The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and Health Belief Model (HBM) are the two most widely used theories of individual health behavior change because both are practical, intuitive, and easily applied. Some situations could use both theories, and you may find that both have similarities. Still, there are important differences.
To prepare for this Assignment, select a chronic or infectious disease, apply both models, and decide which of the two provides the best model for behavior change in your particular case.
The Assignment (3–5 pages):
- Compare (similarities and differences) the theoretical constructs of the Transtheoretical Model and the Health Belief Model.
- Apply each of these models to the chronic or infectious disease you selected. Include a diagram or table to illustrate the application of each model.
- Explain which model is more appropriate to bring about positive health change for the disease you selected and justify your choice.
Use the Learning Resources and other current literature to support your response.
Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and Health Belief Model (HBM) are both theories of individual health behavior change that have been widely used in the healthcare industry. In this assignment, we will compare the theoretical constructs of both models, apply them to a chronic or infectious disease, and determine which model is more appropriate to aid in positive health change for the selected disease.
Answer:
When comparing the theoretical constructs of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and the Health Belief Model (HBM), we can find some similarities and differences. Both models aim to explain why individuals either adopt or reject a healthy behavior. The main similarities between the two models are that both consider the individual’s perception of the motivational factors behind behavior change, such as attitudes, beliefs, and support systems. In contrast, the main difference between the two models is the stage of behavior change considered. The TTM model emphasizes the stages of change, while HBM emphasizes individual perceptions of risk and benefits.
To apply each of these models to a chronic or infectious disease, let’s consider type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Applying TTM to T2DM, we can divide the behavior change stages into five: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The precontemplation stage describes the patient unaware of their condition, while the contemplation stage is when the patient realizes the need for change. The preparation stage is when they begin planning for behavior change, while the action stage is when they implement those plans. Finally, the maintenance stage aims to ensure that the patient sustains their healthy behavior change.
On the other hand, applying the HBM model to T2DM requires that we consider the patient’s perceived threats, perceived and recommended benefits, and cues to action. In HBM, perceived threats refer to the likelihood of developing T2DM complications, perceived benefits refer to the advantages of prevention/treatment, while recommended benefits are the recommended courses of action. Finally, cues to action are external factors that can push individuals to undertake a particular behavior change.
Considering both models, we can conclude that the TTM model is more appropriate to bring about a positive health change in T2DM. TTM fits better than HBM since it considers the different stages of behavior change, providing patients with a roadmap of sorts to achieving health changes. A more in-depth understanding of how each stage affects behavior change and how to progress positively through each stage can improve patient adherence to healthy lifestyles.
Conclusion:
The Transtheoretical Model and Health Belief Model are both useful health behavior change models, and the choice to use one should be based on careful consideration of the desired behavior change, health condition, and patient population. In the case of Type 2 diabetes, the Transtheoretical Model provides a more appropriate theoretical background to promote positive health change.
