Geographic Distribution, Communication and Preventive Health Services of Health Development Offices in Hungary for the Elderly Populations

I was pleased to share that we represented the Interdisciplinary Applied Health Sciences Program, part of the Health Sciences Division at Semmelweis University, during the Semmelweis Symposium 2024, held from November 11-13. My poster presentation, titled 'Geographic Distribution, Communication, and Preventive Health Services of Health Development Offices in Hungary for the Elderly Populations,' focused on key aspects of public health service accessibility and its implications for elderly populations. This research highlighted the interdisciplinary approach and our commitment to integrating social science methods within health sciences to develop impactful, data-driven public health strategies.

Our study explores the spatial accessibility and communication networks of Health Development Offices (HDOs) in Hungary, with a focus on their role in promoting positive health behaviors among the elderly population. Given Hungary's aging demographic, understanding how these offices communicate health prevention strategies and their geographical reach is crucial. Using GEPHI for network analysis and QGIS software for geospatial mapping, the study integrates geolocation data to examine the structure of HDO networks and their accessibility. Data collected from 108 HDOs across 19 Hungarian counties, including Budapest, reveal that 87% of offices utilize digital platforms such as social media or websites to disseminate health-related information. Key health prevention programs frequently promoted by HDOs include smoking cessation, nutrition counseling, and physical activity programs, all aimed at improving the well-being of the elderly.

The analysis shows that while the HDOs have significant digital presence, there is a lack of inter-office communication, which limits their collective efficacy in delivering health prevention services. The network topology is star-shaped, with each office functioning independently, raising questions about the efficiency of information dissemination across the network. This research underscores the need for improved communication strategies and enhanced cooperation between HDOs to better address the health prevention needs of the elderly.