The Health Belief Model

Question 1

Becker at al (1978) compliance with a medical regimen for asthma aim

Answer 1

To use the health belief model (HBM) to explain mothers’ compliance with asthma treatment for their children.

Question 2

Becker at al (1978) compliance with a medical regimen for asthma procedure

Answer 2

111 mothers of children with asthma and who attended an emergency clinic to treat an asthma attack. Each mother was interviewed about their attitudes towards health-related matters, such as seriousness of asthma, and whether they complied with the treatment plan. Blood samples were taken from the children to check the presence of asthma medication

Question 3

Becker at al (1978) compliance with a medical regimen for asthma findings

Answer 3

There were positive correlations between mothers’ compliance with giving prescribed medicine and:

· Perception of the seriousness of their child’s asthma.

· Beliefs about their child’s susceptibility to asthma attacks.

There were four perceived barriers: trouble getting prescriptions, problems with the schedule of giving the drug, children complaining about the taste and disruption to everyday activities.

· Married and higher-educated mothers were more likely to comply.

Question 4

Becker at al (1978) compliance with a medical regimen for asthma conclusion

Answer 4

The HBM is useful in predicting compliance with medical treatment plans even in long-term conditions

Question 5

Carpenter (2010 a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of the health belief model variables in predicting behaviour aim

Answer 5

A meta-analysis of studies aiming to investigate the effect the time on the relationship between measurement of variables and actual behaviour change.

Question 6

Carpenter (2010 a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of the health belief model variables in predicting behaviour procedure

Answer 6

18 longitudinal studies were selected, each measuring at least two HBM variables. Analysed studies in terms of variables and measurement of outcome health-related behaviour.

Question 7

Carpenter (2010 a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of the health belief model variables in predicting behaviour conclusion

Answer 7

This review offered little support for the HBM. HMB variables appear to differ in how strongly they predict behaviour. Perceived barriers and benefits may be the only two components of the HBM that consistently predict behaviour.

Question 8

Carpenter (2010 a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of the health belief model variables in predicting behaviour findings

Answer 8

· Seriousness – relationship with behaviour change was positive but weak. The effect of seriousness was greatest when time between initial measurement and outcome was short.

· Susceptibility – no relationship with behaviour change. The exception was compliance with drug treatment, where there was a consistently positive effect.

· Benefits – a positive relationship with behaviour change but this weakened over time.

· Barriers – the strongest predictor of behaviour change, but time has almost no effect.