Asset map in a Chilean Health Promoting University: 'a strategy for revitalization'.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health
• Higher Education

Background:

• Health Promoting Universities (HPUs) often prioritize individual habit change over community-focused initiatives.
• Developing community actions is crucial for comprehensive university well-being strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create an asset map visualizing collective actions within a Chilean HPU.
• To identify and categorize university resources and contributions.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study utilizing the ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) model.
• Conducted 48 semi-structured interviews and 14 focus groups with 149 participants (students, employees, ex-students, retirees).

Main Results:

• An asset map was developed, including categories like residents, organizations, institutions, physical resources, economic assets, local culture, and 'connecting assets'.
• Asset identification facilitated participant reflection, improved understanding of university resources, and generated positive emotional environments.
• Valuation of assets varied by gender and participant group, with students focusing on services and spaces, while employees/retirees/ex-students emphasized belonging and identity.

Conclusions:

• The asset map provides a comprehensive overview of university resources, highlighting potential for collective action.
• Findings can inform strategies to revitalize HPU initiatives and enhance community engagement.
• Recognizing diverse asset values is key to developing inclusive and effective university-wide strategies.