health belief model


health be·lief mod·el

(helth bĕ-lēf modĕl) A psychological precept that attempts to explain and predict health behaviors by focusing on the attitudes and beliefs of individual patients.

Health Belief Model

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HBM

A theory used to explain health-seeking or health-avoiding behavior that is based on the assumption that attitude and belief motivate action. The model proposes that an individual facing health-related decisions weighs: 1. the likelihood that she may be at risk for a disease; 2. the gravity of the disease, were she to succumb to it; 3. the value of making choices that will prevent the illness; 4. the costs or challenges of making those choices. Health-benefiting actions will be taken when: cues/reminders to take that action are delivered to her and she believes that she has the capability to make her efforts count.