Community Health Nursing Theories

Theories and Models in Community Health Nursing

• Social Determinants of Health (SDOH): Analyzes the role of social, economic, and environmental issues in health outcomes; addresses factors like poverty, education, and housing to enhance community health.
• Health Belief Model (HBM): Investigates how personal health beliefs affect behavior; key elements include perceived susceptibility, severity of health issues, benefits, and barriers to taking health-related actions.
• Ecological Model: Assesses health influences across multiple levels—individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy; highlights how these interconnected levels impact health behaviors and outcomes.
• Precede-Procede Model: A strategic framework for planning health promotion initiatives developed by Green and Kreuter; involves health needs assessment, intervention development, and evaluation of effectiveness.
• Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB): Expands upon the Theory of Reasoned Action by adding perceived behavioral control; suggests behavior is shaped by attitudes, subjective norms, and a sense of control over the action.
• Community As Partner Model: Focuses on collaboration with community members to identify and resolve health issues; promotes shared responsibility in addressing health needs to enhance outcomes.
• Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model: Centers around individual proactive health behaviors; emphasizes the importance of personal motivation and the influence of social and environmental factors in maintaining health and preventing disease.

Importance of Theories and Models

• The application of these theories and models provides a framework for community health nurses to understand population health influences and craft effective health interventions.
• They enable tailored approaches that consider diverse factors impacting health, ensuring comprehensive strategies for promoting well-being.