English Abstract This study was conducted to obtain information to what
extent recent epidemiological knowledge is used in health education
material, aimed at prevention of chronic diseases. 79 national obtainable
health education brochures regarding smoking and physical inactivity were
screened and analysed using content analyses. Content analyses, described
by Holsti, compares the content of the health education brochures with a
'standard'. Results show that in general the content of the screened health
education materials is in agreement with recent epidemiological insights.
For instance, much attention is given to the relation between smoking
respectively physical inactivity and chronic diseases, health effects of
environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), in particular with respect to children's
health, and the importance of regular physical activity. Compared to the
bulk of evidence in scientific literature, little attention is given to
quantifying the health effects due to smoking, the favourable short-term
effects of quitting smoking, favourable effects of quitting smoking versus
small disadvantages of increases in bodyweight after quitting and finally
the importance of moderate physical activity, both at younger and older age.
One of the tasks of the Dutch Focal Point on the Prevention of Chronic
Diseases is to create 'state-of-the-art' publications, based on recent
epidemiological literature, about what is known of causal factors of chronic
diseases. This study points out that this action fulfills a need and can be
broadened to other relevant health education issues. Results of this
content analysis should be discussed with the proper
organizations.
