Norwegian pre-service teacher students' and public health nursing students' views on health - a qualitative study of students' perceptions.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In 2020, the Norwegian school curriculum was revised, introducing a new cross-curricular subject, Public Health, and Life Skills. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration between teachers and the school health service. Subsequently, a research project, Literacies for Health and Life Skills, was initiated at Oslo Metropolitan University. The aim was to develop a new approach to the subject. A part of the research was to explore perceptions about good and poor health among teacher students and public health nursing students. METHODS: This study has a qualitative design using auto-photography, group discussions and photo-elicitation interviews as methods to explore the students' views on health. RESULTS: A analysis revealed three themes about good health in both student groups Relaxation and tranquillity, belonging and relations, and enjoyment as important to health. Three themes about poor health emerged in both student groups The ideal body and self-perception, you are as healthy as you feel, and the best in life is also the worst. The students' statements were characterized by underlying assumptions about health in society, with a focus on "healthism". No major differences between the student groups were found. CONCLUSION: This study serves as a step towards increased understanding of health perceptions among future professionals working with children and adolescents.