Which ethical principles guide health promotion practice?

• A. Autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice
• B. Paternalism
• C. Secrecy
• D. Profit maximization

Answer: (A)

Ethical principles guiding health promotion practice are autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Autonomy means respecting each person’s right to make informed, voluntary decisions about their health and to participate in programs as they choose. Beneficence focuses on promoting well-being and health gains for individuals and communities. Nonmaleficence requires avoiding harm and carefully weighing risks and benefits of any intervention. Justice ensures fair access to benefits and resources, and a fair distribution of the burdens of programs, with attention to reducing health disparities.

This combination fits health promotion because it emphasizes empowering people, doing good, avoiding harm, and promoting equity. Paternalism would undermine autonomy by overriding individual choice; secrecy doesn’t align with the transparency and respect for privacy in ethical practice; profit maximization is not a guiding ethical principle for health promotion, as it can conflict with equity and public well-being. For example, a vaccination campaign should provide clear information for informed choice, avoid coercive tactics, and ensure underserved communities have access to vaccines.