You should identify and critically analyze factors contributing to the unhealthy behavior you were attempting to change. Discuss how conditions associated with the behavior could be prevented, detecte

HEALTH BEHAVIOR CHANGE THEORY 5

Rodney Chew

Health Behavior Change Theory

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Chosen topic: My behavior is changing my ways of getting more sleep. I'm always staying up late on my laptop.

Use of the laptop in late hours consumes the sleeping hours of an individual as well as affects his/her eyesight, and the sitting or maintenance posture for a long time while using a laptop causes back pain and other physical problems. A healthy sleeping behavior could only provide a good rest to the body as well as the brain. Repetition of this behavior or the lack of sleep seriously affects the homeostasis of the body. Thus the body tries to compensate for the loss, which causes the drowsiness or the sleepy feeling in the day time. The current lifestyle and advances in technology consume more time since people engage in such activities, which in turn reduces the physical activities of each. Lack of sleep affects the normal functioning of the body, besides the mental health also and those individuals tend to sleep more hours in the day time. This behavior I have to change.

Health promotions theories are evidence-based theories or models that are used as strategies to support the practice of health promotion and disease prevention. These theories and the models can help in developing the disease prevention models, and aids to develop suitable strategies to identify, develop, modify, and implement the health care interventions. The major theories and models in health behavior are the Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Theory, Trans-theoretical Model of Change and Theory of Planned Behavior ("Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Theories and Models - Rural Toolkit," 2019).

I believe the Health Belief Model for the early stage of change in behavior. It can be useful as it is the theory that is used for the identification and predictions of the health issue happen due to personal change. At the first step, the health-related issues are identified, and the information gathered is analyzed based on the shreds of evidence. Based on the consequences of the behavioral change and severity of the health condition, the action or solution is sought. The problem is solved by approaching the concerned population and takes the recommended action for the cure ("Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Theories and Models - Rural Toolkit," 2019).

I think the Theory of Trans-theoretical Model of Change, also called the Stages of Change model, is applicable and helpful to the personal health behavior which I decided to change. The current theory focuses on the willingness of an individual to change his behavior. It is based on the stages that an individual passes through during behavioral change. I have reached the stage Contemplation stage; upon the realization, I decided to make changes in the behavior as I have encountered its outcomes. It is followed by the action and maintenance stages, which are the most challenging stage to follow. The completion of the ‘Action’ stage entirely depends on the individual. Hence depending upon the intensity of addiction to the technology and media, the success rate is decided. There are higher chances of withdrawal. The laptop usage can be reduced to a minimal level, which allows the optimal usage. But the termination stage won’t be attained since the laptop usage is not needed to be avoided entirely.

The Trans-theoretical Model of Change commonly useful in health care promotion and disease prevention programs to such as tobacco and alcohol de-addiction and rehab related and unrelated methods. “This theory helps to deal with a range of health behaviors, populations, and situations. Programs related to worksite wellness, weight management, medication compliance, addiction, and physical activity, among other health topics” (Lakhan, 2006).

The theory of Planned Behavior could be applicable or useful for the maintenance of positive change. According to this theory if an individual determined to do something or change the behavior, it happens eventually (Glanz, Rimer, & Viswanath, 2015). Since the increased sleeping behavior is developed as a result of the overuse of laptop, which is noted and the repetition of the same is presented in the future by its controlled usage.

The behavioral change due to the use of laptop can be addressed by the Trans-theoretical Model of Change initially and by theories of Planned Behavior and Health Belief model. Application of such theories in health care will contribute to its progress and maintenance.

Reference:

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Theories and Models - Rural Toolkit. (2019, July 29). Retrieved from https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/health-promotion/2/theories-and-models.

Shaheen E Lakhan, MD, Ph.D., MEd, MS, FAAN. (2006, March 19). Theories on Health Behaviors. Retrieved from https://www.brainblogger.com/2006/03/19/bps-theories-on-health-behaviors/

Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., & Viswanath, K. (Eds.). (2015). Health behavior: Theory, research, and practice. John Wiley & Sons.

Montano, D. E., & Kasprzyk, D. (2015). Theory of reasoned action, the theory of planned behavior, and the integrated behavioral model. Health behavior: Theory, research, and practice, 70(4), 231.