Health Promotion and Health Behavior

Inspire behavior change to improve health and well-being

Changing behavior takes time and dedication, but quality of life can be improved at any age. Those drawn to health promotion and health behavior enjoy helping others and getting to the root of problems to find viable solutions.

Health promotion and health behavior specialists work to understand the social and behavioral influences at play in various communities, especially those with health disparities.

They dig deep to get at the root of issues. Whether it’s looking at living conditions, lifestyle choices or disease prevention, these important public health professionals use scientific evaluation to create real solutions to communities’ most pressing health challenges.

March 23, 2023

HIV self-testing shown to save lives, reduce spread

Public health team turns HIV self-testing research into impact for LGBTQ+ community in Portland.
November 10, 2022

Undiagnosed interval breast cancer is killing women. Here’s what to know.

1 in 5 breast cancers aren’t diagnosed during routine screens for the two-thirds of women over the age of 40 in the U.S. who do get a regular mammogram. These are interval breast cancers that are hard to find or might not have been present at the time of a routine exam.
August 23, 2022

Study examines adult health and behavior of chronic child sexual abuse survivors

Chronic experiences are more likely to lead to adverse health and life achievement outcomes in adults than single instances of childhood sexual trauma.
June 8, 2022

Zoom-based mindfulness group proves feasible intervention for post-cancer sexual health

Without intervention there are a lot of people who are just out there dealing with post-cancer sexual health, feeling like they’re alone.
June 6, 2022

Commencement 2022: Silvia Arizmendi

Silvia was accepted for a paid internship with Willamette Partnership during the summer of 2021 and worked with stakeholders in the Corvallis area including Benton County Health Department and Samaritan Health Services to address and reduce health disparities in outdoor settings, specifically for those with disabilities Her public health education is putting her on track to achieve her goal of becoming a physician assistant. Learn how.
June 2, 2022

Mindfulness-Based Approach Addresses Sexual Health Concerns After Cancer Treatment

“Many cancer survivors experience sexual dysfunction and related distress after diagnosis and well after treatment ends, yet there are few interventions available,” wrote Jessica Gorman, PhD, MPH, of the Oregon State University, and colleagues. “Improved access to effective interventions can improve the delivery of survivorship care and patient outcomes.”