Implementing the capability approach in health promotion projects: Recommendations for implementation based on...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Promotion
• Capability Approach

Background:

• The capability approach offers a framework for understanding well-being and agency.
• Existing health promotion projects lack standardized methods for applying the capability approach, hindering effectiveness comparisons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a standardized framework for utilizing the capability approach in health promotion projects.
• To enhance the comparability of health promotion project effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• A three-stage process involving theoretical model development.
• Analysis of four empirical health promotion projects (2015-2018) using the capability approach.
• Development of a participatory framework based on empirical data.

Main Results:

• A theoretical model of the "capability cycle" was developed.
• Discrepancies in conceptualization, implementation, and evaluation of the capability approach were identified across diverse settings.
• A comprehensive framework with recommendations for project planning, implementation, and evaluation was created.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework provides guidance for future health promotion projects utilizing the capability approach.
• The framework facilitates standardized evaluation, improving the comparability of project effectiveness.
• This research supports more consistent and effective capability-focused health promotion initiatives.