Find a scholarly, peer-reviewed article no more than four years old that discusses an ethical health promotion-related issue. Use the WCU library databases to search for appropriate articles. In your paper: Your paper should be 2–3 pages long. Use APA to cite and reference the article and any other optional sources you use. Adhere to APA formatting throughout your paper.
Title: Understanding the Ethical Dilemmas in Health Promotion: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
Health promotion plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall well-being of individuals and communities. However, many health promotion initiatives present complex ethical challenges that need careful consideration. This paper aims to analyze a scholarly, peer-reviewed article published within the last four years that examines an ethical issue in health promotion. The article selected for this analysis is “Ethics in Health Promotion: The Promising Additional Four-step Strategy for Public Health Practice” by Thompson, Gunner, and Williams (2019).
Summary of Selected Article
Thompson, Gunner, and Williams (2019) explore the ethical challenges faced by health promotion professionals and propose a four-step strategy to address these issues. The authors begin by highlighting the importance of an ethical approach to health promotion and underscore the potential risks of disregarding ethical considerations. They argue that ethics in health promotion should be not only a theoretical concept but also an integral part of public health practice.
The first step proposed by Thompson et al. (2019) is to respect individual autonomy and agency. This involves providing individuals with the necessary information and skills to make autonomous and informed decisions about their health. The article emphasizes the importance of supporting individuals’ right to choose, while also acknowledging the limits imposed by societal and cultural contexts.
In the second step, the authors suggest promoting equity and justice in health promotion initiatives. They argue that health promotion programs should address social and economic determinants of health to minimize health disparities. Thompson et al. (2019) highlight the need for health promotion professionals to advocate for policies and programs that prioritize fairness and justice in access to healthcare resources.
The third step proposed by the authors is to prioritize the principle of beneficence. This entails promoting actions that maximize benefits while minimizing harm to individuals and communities. Thompson et al. (2019) emphasize the importance of evidence-based practice, as it allows health promotion professionals to make informed decisions about the potential benefits and harms of interventions.
Finally, the fourth step outlined in the article is fostering transparency and accountability. Thompson et al. (2019) argue that health promotion initiatives should be conducted with transparency, clearly communicating the aims, methods, and potential risks to stakeholders. Additionally, they stress the importance of evaluation and continuous monitoring to ensure accountability and improve the effectiveness of interventions.
Critical Analysis of the Article
Thompson et al.’s (2019) article presents a comprehensive and systematic analysis of ethical challenges in health promotion. The four-step strategy proposed by the authors provides a valuable framework for health promotion professionals in navigating these complex issues. The authors’ emphasis on the importance of individual autonomy, equity, and justice aligns with the principles of ethical decision-making in the field of public health.
One strength of the article is its recognition of the multifaceted nature of ethical dilemmas in health promotion. Thompson et al. (2019) acknowledge that promoting individuals’ autonomy may sometimes conflict with the need to address broader social determinants of health. By highlighting this tension, the authors encourage a nuanced approach to ethical decision-making in health promotion.
Additionally, the authors’ focus on transparency and accountability is commendable. As health promotion initiatives often involve multiple stakeholders, transparency and accountability are crucial elements for building trust and ensuring ethical practice. The call for ongoing evaluation serves to enhance the ethical conduct and effectiveness of health promotion interventions.
However, one potential limitation of the article is the lack of specific examples or case studies to illustrate the application of the four-step strategy. While the authors provide a conceptual framework, readers may benefit from seeing how the strategy could be applied to real-life health promotion scenarios. The inclusion of practical examples would enhance the article’s applicability to practitioners and deepen the understanding of potential ethical dilemmas.
Conclusion
Thompson et al.’s (2019) article contributes to our understanding of the ethical challenges faced by health promotion professionals. The four-step strategy proposed in the article provides a valuable framework for ethical decision-making in health promotion. By emphasizing individual autonomy, equity, justice, beneficence, transparency, and accountability, the authors provide a comprehensive approach to addressing ethical dilemmas in the field. Further research and practical application of this strategy can help enhance the ethical practice of health promotion and improve the outcomes of public health interventions.