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Systems Thinking (ST) on Complex Health Issues: The Application of the One Health (OH) Approach

Authors :
Inés Martinez Pena
Blanca Puig
Araitz Uskola
Source :
Journal of Baltic Science Education. 2024 23(4):723-738.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Systems thinking (ST) is an essential skill for understanding complex issues, making predictions and informed decisions. This research explores how students applied ST in complex health contexts using the 'One Health' (OH) approach. OH highlights the interdependence relationship between animal, human and ecosystemic health (including plants). Eighteen upper secondary school students were involved in activities that aimed to foster their capacity to apply ST to explain the causes of the COVID-19 pandemic, to anticipate future pandemics and to propose actions for preventing them. Individual written tasks were examined using content analysis methods. Four dimensions of ST were considered, and levels were established based on the literature and in interaction with data. Most participants articulated various aspects of ST in their responses, but they did not do so consistently. Students had difficulties both in anticipating future pandemics and in proposing actions to prevent them. After the completion of the activities, most students showed an improved understanding of the OH notion. They identified the components, relationships and provided examples of causal interrelationships, such as those involved in zoonotic diseases. The findings point to the potential of the OH approach in Biology education, as it promotes students' understanding of complex health issues from a systemic view.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1648-3898 and 2538-7138
Volume :
23
Issue :
4
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Journal of Baltic Science Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1438038
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research