Reference no: EM133676607
Read below and reply to each discussion post (utilize your own words).
A) The Health Belief Model is a health model or theory that contains the following components: perceived threat, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, other modifying variables, and self-efficacy. The components work together to influence an individual's choice to take action (Boslaugh, 2022).
It is the most used model or theory in public health. An example of this model is a patient who is at high risk for glaucoma and has a parent who has the disease, that has taken the parent to a trusted ophthalmologist for years and may be persuaded to schedule an appointment to be screened for glaucoma by this physician vs a patient who is low risk with no history of the disease may not be persuaded.
It is a theoretical model that is usually used to lead and guide health promotion and disease prevention programs.
B) Your example of promoting breast cancer screenings highlights the influence based on the community and the views of the person. Both the health belief model and theory of planned behavior are appropriate for this example for the reasons that you have mentioned. You reminded me that today I got to experience the health belief model during my endoscopy. My family has had a history of stomach problems but that did not stop me from thinking positively. My intentions walking into my exam were nothing but positive. Due to my bright outlook on the procedure, everything went well and I am currently resting!
C) "Can Health Behavior be changed?" When I ponder on this question, I reflect on the health change goals I've set for myself and I think that health behavior can be changed with self discipline, dedication, structure, as well as being intentional with the health change. I think I've shared this before earlier in the class that over the past few years, I've been dedicated to eating better and increasing my physical activity. I will admit that my realization of the need to change my health behavior didn't happen until the weight gain started affected the way I felt physically and even mentally. What are your thoughts? Can Health Behavior be changed?
D) The theory I would like to talk about in this post would be the theory of reasoned action. Something that I thought would be associated with this theory would be something on the topic of sex education. This is a very important topic to talk about because many young adults are engaged in risky sexual behavior. When we get to educate on this matter, there is a reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases (Vivancos et al., 2013). Specifically, the reading mentions how the theory of reasoned action would be applied to condom usage during sexual activity (Glanz et al., 2015).
The theory of reasoned action is the most appropriate theory for this example because it shifts focus on an individual's intentions of doing something in a given behavior. This is because the intention for someone to use protection during sex is a function of sexual attitudes regarding STDs and condom usage. This theory provides a systematic method to see what issues are the most relevant to decision-making. While this theory may be time-consuming to gather information, it is important in this example because it educates and raises awareness for many cultures (Glanz et al., 2015).
Another model that can be looked at with this health behavior would be the health belief model. The health belief model can be used for this example because the health behavior model accentuates the benefits of the usage of condoms. It also emphasizes how when an individual engages in sexual activity without protection, there can be a risk to their health.