NS-08,PH-04 and Revision milestone two.

All the model and theories can be applied on different occasions depending on what

the issue is, and we can apply more than one theory or model to change behavior. I prefer

to use the Health Belief Model which consists of four constructs. I chose this model because

it focuses on the beliefs and attitudes of people, and you have to be willing to accept change

to improve health behavior. It is also a step by step model that enable you to interact with

individual to see their view point on the issue,and ways to improve their health.The first

construct is to perceived susceptibility is an excellent way to change health behavior,

when people realize they are at risk for a disease they are likely to adopt healthy behavior

to decrease risk. Perceived susceptibility in a particular group of race and ethnic women for

breast and cervical cancer encourages them to get screening services. The perceived severity

is another way to understand health behavior among the population. Some women will recognize

the seriousness of breast and cervical cancer due to their belief or the effect it will have on them.

Others will perceive the severity if they get medical information and knowledge from physicians.

The third construct is perceived benefits when women decide to get mammograms and pap

smears to decrease their risk of breast and cervical. Women will adapt to healthy behavior choice

if they believe it will reduce their risk of developing a disease. The Health Belief Model last construct

is perceived barrier which is important in determining behavior change. Women often find it

embarrassing to do breast cancer self-examination and others refuses to do a pap smear and

mammograms testing because they feel uncomfortable, while others cannot afford the services.

Self-efficacy is also part of Health Belief Model, "is the individual confidence that he or she

can do something." ( Perrin, pg 58). If women perceive the benefit of mammograms and

pap-smear but have barriers, they will not even try to do it. Others who understand the

benefits of mammograms and pap- smear and can overcome obstacles will improve their

health behavior.

Reference

Perrin, K. (2016) Essential of planning and evaluating for public health. Theories and Models.

MA Jones & Bartlett Learning

Response two-04

This week’s readings covered a variety of models and theories. I found all of them to be interesting and very useful. In my opinion, when it comes to selecting one, the best choice depends on our goals and/or purpose. For example, are we looking to change individual behaviors or the behavior of a community? Are we looking to determine the impact of a current program? Or, are we looking to explain how individuals adopt new ideas, products, social practices, etc.?

            For my public health issue (diabetes), the model I would prefer to use is the ecological model also known as the socio-ecological model. This model focuses on the interaction between behavioral patterns and social environmental factors (Perrin, 2016). Additionally, this model includes five main constructs: 1) intrapersonal factors, 2) interpersonal relationships, 3) organizational factors, 3) community factors, and 5) public policy (Perrin, 2016).  The reason I chose this particular model is because it is thorough and has the potential to propose solutions for any gaps in existing programs.  For example, it can assess the following:

· Intrapersonal factors:  What attitudes, knowledge, and skills does the individual have regarding diabetes? Is the individual willing to change any of these?

· Interpersonal relationships:  Are the people in the individual’s social network a positive or negative influence? For example, is the individual surrounded by friends and family who eat foods the individual should be avoiding?

· Organizational factors: Does the individual have any support in the workplace or programs to assist him or her?

· Community factors: Does the individual have access to community programs that are affordable and of high-quality for treatment and/or prevention of diabetes?

· Public Policy: What policies are in place that aim to improve and protect an individual from developing diabetes?

Lastly, as we learned in previous chapters, the social determinants of health play an important role in the health outcomes of an individual. This is another reason why I really like the social-ecological model because it focuses on how social factors affect and influence individual behaviors (Perrin, 2016).

References:

Perrin, K. M. (2016). Essentials of planning and evaluation for public health. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.