LIZ TATMAN VTS TRAINING SEPT ‘10 Health Belief Model

Plan What is it? How was it developed? The model How is it used? Why is it relevant to us?

What is it? Model trying to explain decision making process with regards to health behaviours by looking at attitudes and beliefs. One of the most widely used conceptual models in health belief research

How was it developed? Originally by social psychologists in 1950s to explain failure of people to participate in programmes to prevent disease (TB screening) Later extended and used to investigate and explain:  Response to symptoms  Response to diagnosis  Compliance  Sexual risk behaviours especially HIV transmission

The model Perceived Threat - combination of perceived susceptibility and severity Perceived Susceptibility: One's subjective perception of the risk of contracting a health condition Perceived Severity: Feelings concerning the seriousness of contracting an illness or of leaving it untreated Perceived Benefits: The believed effectiveness of strategies designed to reduce the threat of illness. Perceived Barriers: The potential negative consequences that may result from taking particular health actions, including physical, psychological, and financial demands. Cues to Action: Events, either bodily (e.g. physical symptoms of a health condition) or environmental (e.g., media publicity) that motivate people to take action. Other Variables: Diverse demographic, sociopsychological and structural variables that affect an individual's perceptions and thus indirectly influence health- related behavior. Self-Efficacy: The belief in being able to successfully execute the behavior required to produce the desired outcomes. (This concept was introduced by Bandura in 1977.)

Limits Assumes health is a highly valued concern Some ‘health behaviours’ are actually driven by ‘non health’ reasons e.g. dieting to look good. Doesn’t include other factors:  Emotional aspects  Habitual component e.g. smoking  Peer influences  Social norm

How is it used? To develop health promotion strategies For research In the consultation as part of ICE

Health promotion strategies YEAH programme – to tackle youth obesity (Youth empowered advocates for health)

 Where do these fit in?  Can you think of more?

Relevance to us Compliance Screening Stopping smoking Alcohol counselling ICE

Any questions?