Health promotion: a concept analysis

Health promotion is a concept which is frequently used, but is often ill defined. Current health care trends, and the emphasis on the nurse of the future as a promoter of health suggest that it would be useful to attempt to clarify the concept. This paper develops a conceptual analysis of health promotion using the process developed by Rodgers (1989). Attributes, antecedents, consequences and references are described following an examination of the ongoing debate in the literature surrounding the meaning of the concept. Empirical work is also reviewed which suggests that nurses' understandings of the concept are firmly embedded in the more traditional approach rather than the more modern or new paradigm approach to health promotion. A model case is described, and the analysis results in a proposed definition of health promotion which it is hoped will stimulate further discussion.