Spiritual Health Promotion: an exploration in the context of Public Health Nursing and the promotion of outdoor physical activity (walking).

This research study is attempting to explore the role of spirituality in relation to health promotion. For the purposes of this study, the context of spirituality is that of nursing in general. This study intends to identify the main concept or concepts of spirituality currently present within the academic nursing literature, along with their health promotion relationships. Once identified, refine the findings of the literature review for their application in the field of Public Health Nursing in relation to the promotion of health. Apply the findings in the specific context of promoting physical activity (walking), evaluating the effects of walking on spiritual health and spiritual health on physical activity (walking).

As a Public Health Nurse currently practicing in Scotland, I am aware of the positive impact of walking on the health of individuals, families and communities, in promoting and sustaining health. There is now ample robust evidence supporting the beneficial effects of physical activity across a range of diseases, as well as in the prevention and treatment/recovery process. I am also aware that current health promotional methods in relation to physical activity, where effective, appear to impact for about 3 months before individuals drop off their physical activities.  As a potential action then can spiritual health promotion increase uptake of physical activity rates generally but more so for those whom are politically labelled ‘disadvantaged’? Can the general 3 month impact of current health promotion techniques be extended with spiritual health promoting actions? Does the physical activity itself undertaken have an effect on the promotion of spiritual health?

Contact Miles Greenford: miles_greenford@hotmail.com