# Professional Perspectives on Children’s Health Assets: A Delphi Study

## TL;DR

This study explores how professionals view children's health assets and barriers in a community, emphasizing the need for support networks and addressing inequities.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into professional perspectives on children's health assets and proposes actionable strategies for promoting well-being.

## Key findings

- Experts identified support networks and green spaces as key health assets.
- Poverty and lack of economic resources were seen as major barriers to health access.
- Migrant and Roma children face special challenges in accessing health services.

## Abstract

This study aims to describe a local community expert’s perspective on the identification of and access to children’s health assets and to gather proposals to promote children’s health and well-being within their community. The health asset approach is essential for health promotion, and there is evidence of its benefits to individuals’ or communities’ health when this approach is observed. Children’s health assets are gaining increasing interest, but the literature that captures the perception of professionals working with children is scarce. Qualitative research designed with Delphi methodology was carried out with the participation of 25 professionals working in a neighbourhood with children and families. The participants stated that this neighbourhood was a good environment for the healthy and happy growth of children but pointed out that there were inequities. They emphasised the importance of economic and physical security and feeling loved. The absolute best aspects of the neighbourhood according to these experts were its support networks, mutual help, educational and health services, and green spaces, and the most deficient aspects were the possibility of a hopeful future and emotional support within the family unit. Poverty and/or the scarcity of economic resources were identified as the main barriers to accessing health assets. Special difficulties in access to health for migrant and Roma children were also identified. The panel of experts made concrete action proposals. It was recommended to support resources and services that already exist in their community. The experts prioritised work with families, education, working in conjunction with vulnerable groups, community participation, and networking.