Title 1
Case Synopsis
Kadugondanahalli (KG Halli), a neighbourhood within the urban slums of Bangalore, India, is riddled with barriers and challenges to navigation within the healthcare system. Residents, faced with a multitude of problems, including chronic conditions, primarily Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, have poor access to healthcare services and are, thereby, faced with high out-ofpocket expenditure. The youth, especially, are confronted with extremely challenging living conditions. Healthcare services at KG Halli are not integrated, quality of care is poor, and these trends are perpetuated by the strong power dynamics that exist at both state and national levels. For the past three years, Dr. Thriveni, Urban Health Systems project manager and Public Health Specialist at the Institute of Public Health (IPH), has been advocating on behalf of the local youth to improve their living circumstances.
Case Objectives
- Generate awareness about local health issues in KG Halli, the role of the IPH, and future directions.
- Diminish the inherent fragmentation of the healthcare system by bringing all providers from various clinical backgrounds to a common platform.
- Reduce the prevalence of youth health issues by providing tailored support for future generations.
- Facilitate access to quality health education programs targeted to the youth population.
- Empower youth as leaders in spreading knowledge about health issues affecting KG Halli.
- Encourage youth to achieve more sensible and reasoned choices regarding their health status and quality of life.
Case Study Questions
- What are the knowledge translation tools/devices used in the case study?
- Brainstorm the advantages and disadvantages or drawbacks of each of these.
- Consider some of the differences of using each of these in a different cultural context. What might you need to keep in mind to ensure the successful ‘transmission’ of the messages?
- In what ways can IPH potentially increase the spread of its health communication to the community and youth?
Keywords
youth, health, awareness, community, slums, health rally, health exhibition, street plays, bodymapping, Institute of Public Health, Urban Health Systems Project, barriers, advocating
ISBN
978-0-7714-3103-6
Recommended Citation
Paulson, J., Beerenahally, T.S., Sibbald, S.L. (2015). Youth as Change Agents. in: Speechley, M., & Terry, A.L. [eds] Western Public Health Casebook 2015. London, ON: Public Health Casebook Publishing.
