1. Identify the health behavior theory used in this article.
The studies explained in this article rely on social cognitive theory. Since the studies are aimed at developing theoretical-based and culturally appropriate interventions to promote Hepatitis B testing, a theoretical framework had to be developed. Health Behavior Framework was developed. The framework relies on Social Cognitive Behavior since it shares various constructs with the social cognitive theory.
2. Identify the level of intervention targeted by the intervention (individual, interpersonal, community).
The interventions developed in the trials were implemented at individual and community level. Concerning the individual level, knowledge of the various aspects of hepatitis B was the main focus. In this case, various messages intended for the various participants were developed to improve their knowledge of various aspects of Hepatitis B. Besides, through the interventions that include mass media, home visits, and small group educational sessions, the constructs of the Health Behavior Model were modified to encourage testing for hepatitis B among the study participants. Some of these constructs had an effect at the community level.
3. Identify the intervention strategy used in this article and provide your assessment of its appropriateness.
Three interventions were used in this article: mass media, home visits, and small group educational sessions (Maxwell et al., 2014). Mass media has been reported in various studies to be effective in encouraging health-related behavior change. For example, according to a review conducted by Elder and colleagues (2004) that sought to determine how effective the mass media campaign is in reducing crashes related to drinking and driving, there was a 13 % median decrease in accidents attributed to alcohol drinking in eight reviewed studies as a result of mass media campaign. Therefore, the intervention is appropriate in this case. However, the population targeted should have access to the media used. Home visits, on the other hand, should not be used alone. Instead, it should be applied together with another intervention. Small group educational sessions is appropriate in this study since it provides an opportunity for members of the targeted population to influence one another. Some studies also report that this intervention is effective in encouraging behavior change. For instance, the study conducted by Clemson and colleagues (2004) that sought to determine the effectiveness of a community‐based program in reducing the incidence of falls in the elderly found that the intervention group that received small-group learning and other interventions reported a reduction in falls by 31%. Even though other interventions were used, the findings suggest that small group discussion is effective in promoting health. The study focused on reducing the incidence of fall by partly improving safety behaviors among the participants.
4. Summarize how the theory was used in the development of the intervention activities.
In a nutshell, social cognitive theory suggests that the possibility of people adopting a given health-related behavior depends on the nature of the interaction among various factors that include the environment, the attributes of the behavior, and personal factors. The specific environmental and behavioral factors that can influence one’s intention to take a hepatitis B test were determined. These factors formed the basis for the development of the Health Behavior Framework used in guiding the interventions.
5. Provide your assessment of why this theory would or would not be a good fit for the program you are proposing for your Health Promotion Program Proposal.
The social cognitive theory would be suitable for my health program because the theory recognizes the role that the social environment and individual factors play in influencing health behaviors. The two factors are significant in influencing the human behavior.
References
Clemson, L., Cumming, R. G., Kendig, H., Swann, M., Heard, R., & Taylor, K. (2004). The effectiveness of a community‐based program for reducing the incidence of falls in the elderly: A randomized trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 52(9), 1487-1494.
Elder, R. W., Shults, R. A., Sleet, D. A., Nichols, J. L., Thompson, R. S., Rajab, W., & Task Force on Community Preventive Services. (2004). Effectiveness of mass media campaigns for reducing drinking and driving and alcohol-involved crashes: a systematic review. American Journal of preventive medicine, 27(1), 57-65.
Maxwell, A. E., Bastani, R., Glenn, B. A., Taylor, V. M., Nguyen, T. T., Stewart, S. L., & Chen Jr, M. S. (2014). Peer Reviewed: Developing Theoretically Based and Culturally Appropriate Interventions to Promote Hepatitis B Testing in 4 Asian American Populations, 2006–2011. Preventing chronic disease, 11.
