Applying intersectionality theory in health promotion research and practice.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Promotion
• Social Epidemiology

Background:

• Growing health inequalities necessitate novel approaches in health promotion.
• Dominant behavior change models lack focus on social and relational health drivers.
• Intersectionality is emerging as a key theoretical framework for analyzing health disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To overview applications of intersectionality theory in public health.
• To explore how intersectionality enhances understanding of health inequalities.
• To identify opportunities and challenges for using intersectionality in health promotion.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of intersectionality applications in public health.
• Mapping three key applications: epistemological, methodological, and action-oriented.
• Analysis of how these applications address health inequalities.

Main Results:

• Intersectionality applied as an epistemological approach reframes understanding of health.
• Intersectionality as a methodological approach provides tools for analyzing complex social factors.
• Intersectionality as a tool for action and intervention guides targeted health promotion strategies.

Conclusions:

• Intersectionality theory offers a robust framework for addressing health inequalities.
• Enhanced engagement with intersectionality can improve health promotion research and practice.
• Further exploration of intersectionality is crucial for tackling complex public health challenges.