2023

Palacz-Poborczyk, Iga; Chamberlain, Kerry; Naughton, Felix; Baska, Alicja; Luszczynska, Aleksandra; Quested, Eleanor; Hagger, Martin S.; Pagoto, Sherry; Verboon, Peter; Robinson, Suzanne; Kwasnicka, Dominika

Objective The aim of this study was to explore health perceptions and self-defined facilitators to health in general population. An additional aim of the study was to assess if these perceptions were connected with the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Design We applied photo-elicitation method by gathering original photographs and narratives (captions) via social media and e-mails. Participants (N = 50) were asked to answer the question: ‘What does it mean to be healthy?’. Data were collected online in Poland. We generated and interpreted the main themes associated with common perceptions of health and self-defined facilitators to health using polytextual thematic analysis. Results The health perception themes were, health as: a ‘long journey’; keeping balance; and self-acceptance. The main facilitators to health were: enjoyment of activities that are part of a healthy lifestyle; planning time for rest; contact with nature, and supportive relationships. Participants’ perceptions of how Covid-19 impacted on their health differed. Conclusions The findings provide evidence for individual health perceptions and self-defined facilitators to health and can support the development of future health interventions.