Health Belief Model Assignment 2022

Health belief model
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Introduction
Ghaffari et al1 stated that Health belief model refers to a framework which scientists explore to
understand and predict health behaviors of a given condition. HBM is based on the idea that
one’s willingness to change their health behavior mainly depend on specific factors. It mainly
bank on two primary values which include individual’s willingness to avoid the disease or to be
well and the belief that specific health efforts to the victim can prevent undesirable complication.
For the purpose of this assignment, it will use AIDS as an example of the disease and apply
health belief concept to explore what an individual might be feeling and thinking and the
recommended health action. HBM follows the following ideas:
Perceived susceptibility
Khani Jeihooni et al2 illustrated that perceived susceptibility illustrate individual’s belief about
his or her chances of getting a given health condition. For example AIDS in this scenario, the
individual perception is necessary as it helps in deciding the require action to control the disease.
For instance, an individual who do not think that they at a risk of getting AIDS from unprotected
sexual intercourse, are unlikely to make use of a condom. For example an individual may say
that “Condoms are immoral, I do not need condoms every time I have sex.” The following
picture illustrate the same idea.

Perceived severity
According to Vitalis6, Perceived severity refers to the probability that and individual will change
his or her health behaviors to prevent further complications. However, the action depend on how
serious the individual view the consequences of the health behavior. For example, an individual
who view the consequences of AIDS will say that “Having AIDS will seriously affect my
health.” Consequently, individuals who are less likely to consider using condoms because they
may be thinking AIDS is a minor disease. However it increases AIDS pandemic.