2. The Health Belief Model (HBM)
The HBM is one of the first theories of health behavior, developed in the
1950s by social psychologists and most widely recognized today (Butts &
Rich, 2015).
Initially, the psychologists wanted to test what were the encouraging or
discouraging factors for people to act, participate, and change (Butts &
Rich, 2015).
3. 6constructsaffectingpeople’sdecisiontotakeactions
1. When people believe that they are susceptible to the condition (Butts & Rich, 2015)
2. When people believe that the condition can cause serious consequences (Butts & Rich, 2015)
3. When people believe that their action can reduce susceptibility or severity (Butts & Rich, 2015)
4. When people believe benefits are more than the cost of taking actions (Butts & Rich, 2015)
5. When people are exposed to the encouraging factors such as physician’s order or
advertisements (Butts & Rich, 2015)
6. When people feel confident in their own ability to perform the action (Butts & Rich, 2015)
4. ApplicationoftheHBM
Research 1
Wallace, L. S. (2002). Osteoporosis prevention in college women: application of the expanded health belief
model. American journal of health behavior, 26(3), 163-172.
: mail questionnaire by 273 random college women was performed to assess
knowledge of osteoporosis, 6 HBM constructs, calcium supplement intake, and
weight-bearing exercises among this group. As a result, the guidelines for
exercises and calcium intake were not met due to low self-efficacy and barriers to
exercise. This study proves that the HBM is useful in predicting behaviors for
exercises and calcium intake (Wallace, 2002).
5. Research 2
Koch, J. (2002). The Role of Exercise in the African‐American Woman with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:
Application of the Health Belief Model. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 14(3),
126-130.
: The research was performed to examine if aging African-American women
with type 2 diabetes and a regular exercise practice have different health
beliefs as well as health benefits compared to those who do not exercise
regularly. The result indicates that there are significant differences in their
perceptions toward the benefits of exercise, barriers to exercise, and glucose
control (Koch, 2002).
6. Implication of interdisciplinary theories
Any interdisciplinary professionals that are contributing to health
behaviors, education, research, social interventions to change attitudes,
motivation, or perspectives can utilize the health belief model (Butts &
Rich, 2015). In nursing, this theory can be adopted to facilitate patient
education, disease prevention, health promotion, and behavior
modification as well to enhance compliance and self-efficacy.
7. References
Butts, J. B. & Rich, K. L. (2nd ed.). (2015). Philosophies and Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice
(2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Koch, J. (2002). The Role of Exercise in the African‐American Woman with Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus: Application of the Health Belief Model. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse
Practitioners, 14(3), 126-130.
Wallace, L. S. (2002). Osteoporosis prevention in college women: application of the expanded
health belief model. American journal of health behavior, 26(3), 163-172.
