Behavioral Theories and Models in Population Health Interventions

Behavioral Theories and Models in Population Health Interventions

For this Discussion, you will explore a set of interrelated terms: theories, models, and frameworks. For the purpose of this week, a theory is a set of statements developed through a process of continued perceptions. A theory is aimed at creating a generalized statement to explain a phenomenon. A model is a purposeful representation of reality. There are similarities in these constructs, but these terms are not synonymous. A model is based on a theory and is not the same as a theory. An entity between a model and a theory is known as a framework. A framework contains a structure or system for the fulfilment of a defined result/goal.

In public health and population health, models may be used to develop a framework for the intended audience to change behaviors. These proven frameworks assist in the development of programs relying on constructs of human behavior. In population health, health leaders use models and theories to support health promotion and disease prevention practices in program planning. They help individuals to understand and explain health behavior and to guide the identification of strategies for health promotion and disease prevention programs.

In population health, it is likely that health professionals will develop programs to address a population health issue, and models and theories will support their efforts. For this unit, four theories/models have been chosen because they are the most widely used and known in the field. The four theories or models that serve as the focus of this week are the ones most commonly cited in the field of health care. It is important that you become familiar with their constructs. To that end, you will complete an exercise in which you will demonstrate your knowledge of each.

For this Discussion:

To Prepare:

Review the week’s Resources.

Consider which theory or model might apply to Juanita in the media titled Juanita’s Story: Part 1 (Laureate Education, 2018).

Select one of the chronic diseases or conditions at a population level in the list provided:

Diabetes

Lung Cancer

Obesity

Heart Disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Select a health behavioral theory or model* from the following list that best applies to population health intervention efforts to address the chronic disease or condition you selected:

Health Belief Model

Transtheoretical (Stages of Change) Model

Theory of Planned Behavior

Social Cognitive Theory

By Day 3

Post an indication of the theory or model and the population level chronic disease or condition you chose. Explain why you think the health behavioral theory or model you chose best applies to your selected chronic disease or condition. Then, briefly explain how your chosen health behavioral theory or model might be applied to population health intervention efforts.

By Day 5

Respond to at least two colleagues. Respond in one or more of the following ways:

Suggest another health behavioral theory or model that might apply to your colleague’s chosen chronic disease or condition at a population level.

Suggest another way your colleague’s chosen health behavioral theory or model might apply to a chronic disease or condition at a population level