PhD defence Mirte Boelens

Public health and health promotion can be employed at international, national, regional and local levels. Particularly local governmental bodies such as municipalities play an increasingly important role in promoting the health and well-being of children and adolescents and in reducing health inequalities. For example in reducing mental health problems, overweight/obesity and socioeconomic inequalities in health by implementing preventive policies, policy programs or interventions. How exactly local public health can promote the health and well-being of children and adolescents relies partly on the available knowledge.

Research is important for designing and implementing effective interventions, policies and policy programs at the local level. This thesis contributes to the knowledge of health and well-being of children and adolescents by studying potential target populations, by investigating health outcomes and their risk and preventive factors and by evaluating local interventions and programs to promote healthy lifestyles, health and well-being.