Health Promotion Theories and Models

Original Editor - Habibu salisu Badamasi

Top Contributors - Habibu Salisu Badamasi and Kim Jackson

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 defined 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.
• Models- is defined as a variety of theories to better understand a problem in a certain setting or context. They are not always as specified as theory

Important of theories

• Theory provides planners with the skills they need to go beyond perception to create and assess health behavior and health promotion interventions that are based on behavioral understanding.
• A road map for analyzing problems, creating appropriate interventions, and evaluating their success is provided by theory.
• Theory can also be used to describe the dynamics of health behaviors, including change processes and the influences of the numerous elements that influence health behaviors, such as social and physical environments.
• Theory can also assist planners in determining the most appropriate target audiences, change strategies, and evaluation outcomes.
• Theoretical approaches are used to examine solutions to the questions of "why," "what," and "how" health issues should be handled. They explain the nature of targeted health behaviors by seeking answers to these issues. That is, theory directs the search for reasons why people engage in or refrain from certain health behaviors; it assists planners in determining what they need to know before developing public health programs; and it suggests how to develop program strategies that reach target audiences and have an impact.

Types of health promotion model and theories

Selected theories and models that are used for health promotion categorized into

1. Individual models of health behavior ( Health belief model, Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change), theory of Reasoned Action and theory of Planned Behavior)
2. Social cognitive theory
3. Community model ( ecology model, PRECEDE-PROCEED planning model)

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.b The Health Belief Model (HBM)addresses the individual’s perceptions of the threat posed by a health problem (susceptibility, severity), the benefits of avoiding the threat, and factors influencing the decision to act (barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy).

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 the ability to succeed.

Social cognitive theory

One of the most widely used models in 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