Health Belief Model: Theory and Critique

Running Head: HEALTHCARE
HEALTHCARE
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Introduction:
Health Promotional theories are broadly based on the analysis of the existing health
behaviour of the people and accordingly adapting measures to foster changes within the
health related behaviours so as to promote improved health outcome. In this regard, it should
be mentioned that the ‘Health Belief Model’ has been selected as the theory that would be
discussed and critiqued in this assignment. The Health Belief Model was developed by a
group of social scientists who served in the U.S Public Health Service in the year 1950S. The
basis for the development of the theory can be attributed to the prevailing poor health attitude
of the people to comply with the disease screening as well as prevention strategies in order to
stay healthy (Eldredge et al. 2016). In addition to this, it should further be noted that most of
the health promotional campaigns pertaining to chronic illness management are structure on
the basis of the Health Belief Model. The model critically believes that the existing
perception and behaviour of the patient can be appropriately moulded so as to improve
compliance with disease prevention strategies. On a broader note the model explains that the
belief of a person with respect to the risks of the illness or threat in association with the
instillation of the belief that the integration of the recommended behaviour can predict the
likelihood of acquiring positive health outcome can help to integrate changes within the
existing health behaviour (Glanz et al. 2015). Research studies mention that the HB Model is
derived from the culmination of the behavioural and the psychological theory (Glanz et al.
2015; Eldredge et al. 2016). The underlying assumption of the behaviour is based on the
consideration of two factors, firstly, the desire to avoid illness or acquire wellness if already
ill and the health belief that a set of health action would assist with the prevention or cure of
the illness (Sharma 2016). However, it should be noted that it is ultimately the perception and
attitude of the patients that help to facilitate a change within the existing physical health
behaviour and acquire improved wellness.

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Discussion:
Research studies mention that the theory is formulated on the basis of six constructs.
Initially the theory was based on the assumption of four constructs, however, in the later
years when the model gained popularity, the last two constructs were added so as to elicit a
positive impact on the overall patient outcome (Prochaska et al. 2015). The first construct is
based upon the component of perceived susceptibility which is based on the consideration of
an individual’s subjective perception about the probable risk of acquiring the illness. A stark
variation has been observed between the component of personal vulnerability of an individual
with respect to the disease or the illness (Skinner et al. 2015).
The second construct is based on perceived severity which deals with the perception
of the people to understand that significance of a number of interventions that could assist
with the promotion of recovery (Skinner et al. 2015). The common elements considered by
people while judging the perceived severity include anticipating about the medical
consequences and the social consequences.
The third construct is based on perceived benefits. As is clear through the term, this
construct is associated with the effectiveness of the available interventions that could help to
reduce the impact of the illness (Skinner et al. 2015). The set of actions undertaken by the
patient to prevent an illness is based upon the effective consideration of the perceived
susceptibility and perceived benefit.
The fourth construct is referred to as the perceived barriers which is associated with
the obstacles faced by the patient while complying the proposed set of positive health
behaviour interventions. Research studies state that the barriers experienced by individuals