Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 17

Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.

SAQ 17.1 (tests Learning Outcome 17.1)

If you needed to explain to a colleague who is not a health worker what advocacy means, how would you define it?

Answer

Advocacy is speaking up, drawing policy makers’ and the community’s attention to an important health issue, and if possible directing decision makers towards a solution to the health problem.

SAQ 17.2 (tests Learning Outcome 17.2)

What is the difference between a health goal and a health objective?

Answer

A goal is an overall ambition, often set in the context of at least five years, and is usually likely to involve a broad spectrum of people. For example, a goal might be to reduce the incidence of malaria in your community.

An objective in health work terms needs to be SMART — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. In other words, it turns an overall ambition into a shopping list of just what is going to be done by when.

SAQ 17.3 (tests Learning Outcome 17.3)

What do you think are some of the advantages of using the advocacy approach while tackling health issues in your community?

Answer

The advantages of advocacy include:

  • Helping your community’s voice to be heard.
  • Giving you information, support and services to help you make choices.

SAQ 17.4 (tests Learning Outcome 17.3)

In the list below, only one statement describes part of what advocacy is. Mark that statement and explain why you have chosen it.

  1. Advocacy is being a friend or counsellor.
  2. Advocacy is persuading other people to agree with your views.
  3. Advocacy is deciding what is in another person’s best interests.
  4. Advocacy is about influencing others to gain support for health measures, or to influence or change legislation that affects those health issues.
  5. Advocacy is an alternative complaints procedure.
  6. Advocacy is about providing social and financial support.

Answer

Only statement 4 is part of what advocacy is. Although the rest may be relevant to the work of a Health Extension Practitioner, they are not advocacy. It is worth taking time to look at this list and be really sure that you know the difference between advocacy and other elements of health extension work.

Summary of Study Session 17