An examination of the use of health education leaflets by health promotion officers

Abstract

THIS paper reports on a study examining the use of health education leaflets by health promotion offi cers. Twenty-nine officers were interviewed throughout the nine district health authorities of Wales. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, they were questioned on three inter-relating areas: the process of obtaining leaflets, views on the use of leaflets and the distribution of leaflets. Respondents stated that the demand for leaflets from health pro fessionals has been increasing, while they have ex perienced financial restrictions and have been attempting to rationalise leaflet provision. This has resulted in an attempt by officers to 'play down' their role as leaflet providers and for the majority to de velop a reluctant reliance on commercially produced leaflets to satisfy professional needs. Results also show that officers thought that the most effective use of health education leaflets was when they were used as interactive devices or reinforcement refer ences. However, results also highlighted health pro motion officers' lack of confidence in current leaflet use by other professionals. The implications for health promotion policy and practice are discussed.