Social Ecological Model

Social Ecological Model Notes

Introduction to the Social Ecological Model

• Definition: A theoretical framework that explains how factors at various levels influence health behavior.

Constructs of the Social Ecological Model

• Unlike traditional models, the Social Ecological Model lacks defined constructs.
• It identifies internal and external factors as levels influencing health behavior:
  • Intrapersonal: Individual characteristics
  • Interpersonal: Relationships and social networks
  • Institutional: Organizational influences
  • Community: Social norms of the community
  • Societal: Broader societal factors

Levels of Influences

1. Intrapersonal Level Factors

   • Characteristics within an individual that impact health behaviors:
     • Knowledge about health
     • Attitudes and beliefs towards health
     • Personality traits
     • Skills relevant to health
     • Personal history (e.g., past health issues)
     • Self-efficacy (belief in one's ability to succeed)

2. Interpersonal Level Factors

   • Social relationships that influence health behavior:
     • Relationships with friends, family, and peers
     • Offer support systems and social identities
     • Define roles within the social structure

3. Institutional Level Factors

   • Policies and structures in workplaces or organizations:
     • Availability and type of food in cafeterias
     • Workplace flexibility (e.g., flex time)
     • Access to facilities (e.g., worksite gyms)
     • Health mandates (e.g., required vaccinations)

4. Community Level Factors

   • Norms and characteristics of the community:
     • Common behaviors (e.g., driving children to school, tobacco use)
     • Participation in community activities (e.g., team sports)
     • Demographic factors (e.g., age diversity, unemployment rates)
     • Access to public spaces and resources

5. Societal Level Factors

   • Broader societal influences impacting health behaviors:
     • Laws and regulations affecting health behavior
     • Economic policies that shape health outcomes
     • Social and cultural norms governing behavior

Theory in Action: HIV in Zimbabwe

• Context: In Zimbabwe, married couples and those in long-term relationships face an elevated risk for HIV, contrary to expectations that such relationships promote safer sex behaviors.

Class Activity Insights

1. Safer Sex Behaviors: Identify practices that reduce the risk of HIV.
2. Brainstorming Factors: Explore potential influences at various levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, community) that may explain the heightened risks faced by married individuals.
3. Intervention Development: Propose strategies to reduce HIV risk among married couples considering identified factors.

Article Review for Deeper Insights

• Read the article by Mugweni, Omar, & Pearson (2015) for detailed discussions on barriers to safer sex practices in Zimbabwean marriages.
• Questions for Reflection:
  • Identify what constitutes safer sex practices.
  • Discuss intrapersonal factors contributing to high HIV rates among married persons.
  • Analyze interpersonal and community-level factors impacting these rates.
  • Examine how these factors could inform culturally sensitive interventions.
  • Compare results of brainstorming with findings from the article regarding risk factors and intervention strategies.