MODELS OF HEALTH PROMOTION: RELEVANCE & IMPLICATIONS FOR SA DEFINITION of HP “HP is any event, process or activity that facilitates the protection or improvement of the health status of individuals, groups, communities or populations. The objective is to prolong life and to improve quality of life, that is to prevent or reduce the effects of impaired physical and/or mental health in those individuals who are directly (e.g. patients) or indirectly (i.e. carers) affected. Health promotion includes both environmental and behavioural interventions” (Marks et al, 2004)