How public health professions perceive two dimensions for promoting health: Ecological approach and participatory approach

The aim of this paper is to explore public health professionals' perceptions regarding two dimensions of the new health promotion movement; the ecological approach and the principle of community participation. Data were collected by focus-groups of public health professionals (n = 22) in one Public Health Directorate in Quebec. Results indicate a fair degree of integration of these two dimensions into the respondents' professional practice. However, limitations related to the work environment and to the theoretical underpinnings of these two components might impede the respondents' ability to integrate them into their practice.