Authors

• Finnish Centre for Health Promotion

Keywords

cooperation, future, health, health advice, health education, health policy, local government services, managers, municipalities, public health

Abstract

The survey focused on the health promotion strategies and activities of Finnish municipalities (local government). Health behaviour, various means of health promotion and health promoters were also covered. The respondents were directors of health services or chairpersons of municipal committees.

Several questions pertained to health promotion work and services, and whether something was going to change compared to the past year, and why. Views were probed on the probable development of health promotion over the next five years, and on the most important means of promoting health (e.g. increasing physical activity, supporting social networks, preventive mental health care, and preventive care of alcohol abusers). Most important target groups for health promotion were charted, and the respondents were asked about the practical applications of Health in All Policies (the main public health theme of the Finnish EU Presidency), as well as what would be the best way to promote non-smoking.

Background variables included the respondent's job title or elective office, province of residence, and the number of inhabitants in the municipality/federation of municipalities.