Hälsoteket i Angered - Deltagares perspektiv på en hälsofrämjande verksamhet
Sociala ojämlikheterHälsofrämjandeHälsoteket i AngeredIntervjuerSociala faktorerSocial inequalitiesHealth promotionHälsoteket in AngeredInterviewsSocial factors
Introduction: Reducing social inequality in health is a prioritized goal for public health on the global as well as the national and the local levels. Hälsoteket operates through health promotion to reduce inequality in health in the district of Angered in Göteborg, through the improvement of living habits and the wellbeing of the population.Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate Hälsoteket in Angered through its participants? subjective experiences. Subsidiary aims were to explore participants? perceptions and opinions about Hälsoteket in Angered, how they perceive the health impact of their participation and their motivations for participating.Method: A qualitative method was used to fulfill the aim. Data collection was made through qualitative interviews with eight regular participants at Hälsoteket. The recorded material from the interviews was transcribed and analyzed with a manifest qualitative content analysis.Results: Hälsoteket had a significant importance for the interviewed participants; through provision of opportunities for regular activity and the social meetings and resources the participation gave them. Hälsoteket worked as a knowledge source for the participants, about health practices and information about the local area and societal functions. Experienced health effects or hopes of such effects and the particular activities offered were motivating the participants to visit Hälsoteket.Discussion: For the interviewed participants, Hälsoteket is a supportive environment for physical and psychosocial health, through its adapted activities and social meetings. The activity increases social participation, which might lead to an increased sense of coherence. The social part of the activity was of great importance for the participants, which is supported by research on the importance of social factors for health.Conclusion: For the participants who were interviewed, Hälsoteket works as a health promoting social meeting point, to improve social participation and living habits, through the provision of possibilities of physical activity and as a source of information.