Health Education Message Based on Health Belief Model
In this module, we will examine specific psychological models related to cognition (beliefs), affect (feelings/emotionality), and behavior, and how these factors/domains are related. We will begin with The Health Belief Model. This is a cognitive model that helps us to understand how beliefs can influence emotionality and behavior. This model also provides a perspective on developing interventions to target dysfunctional or self-defeating thoughts/beliefs.
Assignment: Develop a health education message based on the Health Belief Model, geared toward facilitating behavior change within a specific target group. Identify the target group, the specific behavior, as well as other pertinent factors, and explain how these factors would influence the design of the message. A two-page document (excluding references) is required, containing at least five peer-reviewed references and appropriate in-text citations.
Health Belief Model
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Health Belief Model
A Health Belief Model (HBM) refers to a theory that can be used for creating disease prevention and health promotion programs. Based on HBM, individuals are likely to take action in preventing specific illnesses if they are vulnerable, the consequences of the disease are severe, precautionary behavior can prevent the health problem, and the benefits of preventing the illness exceed the costs (Redding et al., 2000). The following is a health education message based on the HBM, which is geared toward facilitating behavioral change among young people aged between 18 and 35 years: Always ensure to engage in regular physical activities for at least 5 hours a week to avoid obesity, which has far-reaching health consequences.
The target group is young individuals aged from 18 to 35 years. Studies depict that around 80% of adolescents and adults in the United States (US) are insufficiently active (Piercy et al., 2018). In other words, these people do not engage in physical activities despite eating foods with more calories. Currently, numerous television advertisements and those in the mainstream media comprise food products. Restaurants and hotels are advertising fast food to promote consumption by young people who enjoy eating these delicious foods. However, a significant percentage of young individuals do not mind the calories they are taking, making them vulnerable to obesity. These youths do not like preparing nutritious food at home since some of them are busy at school and work, leaving them with less time to cook.
The specific behavior that the above educational message wants to change among the target population is physical inactivity. In particular, the lack of engaging in regular physical activities among young people makes them vulnerable to obesity. The HBM applies the concept of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which enhances positive behavioral change to foster good living for the targeted group (Wright, 2006). Besides, young individuals like eating fast food, which has significant levels of calories. The educational message emphasizes behavioral change among young people aged between 18 and 35 years so that they can engage in regular physical activities. That way, they will reduce the calories in their bodies...