Which of the following statements BEST describes the Health belief model? a. Suggests that people move through 6 stages of change before the adopt a health behavior b. States that a person must experience a personal threat to their health before they accept a heath behavior c. Postulates the community must promote health before it accepts recommendations d. Explains the nature of how people interact with their environment to pursue their health Which of the following statements BEST describes the Health belief model? O a.Suggests that people move through 6 stages of change before the adopt a health behavior behavior O c.Postulates the community must promote health before it accepts recommendations Od.Explains the nature of how people interact with their environment to pursue their health
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is b. States that a person must experience a personal threat to their health before they accept a health behavior.
Explanation:
The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a psychological model that seeks to explain and predict health-related behaviors by focusing on individuals’ perceptions of health risks and the benefits of taking preventive actions. This model assumes that people will take a health-related action (like adopting a health behavior) if they believe they are at risk for a particular health issue and if they believe the benefits of taking preventive action outweigh the costs or barriers.
The HBM is built on the following key components:
- Perceived Susceptibility – An individual’s belief about the likelihood of experiencing a health problem.
- Perceived Severity – An individual’s belief about the seriousness of a health problem and its consequences.
- Perceived Benefits – The belief that taking a specific action would reduce the threat or harm associated with a health issue.
- Perceived Barriers – The potential obstacles or costs (such as time, money, or inconvenience) that could prevent taking action.
- Cues to Action – External factors that prompt an individual to take action, such as advice from others or health warnings.
- Self-Efficacy – The confidence in one’s ability to successfully take the health action.
In the context of this model, personal threat or perceived risk to one’s health is crucial. People are more likely to take health actions (e.g., quit smoking, use preventive care, or get vaccinated) when they perceive a personal threat, such as the risk of developing a serious illness like cancer or heart disease.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- a. Suggests that people move through 6 stages of change before they adopt a health behavior: This description aligns more with the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) rather than the Health Belief Model.
- c. Postulates the community must promote health before it accepts recommendations: The Health Belief Model focuses on individual beliefs and actions, not on community-wide health promotion first.
- d. Explains the nature of how people interact with their environment to pursue their health: This is more in line with Social Cognitive Theory, which emphasizes interaction between people, their environment, and their behaviors.
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