The healthy behavior of individuals plays a significant role in the modern world. Constant challenges to the healthy behavior of the society are being addressed through various types of interventions. One of these types is a public policy-level intervention that aims to change the dynamics, forms, and conditions of a system through implementing certain measures. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing public policy-level intervention in promoting healthy behaviors will be discussed. In addition, the information on ethical dilemmas that can come from implementing public policy-level strategies will be included.
Utilizing public policy-level intervention in promoting healthy behaviors brings some advantages. For instance, when it comes to consumption choices of people, it allows taking certain measures to avoid negative externalities. For example, public policy imposes certain limitations on those who smoke. In most cases, it is allowed to smoke only in designated rooms or areas to prevent negative effects on the health of non-smokers. Similarly, public policy implements a large number of social programs for poor or disabled people, elaborates reforms to the welfare system, and regulates the process of environmental protection. Therefore, it serves as one of the main tools that help society and, as a result, promotes the healthy behavior of individuals.
However, there are some disadvantages of utilizing public policy-level intervention. For instance, it has some failures such as incorrect identification of the subjects that should be changed, improper choice of methods, or low implementation in terms of the finality of the programs. As a result, all the efforts focused on promoting the healthy behavior of the society do not bring any positive effects and result in wasting of time, energy, and financial resources.