Health Promotion Theories and Models

Introduction

The practice of health promotion and diseases prevention is supported by numerous theories and concepts. In order to understand and explain health behavior and to guide the selection, development, and implementation of treatments, program planners employ theories and models.

Definitions

• Theory- is define as a set of concepts, definitions, and propositions that explain or predict events or situations by illustrating the relationships between variables. Theories must be applicable to a broad variety of situations. They are, by nature, abstract, and don’t have a specified content or topic area. Like empty coffee cups, theories have shapes and boundaries, but nothing inside. They become useful when filled with practical topics, goals, and problems. A theory presents a systematic way of understanding events or situations.

Selected theories and models that are used for health promotion include.

1. Ecological model
2. The health belief model
3. Stages of change model (transtheoretical model)
4. Social cognitive theory
5. Theory of reasoned Action/planned Behavior

Ecological models

The ecological model refers to as the interaction between, and interdependence of, factors within and across all levels of a health problem. It highlights people’s interactions with their physical and sociocultural environments.

Levels of ecological models

Ecological models recognize multiple levels of influence on health behaviors including:

• Intrapersonal/individual factors-which influence behavior such as knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and personality.
• Institutional and organizational factors- including the rules, regulations, policies and informal structures that constrain or promote healthy behaviors.
• Community factors- such as formal or informal social norms that exist among individuals, groups, or organizations, can limit or enhance healthy behaviors.-
• Public policy factors- including local, state and federal policies and laws that regulate or support health actions including early detection, control and management.

Health belief model

The health belief model is a theoretical model that can be used to guide health promotion programs. It is used to explain and predict individual changes in health behaviors. It is one of the mostly widely used models for understanding health behaviors.

Key element of health belief model

The model focus on individual beliefs about health conditions, which predict individual health-related behaviors. The factors that influence health behaviors include

• perceived susceptibility – an individual perceived threat to sickness or disease.
• Perceived severity- belief of consequence.
• Perceived benefits – potential positive benefits of action
• Cues to action- perceived barriers to action, exposure to factors that prompt action.
• Self-efficacy- confidence in ability to succeed.

Social cognitive theory

One of the most widely used models in the health promotion, it addresses both underlying determinants of health behavior and the methods of promoting change and was based on the interaction between individual and environment. Focus on the way in which an environment shapes behavior.

Basic components of social cognitive theory

• Reciprocal determinism
• Environmental context
• Individual
• Behaviour