Key Definitions and Concepts

• Theory: Derived from Western philosophy and science, encompasses four main tenets.

Importance of Understanding Concepts

• It is crucial for public health practitioners to grasp:
• Social Psychology: Understanding social influences on health behaviors.
• Cultural Anthropology: Recognizing cultural factors affecting health and behaviors.
• Health promotion programs should also develop within an ecological model to consider multiple levels of behavior influence.

Behavior Overview

• Definition: Any observable action, whether conscious or unconscious, measurable by frequency, intensity, and duration.
• Five Levels of Influence on Behavior:

1. Intrapersonal/Individual: Personal attitudes and beliefs.
2. Interpersonal: Interactions with peers and family.
3. Institutional/Organizational: Influence of organizations or institutions.
4. Community: Community norms and values.
5. Public Policy: Influence of laws and regulations.

Health Risk vs. Protective Behaviors

• Health Risk Behavior: Actions linked to heightened susceptibility to illness.
• Health Protective Behavior: Actions that mitigate risks of disease.

Theories and Health Behaviors

• The application of systematic connections in health:
• Assess health problems and contributing factors using theory.
• Formulate a theory of change indicating how to address the problem.
• Include program components based on the theory.
• Conduct evaluations to measure program impact.
• Role of Theory: Essential for explaining behavior.

Components of a Theory

• Concepts: Base ideas in theories.
• Constructs: Concepts adapted for use in a particular theory, requiring precise definitions.
• Variables: How constructs are measured in specific situations; distinctions between construct and variable.

Behavioral Theory

• Different theories focus on unique vocabulary and factors predicting health behavior.
• Each theory is tailored to specific health behavior domains.

Types of Health Behavior Theories

1. Explanatory Theory: Identifies factors to modify for health improvement. Example: smoking cessation motivations.
2. Change Theory: Guides the implementation of behavior modification strategies.

Application of Theories in Health Education

• Explanatory Theory:
• Utilizes models like the Health Belief Model (HBM) to determine health behavior likelihoods based on perceptions and modifying factors.
• Change Theory:
• Example: Transtheoretical Model outlining stages of behavior change (Precontemplation, Action, Maintenance).

Advantages of Using Theory

• Enhances understanding of complex health issues.
• Ensures that appropriate variables are targeted in interventions.
• Provides a framework for evaluating program effectiveness.

Practical Application of Theory

• Informed by Theory: Minimal use in program specifics.
• Apply Theory: Incorporates multiple constructs in program components.
• Test Theory: Measures constructs; compares multiple theories.
• Build/Create New Theories: Develops new insights based on observed outcomes.

Benefits of Theoretical Framework

• Identifies potential outcomes from interventions.
• Assists in planning effective health promotion strategies.

Using Theory in Health Education/Promotion

• Conduct needs assessments considering related variables in health behavior theories.
• Understand if behaviors are one-time or require long-term change (e.g., screening versus lifestyle changes).
• Assess multiple influencing factors for behavior adoption.

Discussion Activity

• Group exercise will identify the most appropriate theory:

1. Children with tooth pain: Focus on explanatory theory and identifying constructs from HBM.
2. Patients with coronary heart disease: Apply change theory.
3. Rising overdose rates among college students: Use explanatory theory to understand motivations.
4. Hesitation to seek mental health services among male students: Identify relevant constructs related to barriers.
5. Promoting behavior change in addiction recovery: Apply change theory strategically.