Anne W. Bunde-Birouste

Insider–outsider positions in health-development research: reflections for practice

Recognising that the stance of investigators could make a major impact on the quality and/or interpretation of development-study findings, a small investigation to explore researcher positions and roles was implemented. This was a subsidiary component of a larger health-development study which aimed to explore the evidence base for psychosocial and mental-health policy formulation and implementation in two conflict-affected, low-resourced countries. Five of the research team were interviewed by a sixth member in an open, semi-structured interview format, and the data were analysed thematically. The primary learning for the team, with wider implications for others in development research and practice, is that if the aim is to produce credible findings from investigations of this nature, it is important to exhibit a high degree of transparency regarding the role and position of each researcher, and an explicit attempt to be reflexive in relation to the associated challenges.

Adopting healthier cooking oils: Findings from a qualitative study among independent food outlets in a rural district in Australia

ISSUE ADDRESSED This study explored key factors that motivated independent food outlets to voluntarily adopt healthier cooking oils following a health promotion intervention. METHODS Sixteen food outlet managers from the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) participated in semi-structured interviews and a brief questionnaire which explored factors determining what cooking oils they use in preparing deep-fried foods. Interviews were analysed thematically and closed responses to survey questions using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Four main reasons emerged around decisions relating to oil choice: fry life, cost, taste and general health. Health implications, Council advice, competitive price and maintaining a good relationship with the Council were the most frequently reported motivators for swapping to a healthier oil. CONCLUSION Behaviour change among food outlet managers to switch cooking oils is influenced by a number of health-related and non-health-related factors. Council Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) can be a catalyst for food outlets to adopt healthier food preparation practices. SO WHAT?: This study highlights the factors which may motivate the switch to healthier oils by independent food outlets. EHOs are critical partners for health promotion initiatives that target the independent food service sector.

Equity in Health: A Fundamental Right: Shaping Public Health in a New Europe through Health Promotion

The IUHPE is currently involved in some very exciting activities, and by increasing membership, we actively strengthen our capacity as an organisation to achieve our three main goals: to advocate for health, improve effectiveness, and build capacity. Through expanding our membership. we truly fulfil our mission to provides and operate a network that encourages a free exchange of ideas, knowledge. and experiences and leads to the developments of both global and regional collaboration projects.