Models of Individual Health Behaviour :Models of Individual Health Behaviour Dr. Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D. 1 Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D.


The Health Belief Model :One of the most widely used conceptual models in health behaviour research. Model has been used to: Explain change. Maintenance of change. Guiding framework for health behaviour interventions. The Health Belief Model 2 Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D.


Origin of The Health Belief Model :Initially developed by social psychologist in 1950. To explain the widespread failure of people to participate in programmes to prevent and detect disease. Later the model was extended to study people’s responses to symptoms and their behaviour in response to diagnosed diseases. Origin of The Health Belief Model 3 Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D.


Health Belief Model-Key Constructs :There are several primary concepts why people behave the way they do with regards to controlling their own health conditions. Perceived susceptibility-refers to beliefs about the likelihood of getting a disease or condition. Perceived severity-refers to feelings about the seriousness of contracting an illness or leaving it untreated. Perceived benefits-refers to the person’s beliefs regarding perceived benefits. It is a question of whether the benefits outweighs the liabilities and whether the person is willing to take that risk. Health Belief Model-Key Constructs 4 Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D.


Health Belief Model-Key Constructs :Perceived barriers-refers to potential negative health actions that interfere with healthy behaviour. Cues to action-refers to signals or stimulus that can initiate action. Self-efficacy-refers to the conviction that the person can execute the desired action and behaviour to produce the desired outcome. Health Belief Model-Key Constructs 5 Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D.


Measurement of Health Belief Model-Key Constructs :Descriptive. Intervention. Content. Construct validity. Internal consistency. Test-retest reliability. Health belief model scales. Measurement of Health Belief Model-Key Constructs 6 Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D.


Health Belief Model Limitations :Cognitive based model. Model does not consider the emotional component of behaviour. Fear is an essential component of the health belief model. Fear being a negative emotion accompanied by a high state of arousal. The most persuasive communications are those that arouse fear. Cues to-action in the health belief model is under investigated in the current literature and more research is needed to elucidate its role in behavioural changes. Health Belief Model Limitations 7 Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D.


References :Glanz K., Rimer, B.K., Viswanath, K ed. 4th edition. 2008. Health Behaviour and Health Education Theory, Research and Practice. California: John Wiley and Sons. References 8 Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D.