Essay Sample on Health Belief Model

Introduction

The health belief model is used as the model for health intervention. The health belief model is one of the psychological health behavioral change frameworks that can effectively explain and predicts the tobacco use behaviors in the state especially in relations to the use of health services. The model explains and suggests that the teenager's use of tobacco is related to their beliefs. It also proves that the teenagers believe that that are perceived benefits or tobacco use among the teenagers. It also suggests that there are barriers to prevention that cause engagement or lack of engagement in any of the behaviors that promote health. Based on the health belief model, it is clear that there are cues or action that triggers the tobacco use among the teens that can also be changed to trigger the health-promoting behaviors among the same group.

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The framework for the health belief model assumes that the modifiable variables, and perceived severity, as well as perceived susceptibility to the tobacco use, can in fleeces tobacco use. Therefore, if the modifiable variables are and perceived factors are modified and the perceived benefits are considered then the cues to take action or not to take action are identified and action is then taken or not taken. The modifiable behaviors, in this case, include the adolescents' health based on their age, the gender of the targeted youth, and their economic class. The perceived severity and the perceived susceptibility of the adolescents to peer influences, the susceptibility base score is compared with the belief that smoking can harm the adolescent's health. The perceived benefits are reviewed based on the score of the actual smoking behaviors as the smokers believe that tobacco has some benefits to either health or cognition or emotion. The total scores would be added to the cues to action before any action is taken or not. If the sum of the base score is higher then average, the necessary action is taken, otherwise, the action may not be taken. It is also important to note that the action taken is mainly determined by the score. Average score or slightly higher or slightly lower score may trigger taking action but very low may not trigger action taking.

The program goals are to reduce youth smoking rates among the high scholars aged between 14 years and 18 years in Tanque Verde & Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Arizona. Therefore, the model will guide the components of the program of goals, objectives, methods, implementation, and evaluation. For example, the goals will be guided by focusing more on the youth within 14 to18 age groups, and the objective is to help them reduce or stop smoking. The methods of used will include first identifying the youth to be included in the programs and developing tailored solution and intervention for each young based on the modifying variables such as the adolescent's age, their gender, racial or ethnic background, socioeconomic class, and age mates characteristics. The other factors taken into consideration when intervening include understanding and addressing the adolescents' belief about the impact of tobacco on their health and perceived benefit. Any action taken should then be evaluated based on the smoking rate, the number of youths who have stopped smoking. Awareness would also be evaluated based on the number of youth aware of the negative impact of smoking.