaptability in diverse contexts. 5. **From Theory to Intervention** - The final module encompasses a practical approach to implementing theory-based interventions. Students learn to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions systematically. This hands-on experience culminates in a project where learners create a brief intervention plan, directly applying the knowledge acquired throughout the course. #### Who Should Enroll? This course is ideal for health professionals, students of health sciences, and anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of health psychology and behaviour. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out in the field, the course offers valuable insights that can be applied in real-life scenarios. #### My Recommendation **Why Take This Course?** 1. **Engaging Content:** The course material is not only informative but also encourages active participation through reflective assignments that foster personal growth alongside academic learning. 2. **Practical Applications:** By bridging theory with real-life scenarios, learners leave with actionable strategies that can be applied in healthcare settings and personal practices. 3. **Expert Instruction:** With insights from Leiden University, a respected institution, students gain knowledge from authoritative sources in health psychology. 4. **Flexibility and Accessibility:** As an online course, it allows for learning at your own pace, making it accessible for individuals with varied commitments. In conclusion, if you are looking to deepen your understanding of health behaviours and their implications for public health and individual well-being, I highly recommend enrolling in **“Population Health: Health & Health Behaviour.”** It’s an investment in knowledge that can transform both personal health journeys and professional practices in healthcare.

Syllabus

Welcome to Leiden University

Welcome to the course Population Health: Health and health behaviour! In this module you will get to know what the scope of this course is and you will learn how to be successful at online studying.

Understanding health behaviour

In this module we are aiming to find out how health behaviour works. We’ll address theory to unravel health behaviour and look at models that help us explain and change health behaviour. You will also apply this to yourself. In the assignments, you will look at your own health behaviour, using theory to explain it and will decide on determinants you could intervene upon. So, at the end of this module you might have been inspired to make an actual behaviour change!

Understanding health behaviour in the context of illness

Dealing with a health condition often has a large impact on a person’s daily life. This impact will be the topic of this module. We’ll address the broad range of life domains that a (chronic) condition has an effect on and what it takes to self-manage a health condition. Also, we’ll look at what contextual factors play a role in coping and self-management of a health condition and how this may change over time. In the assignments, you will look into the impact that a disease has on a patient's life, discuss this with someone in your own environment and will use the addressed theory to reflect on that.

Empowering patients

In this module we dive into patient-centered care; what it encompasses and how it can be optimalised. You’ll gain insight into strategies and interventions regarding patient empowerment, and we discuss how these can be employed taking risk factors, resilience and (life) goals into account. In the assignments, you will reflect on strategies for motivational interviewing, see how a decision aid works for you and discuss the feasibility of digital tools on a worldwide level.

From theory to intervention

In the previous modules we discussed theory and methods to enhance health behavior in order to increase quality of life and improve health care. In this module we’ll set out six steps on how to develop, implement and evaluate theory-based interventions in health care, in order to apply theory into clinical practice. In the assignments, you will use this theory and some scientific papers to briefly go through all the steps of intervention planning yourself.

Overview

In this introduction course on Health and Health Behaviour you will learn about the fundamentals of health psychology. What role does our behaviour, our cognitions and emotions, and our environment play in our health status? We’ll start with unraveling health behavior, and quite quickly put this knowledge in the perspective of health care and dealing with illness. We’ll look at what is needed for people to cope with a disease and to keep up their quality of life as good as possible. How people

Skills

understand illness coping intervention development explain behaviour patient centered communication

Reviews

An excellent course. Very difficult final assessment.

Interesting course. I found the modules on illness, self-management and eHealth particularly helpful and engaging. My thanks to the educators and course organisers.