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Link Between Health and Behavior Using the Paradigms of Health
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Link Between Health and Behavior Using the Paradigms of Health
Health Paradigms
Health nursing practices and research utilized health behavior paradigms. These
paradigms are significant because they include habits, beliefs, procedures, and systems that
contribute to achieving healthcare goals. According to Balogun (2020), health paradigms help
healthcare professionals in achieving a healthier society. It is essential to note that these
paradigms change with time and the advancement of technology to cause improvement and meet
new objectives. Therefore, in the nursing sector, the paradigms have had to change with time to
ensure the provision of holistic delivery of services. Although various paradigms exist,
pathogenic and Hippocratic paradigms are commonly used when finding a link between health
and behavior.
The pathogenic paradigm shows that certain microorganisms or pathogens cause illnesses
in humans. Therefore, this paradigm describes the ability of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens to
harm the host. It also highlights disease risk factors, disease causation, and prevention. For
instance, this paradigm enhances understanding of how obesity causes hypertension and other
cardiovascular disorders.
The Hippocratic paradigm is also referred to as the healthcare paradigm. It is one of the
earliest health paradigms that is still used in Western medication. According to Balogun (2020),
these are specific factors that cause diseases; thus, treatment should focus on addressing the
causative agent of disorders. Therefore, the paradigm recognizes the nursing processes,
especially the diagnosis and treatment phases. However, the framework also emphasizes the need
for nurses to respect the confidentiality of their patients. The hippocratic paradigm ensures
confidentiality to enhance trust between clinicians and patients. It, therefore, boosts positive
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health behaviors that enhance well-being. Examples include consuming balanced diet meals,
engaging in exercises, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.
Link Between Health and Behavior
According to Cáceres (2019), there is a close relationship between health and behavior.
One’s behavior directly influences the health of the individual. For instance, a person who
engages in binge drinking and cigarette smoking is bound to develop respiratory or heart-related
disorders, thus impacting one's health. Conversely, good behaviors, such as participating in
physical activities, consequently improve one’s mental health, cardiovascular well-being, and
overall health.
The relationships discussed above affect the social determinants of health (SDOH). Sick
people often behave differently from healthy individuals. For instance, sick persons tend to be
moody, lack appetite, and not able to communicate effectively. These changes in behavior result
from functional shortcomings caused by illnesses (Cáceres, 2019). Therefore, due to these
diseases, people in society are not able to compete for available resources. Some of the social
determinants that are linked to health and behavior include income inequality, employment
opportunities, access to education, inadequate housing, resource allocation, and accessibility to
healthcare services.
In conclusion, comprehending health behavior is important for promoting patient
outcomes. The health paradigms play a pivotal role in showing how sickness changes peoples'
behavior, resulting in functional abilities. Overall, the social determinants of health should be
addressed to achieve optimal care and a more equitable and thriving society.
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References
Balogun,7J.7A. (2020). Emerging paradigms in health care education in Nigeria.7Health Care
Education in Nigeria, 157-183.7https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003127529-8
Cáceres,7A. (2019). Integrative medicine: A health paradigm of the future.7International Journal
of Phytocosmetics and Natural Ingredients,76(1), 6-
6.7https://doi.org/10.15171/ijpni.2019.06
