The Relationship Between Health Literacy and Health Conceptualizations:An Exploratory Study of Elementary School-Aged Children.

Analyzing children's conceptualizations of health and body and health literacy will significantly add understanding to how problematic health attitudes and behaviors may take root (Driessnack, Chung, Perkhounkova, & Hein, 2014). The knowledge gained from such an assessment can be applied towards communication contexts that aim to promote children's health literacy and their well-being. With increased health literacy, children can actively participate in decision-making regarding their own health and can understand why healthy behaviors are important to adult health (Borzekowski, 2009). The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the understudied intersection between health literacy and health conceptualizations in children in order to elaborate on health literacy theory. Specifically, the findings contribute to health communication between children and their caregivers, and between children and health care providers. Qualitative, in depth interviews were conducted with elementary school children. The significance of the study is its contribution to health communication for children, where interventions can consider health literacy types and levels before addressing children's health outcomes. Findings show how we can understand children's conceptualizations and can address health literacy skills inside and out of the classroom in ways that resonate with children.

The Dominant Obesity Discourse Versus Children's Conceptualizations of Health: A Comparison Through Dialogue and Drawings.

The emphasis on childhood obesity reduction has been attributed to the dominant obesity discourse. However, some researchers argue that this discourse may be ineffective and even harmful for children. From a post-structuralist perspective, the dominant obesity discourse has the power to shape children's subjectivities, though subjectivities may also be influenced by personal experiences and other knowledge about bodies and health. There is limited research which explores how children's conceptualizations of health are informed by the dominant obesity discourse. To address this knowledge gap, qualitative data were collected from 8- to 11-year-old children ( n = 29) regarding their conceptualizations of health, healthy bodies, and health practices. Results suggest that children's conceptualizations reflected arguments embedded within the dominant obesity discourse, but at times, also contradicted or deviated from it. Study findings can be applied toward children's health promotion programming to offer a more holistic and inclusive perspective on health and well-being.

The Role of Intrinsic Motivation in the Pursuit of Health Science-Related Careers among Youth from Underrepresented Low Socioeconomic Populations.

A more diverse health science-related workforce including more underrepresented race/ethnic minorities, especially from low socioeconomic backgrounds, is needed to address health disparities in the USA. To increase such diversity, programs must facilitate youth interest in pursuing a health science-related career (HSRC). Minority youth from low socioeconomic families may focus on the secondary gains of careers, such as high income and status, given their low socioeconomic backgrounds. On the other hand, self-determination theory suggests that it is the intrinsic characteristics of careers which are most likely to sustain pursuit of an HSRC and lead to job satisfaction. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for pursuing an HSRC (defined in this study as health professional, health scientist, and medical doctor) was examined in a cohort of youth from the 10th to 12th grade from 2011 to 2013. The sample was from low-income area high schools, had a B- or above grade point average at baseline, and was predominantly: African American (65.7 %) or Hispanic (22.9 %), female (70.1 %), and children of foreign-born parents (64.7 %). In longitudinal general estimating equations, intrinsic motivation (but not extrinsic motivation) consistently predicted intention to pursue an HSRC. This finding provides guidance as to which youth and which qualities of HSRCs might deserve particular attention in efforts to increase diversity in the health science-related workforce.