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HMS, HIC 2017 HSC 27b

To what extent have government and non-government strategies targeting young people been effective in addressing major health issues?   (12 marks)

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Judgment Statement

  • Government and non-government strategies have achieved moderate effectiveness in addressing major youth health issues. Success varies significantly across different health areas, with stronger outcomes in road safety than mental health and substance abuse.

Mental Health Strategy Effectiveness

  • Government Headspace centres demonstrate substantial success in providing accessible mental health services for young Australians aged 12-25. These federally-funded centres offer free counselling and psychiatric services with over 150 centres nationwide. However, limitations include long waiting lists and inadequate rural coverage creating geographical inequities.
  • Non-government R U OK? Day campaigns effectively raise awareness about mental health conversations and suicide prevention. This initiative successfully normalises mental health discussions across schools and communities. Yet sustainability challenges arise from volunteer dependency and inconsistent funding streams.

Road Safety Strategy Effectiveness

  • Government P-plate restrictions prove highly effective in reducing youth road fatalities through passenger limits, speed restrictions and zero BAC requirements. These legislative measures have significantly decreased young driver death rates since implementation. Additional government initiatives like Plan B campaigns provide clear messaging about drink-driving consequences.
  • Non-government programs like RYDA demonstrate strong effectiveness in rural areas where road fatalities are highest. These Rotary-funded programs increase education about issues including fatigue and risk-taking behaviours. Community-based approaches also successfully target local issues with culturally relevant messaging.

Substance Abuse Strategy Effectiveness

  • Government school-based drug education shows mixed results due to inconsistent implementation across different educational settings. On the other hand, non-government community-based education programs often achieve better youth engagement through peer-to-peer approaches and locally relevant messaging.

Reaffirmation

  • Overall assessment reveals moderate effectiveness with government strategies stronger in legislative areas like road safety, while non-government initiatives excel in community engagement and awareness-raising across multiple health issues.

Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

  • Government and non-government strategies have achieved moderate effectiveness in addressing major youth health issues. Success varies significantly across different health areas, with stronger outcomes in road safety than mental health and substance abuse.

Mental Health Strategy Effectiveness

  • Government Headspace centres demonstrate substantial success in providing accessible mental health services for young Australians aged 12-25. These federally-funded centres offer free counselling and psychiatric services with over 150 centres nationwide. However, limitations include long waiting lists and inadequate rural coverage creating geographical inequities.
  • Non-government R U OK? Day campaigns effectively raise awareness about mental health conversations and suicide prevention. This initiative successfully normalises mental health discussions across schools and communities. Yet sustainability challenges arise from volunteer dependency and inconsistent funding streams.

Road Safety Strategy Effectiveness

  • Government P-plate restrictions prove highly effective in reducing youth road fatalities through passenger limits, speed restrictions and zero BAC requirements. These legislative measures have significantly decreased young driver death rates since implementation. Additional government initiatives like Plan B campaigns provide clear messaging about drink-driving consequences.
  • Non-government programs like RYDA demonstrate strong effectiveness in rural areas where road fatalities are highest. These Rotary-funded programs increase education about issues including fatigue and risk-taking behaviours. Community-based approaches also successfully target local issues with culturally relevant messaging.

Substance Abuse Strategy Effectiveness

  • Government school-based drug education shows mixed results due to inconsistent implementation across different educational settings. On the other hand, non-government community-based education programs often achieve better youth engagement through peer-to-peer approaches and locally relevant messaging.

Reaffirmation

  • Overall assessment reveals moderate effectiveness with government strategies stronger in legislative areas like road safety, while non-government initiatives excel in community engagement and awareness-raising across multiple health issues.

♦♦ Mean mark 50%.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 128

Alex is a 17-year-old living in a rural town who has been experiencing depression and anxiety following family breakdown. The nearest mental health professional is 200km away, and Alex's family cannot afford private treatment. The local school has basic counselling services, but Alex feels uncomfortable accessing them due to stigma in the small community.

Discuss the effectiveness of ways in which the government, non-government organisations and the community could advocate for Alex's health needs.   (8 marks)

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*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

Effective Government Advocacy:

  • [P] Government advocacy effectively addresses Alex’s access barriers through systematic solutions.
  • [E] Legislative power is able to create telehealth funding and mobile mental health services for rural areas.
  • [Ev] Medicare subsidies for online consultations eliminate 200km travel barriers.
  • [L] Government creates comprehensive, funded solutions to rural mental health inequities.

Limitations of Government Advocacy:

  • [P] Government advocacy fails to provide immediate crisis intervention.
  • [E] Bureaucratic red tape can create lengthy implementation delays.
  • [Ev] Policy changes requiring approval cannot address Alex’s urgent depression symptoms.
  • [L] Government solutions lack immediacy needed for mental health crises.

Effective NGO Advocacy:

  • [P] NGOs provide most effective immediate support for Alex’s circumstances.
  • [E] Independent operation enables rapid crisis response with youth-focused services.
  • [Ev] For example, NGO’s such as headspace offer 24/7 support, online counselling, addressing stigma concerns.
  • [L] In this way, NGOs fill critical gaps through immediate, accessible mental health intervention.

Limitations of NGO Advocacy:

  • [P] NGO advocacy limited by resource constraints and sustainability issues.
  • [E] Donation-dependent funding creates uncertainty.
  • [Ev] Cannot establish permanent rural infrastructure or guarantee ongoing availability.
  • [L] Resource limitations compromise long-term comprehensive support.

Effective Community Advocacy:

  • [P] Community advocacy can effectively address local stigma and social support needs.
  • [E] Local understanding enables culturally appropriate mental health initiatives.
  • [Ev] Peer support groups can normalise help-seeking behaviour in a rural context and direct Alex to government and NGO health services.
  • [L] Community can transform local attitudes supporting Alex’s recovery.

Limitations of Community Advocacy:

  • [P] Community advocacy cannot replace professional clinical intervention.
  • [E] Community members lack specialised mental health training and expertise.
  • [Ev] They also cannot assess Alex or prescribe drugs or treatment for his depression.
  • [L] Community support is valuable but insufficient, by itself, for Alex’s clinical needs. When it complements other governmental and NGO health services, the best outcomes are achievable.
Show Worked Solution

*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

Effective Government Advocacy

  • [P] Government advocacy effectively addresses Alex’s access barriers through systematic solutions.
  • [E] Legislative power is able to create telehealth funding and mobile mental health services for rural areas.
  • [Ev] Medicare subsidies for online consultations eliminate 200km travel barriers.
  • [L] Government creates comprehensive, funded solutions to rural mental health inequities.

Limitations of Government Advocacy

  • [P] Government advocacy fails to provide immediate crisis intervention.
  • [E] Bureaucratic red tape can create lengthy implementation delays.
  • [Ev] Policy changes requiring approval cannot address Alex’s urgent depression symptoms.
  • [L] Government solutions lack immediacy needed for mental health crises.

Effective NGO Advocacy

  • [P] NGOs provide most effective immediate support for Alex’s circumstances.
  • [E] Independent operation enables rapid crisis response with youth-focused services.
  • [Ev] For example, NGO’s such as headspace offer 24/7 support, online counselling, addressing stigma concerns.
  • [L] In this way, NGOs fill critical gaps through immediate, accessible mental health intervention.

Limitations of NGO Advocacy

  • [P] NGO advocacy limited by resource constraints and sustainability issues.
  • [E] Donation-dependent funding creates uncertainty.
  • [Ev] Cannot establish permanent rural infrastructure or guarantee ongoing availability.
  • [L] Resource limitations compromise long-term comprehensive support.

Effective Community Advocacy

  • [P] Community advocacy can effectively address local stigma and social support needs.
  • [E] Local understanding enables culturally appropriate mental health initiatives.
  • [Ev] Peer support groups can normalise help-seeking behaviour in a rural context and direct Alex to government and NGO health services.
  • [L] Community can transform local attitudes supporting Alex’s recovery.

Limitations of Community Advocacy

  • [P] Community advocacy cannot replace professional clinical intervention.
  • [E] Community members lack specialised mental health training and expertise.
  • [Ev] They also cannot assess Alex or prescribe drugs or treatment for his depression.
  • [L] Community support is valuable but insufficient, by itself, for Alex’s clinical needs. When it complements other governmental and NGO health services, the best outcomes are achievable.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 091

Outline the role of community sports clubs in advocating for the health of young people.   (3 marks)

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Answers could include three of the following:

  • Community sports clubs advocate for youth health by implementing structured physical activity programs that establish lifelong participation habits and combat rising obesity rates.
  • They promote mental wellbeing through team environments that build social connections, resilience, and self-confidence.
  • These clubs foster protective health behaviours through policies on hydration, nutrition, sun safety, and injury prevention. This provides important health information for young people outside the classroom environment.
  • Community sports clubs often partner with local health services to facilitate health screening and education sessions. This extends their advocacy beyond physical activity to comprehensive wellbeing support.
Show Worked Solution

Answers could include three of the following:

  • Community sports clubs advocate for youth health by implementing structured physical activity programs that establish lifelong participation habits and combat rising obesity rates.
  • They promote mental wellbeing through team environments that build social connections, resilience, and self-confidence.
  • These clubs foster protective health behaviours through policies on hydration, nutrition, sun safety, and injury prevention. This provides important health information for young people outside the classroom environment.
  • Community sports clubs often partner with local health services to facilitate health screening and education sessions. This extends their advocacy beyond physical activity to comprehensive wellbeing support.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 089

The NSW Department of Education is evaluating the effectiveness of various school-based health promotion models.

  1. Identify two health promotion approaches commonly implemented in secondary schools.   (1 mark)

  2. Discuss the effectiveness of each approach in improving student health and wellbeing.   (5 marks)
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a.    Health promotion approaches could include:

Healthy Canteen Program, Anti-Bullying Policy, physical activity promotion.
 

b.   Healthy Canteen Program (using PEEL method):

*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

  • [P] The NSW Healthy Canteen Strategy effectively improves student nutrition by promoting healthier alternatives.
  • [E] School canteens report reduced sugary drink consumption and increased fresh food sales.
  • [Ev] Studies show compliant canteens correlate with improved student concentration.
  • [L] Environmental changes positively shape dietary choices.
      
  • [P] However, implementation challenges limit effectiveness.
  • [E] Rural schools struggle with higher costs and limited suppliers.
  • [Ev] Research reveals student “workarounds” like purchasing from nearby shops.
  • [L] The strategy requires approaches that broaden the “healthier” options available to students.

  
Anti-Bullying Policy (using PEEL method):

  • [P] School anti-bullying policies create safer learning environments through clear reporting pathways and consequences.
  • [E] Students in schools with robust policies report feeling more secure and supported by staff.
  • [Ev] Research indicates consistent policy enforcement can reduce bullying incidents by up to 20%.
  • [L] Well-implemented policies significantly improve mental health outcomes and school attendance.
      
  • [P] However, anti-bullying policies face implementation challenges that limit effectiveness.
  • [E] Many policies fail to address cyberbullying adequately as technology evolves.
  • [Ev] Studies show policy success depends heavily on consistent staff enforcement.
  • [L] Effective policies require ongoing adaptation and whole-school commitment.
Show Worked Solution

a.    Health promotion approaches could include:

Healthy Canteen Program, Anti-Bullying Policy, physical activity promotion.
 

b.   Healthy Canteen Program (using PEEL method):

*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

  • [P] The NSW Healthy Canteen Strategy effectively improves student nutrition by promoting healthier alternatives.
  • [E] School canteens report reduced sugary drink consumption and increased fresh food sales.
  • [Ev] Studies show compliant canteens correlate with improved student concentration.
  • [L] Environmental changes positively shape dietary choices.
      
  • [P] However, implementation challenges limit effectiveness.
  • [E] Rural schools struggle with higher costs and limited suppliers.
  • [Ev] Research reveals student “workarounds” like purchasing from nearby shops.
  • [L] The strategy requires approaches that broaden the “healthier” options available to students.

 
Anti-Bullying Policy (using PEEL method):

  • [P] School anti-bullying policies create safer learning environments through clear reporting pathways and consequences.
  • [E] Students in schools with robust policies report feeling more secure and supported by staff.
  • [Ev] Research indicates consistent policy enforcement can reduce bullying incidents by up to 20%.
  • [L] Well-implemented policies significantly improve mental health outcomes and school attendance.
      
  • [P] However, anti-bullying policies face implementation challenges that limit effectiveness.
  • [E] Many policies fail to address cyberbullying adequately as technology evolves.
  • [Ev] Studies show policy success depends heavily on consistent staff enforcement.
  • [L] Effective policies require ongoing adaptation and whole-school commitment.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 087

Identify an organisation that advocates for the health of young people and discuss its impact on the health of young people in the community.   (6 marks)

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*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.

Example 1: Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP)

  • ACYP is a government organisation that has significantly impacted youth health by consulting with over 40,000 young people through face-to-face meetings and online surveys. While this provides extensive reach for gathering youth perspectives, critics argue online methods may exclude digitally disadvantaged communities
  • ACYP provides young people with a formal voice in parliament, ensuring their perspectives directly influence policies. On one hand, this creates unprecedented youth representation in government. On the other hand, young voices must still filter through adult decision-makers who control implementation
  • By engaging youth in surveys, advocacy training and round tables, ACYP helps promote young people to become active participants. A key advantage is developing youth leadership skills for future advocacy. However, this must be weighed against the time commitment required.
  • These consultations have led to parliamentary recommendations that better address actual youth needs. From one perspective, this ensures evidence-based policy development. An alternative view suggests recommendations often face lengthy implementation delays. Nevertheless, youth-informed policies create both opportunities for targeted solutions and challenges in translating recommendations into funded programs.

Example 2: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

  • NACCHO is an NGO that has substantially impacted Indigenous youth health by providing culturally appropriate healthcare through community-run organisations. While this offers services aligned with cultural values, critics contend limited funding restricts their reach to all remote communities.
  • NACCHO’s approach ensures healthcare respects cultural traditions, increasing Indigenous youth engagement with services. A key advantage is building trust through familiar cultural practices. Conversely, maintaining both traditional and Western medical standards creates challenges in staff training and resource allocation.
  • Evidence of NACCHO’s impact includes over 3 million healthcare interactions producing significant Indigenous patient growth. On one hand, these numbers demonstrate widespread community acceptance. However, this must be weighed against the strain on limited resources and potential service quality concerns.
  • Research shows NACCHO achieves better long-term health outcomes than mainstream services for Indigenous communities. From one perspective, this validates community-led healthcare models. An alternative view suggests comparison difficulties arise from different patient demographics and health complexities. Nevertheless, the evidence supports culturally appropriate care despite ongoing funding uncertainties.
Show Worked Solution

*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.

Example 1: Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP)

  • ACYP is a government organisation that has significantly impacted youth health by consulting with over 40,000 young people through face-to-face meetings and online surveys. While this provides extensive reach for gathering youth perspectives, critics argue online methods may exclude digitally disadvantaged communities
  • ACYP provides young people with a formal voice in parliament, ensuring their perspectives directly influence policies. On one hand, this creates unprecedented youth representation in government. On the other hand, young voices must still filter through adult decision-makers who control implementation
  • By engaging youth in surveys, advocacy training and round tables, ACYP helps promote young people to become active participants. A key advantage is developing youth leadership skills for future advocacy. However, this must be weighed against the time commitment required.
  • These consultations have led to parliamentary recommendations that better address actual youth needs. From one perspective, this ensures evidence-based policy development. An alternative view suggests recommendations often face lengthy implementation delays. Nevertheless, youth-informed policies create both opportunities for targeted solutions and challenges in translating recommendations into funded programs.

Example 2: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

  • NACCHO is an NGO that has substantially impacted Indigenous youth health by providing culturally appropriate healthcare through community-run organisations. While this offers services aligned with cultural values, critics contend limited funding restricts their reach to all remote communities.
  • NACCHO’s approach ensures healthcare respects cultural traditions, increasing Indigenous youth engagement with services. A key advantage is building trust through familiar cultural practices. Conversely, maintaining both traditional and Western medical standards creates challenges in staff training and resource allocation.
  • Evidence of NACCHO’s impact includes over 3 million healthcare interactions producing significant Indigenous patient growth. On one hand, these numbers demonstrate widespread community acceptance. However, this must be weighed against the strain on limited resources and potential service quality concerns.
  • Research shows NACCHO achieves better long-term health outcomes than mainstream services for Indigenous communities. From one perspective, this validates community-led healthcare models. An alternative view suggests comparison difficulties arise from different patient demographics and health complexities. Nevertheless, the evidence supports culturally appropriate care despite ongoing funding uncertainties.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 067 MC

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), what is critical to the success of health outcomes among young people?

  1. Government funding and infrastructure development
  2. Medical research focusing on adolescent health issues
  3. Youth-led advocacy and accountability
  4. International cooperation between health organisations
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct because WHO believe that youth‐led advocacy and accountability are critical in this area.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect because while funding may be important, it’s not regarded by WHO as important as youth-led advocacy.
  • B is incorrect because medical research is important but not as critical to health outcomes as A.
  • D is incorrect for similar reasons stated above.