Health Related Behaviour

Question 0

Name and describe learning theories of health related behaviour

Answer 0

Classical conditioning - physical responses can become classically conditioned, conditioned behaviours become habit, aversive techniques break unconscious response
Operant conditioning - act in environment, behaviour shaped by consequences (reward/punish)
Social learning - vicarious learning (observe other people’s behaviour)

Question 1

Define ‘health related behaviour’

Answer 1

Anything that may promote good health or lead to illness e.g. smoking, exercise, drinking, healthy diet, safe sex, adhering to treatment, drug use

Question 2

Name and describe social cognition models of health related behaviour

Answer 2

Cognitive dissonance model - discomfort when hold inconsistent believes, reduce discomfort by changing belief/behaviour
Health belief model - beliefs about health threat, health related behaviour, cues to action
Theory of planned behaviour - attitude towards behaviour (I think), subjective norm (others think), perceived control (can I?) leads to intention

Question 3

Describe a stages of change behaviour model

Answer 3

5 stages in a cycle
Pre-contemplative –> contemplative –> preparation –> action –> maintenance
Relapse is normal

Question 4

Explain the complexity of reasons for drug and alcohol abuse

Answer 4

Relieve boredom, peer influence, enhance creativity, entertainment, pleasure, relief from pain, forget worries, relieve anxiety/stress/depression

Question 5

Define different levels of problem drinking behaviour

Answer 5

Abstention - non drinkers
Low risk - within DoH guidelines
Hazardous - over limit, so far avoided alcohol related problems but increased risk
Harmful - show clear evidence of alcohol related harm (physical or mental)
Moderate dependence - do not relief drink
Severe dependence - serious, long standing problem, chronic alcoholic, drink to stop withdrawal

Question 6

Identify a tool for screening patients for levels of alcohol abuse

Answer 6

FAST - Fast Alcohol Screening Test
AUDIT - Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Kit
CAGE - Cut down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye opener
PAT - Paddington Alcohol Test

Question 7

Describe the management of patients with alcohol problems

Answer 7

Detoxification - Librium, vit. B1, Valium
Monitor - vital signs, electrolytes (K+), glucose, B1
Counselling/advice
Relapse prevention - disulfiram (sensitising agents)