Health Behaviors and Prevention
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Questions and Answers

Which factor does NOT influence the intention to quit smoking?

  • Subjective norm
  • Attitude regarding the behavior
  • Satisfaction with current habits (correct)
  • Perceived behavioral control (self-efficacy)

What behavior is directly associated with the perceived behavioral control in the context of health behaviors?

  • Exercising (correct)
  • Eating junk food
  • Donating blood
  • Starting smoking

What is one reason health behaviors are not more strongly linked to each other?

  • Most people have stable social environments.
  • Health behaviors are uniformly influenced by education.
  • They are governed by a single set of attitudes.
  • Factors affecting behaviors can differ at any given time. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in relation to subjective norm?

<p>Quitting smoking (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is linked to intention related to eating healthful diets?

<p>Attitude regarding the behavior (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might public health officials support to improve health?

<p>Fluoridating water supplies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is related to the research by Sieverding et al. (2010)?

<p>Cancer screening (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the levels of prevention mentioned?

<p>Universal prevention (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do life circumstances affect health behaviors?

<p>They can lead to changes in the behaviors individuals practice. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about factors affecting intentions in health-related behavior?

<p>People believe attitudes are the only influencing factor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Van De Ven et al. conduct research related to starting smoking?

<p>2007 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about preventive measures?

<p>They only occur after an illness is diagnosed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is not associated with perceived behavioral control according to the referenced studies?

<p>Donating blood (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of behavior does a girl who uses seat belts likely exhibit?

<p>Exercising to maintain attractiveness. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can cause individuals to change their health-related behaviors?

<p>Social and environmental factors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a person not avoid smoking early in life?

<p>Lack of information about its harms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for individuals to adapt wellness lifestyles?

<p>Change in long-standing behaviors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive resource is essential to make plans for changing existing behaviors?

<p>Knowledge and skills (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do community organizations play in health behaviors?

<p>They encourage and promote healthful behaviors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of self-efficacy on motivation to change behavior?

<p>It can enhance motivation to change. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can hinder the adoption of health-related behaviors?

<p>Having little time or no place to exercise (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have physicians' focuses changed over the years regarding health care?

<p>They have started to emphasize prevention. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What social factor can affect an individual's likelihood to adopt health-related behaviors?

<p>Presence of interpersonal conflicts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can affect a person's cognitive resources and motivation to change?

<p>Being sick or taking certain drugs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences an individual's likelihood of taking preventive health actions?

<p>Their perceived threat of the health problem. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the assessment of perceived benefits and barriers of a health behavior?

<p>The sum of benefits minus barriers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as contributing to perceived susceptibility to a health problem?

<p>Genetic predisposition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'cues to action' play in health behavior?

<p>They remind individuals of potential health problems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is likely to perceive a substantial risk of breast cancer according to the content?

<p>Women over 50 years old. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might increase an individual's perception of threat regarding health issues?

<p>Watching medical dramas on television. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might poor individuals see stronger barriers to getting medical treatment?

<p>They may face financial challenges accessing treatment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is more likely to perceive a personal threat from illnesses affecting close friends and relatives?

<p>Elderly individuals with active social networks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor may deter individuals from engaging in healthful behaviors?

<p>Perceived inconvenience of healthful behaviors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might cause conflicts within a family regarding health-related behavior changes?

<p>One family member wants to change diet while others do not (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might lead individuals to defer making health changes?

<p>Belief that they are healthy despite risks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a strategy some people use to cope with unhealthful behaviors?

<p>Opting for immediate gratification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do health professionals play in promoting health according to Ewart's model?

<p>They are part of a system that includes individuals and families (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result when individuals experience interpersonal conflicts related to health?

<p>Withdrawal from treatment or failure to comply (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Ewart's model, which component is influenced by the individual’s behavior?

<p>Family dietary choices (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors within the individual can impact health promotion efforts?

<p>Personal motivation to change (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor significantly influences people's coping patterns when making health-related decisions?

<p>Perceptions of risk, hope, and adequate time (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is associated with hypervigilance in the context of decision-making?

<p>Recognizing serious risks but feeling out of time (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Adolescents and young adults are particularly at risk for which health issue?

<p>Injury from automobile accidents (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to conflict theory, what factor do individuals consider when facing major health-related decisions?

<p>Conflicts about what to do (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What change occurs in people's preventive health needs as they age?

<p>They become specialized and vary by age (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common perception experienced by individuals in a state of vigilance?

<p>Awareness of serious risks with the time to find alternatives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant health issue that born babies experience at high rates?

<p>Birth defects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of individuals is likely to assume responsibility for health prevention in early stages of life?

<p>Relatives and family members (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of antecedents in behavior development?

<p>They are internal or external stimuli that set the occasion for a behavior. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might habitual behaviors be difficult to change, according to the content?

<p>They become dependent on antecedent cues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason individuals continue smoking despite knowing its risks?

<p>They cite coping with stress as a significant factor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can a cognitive intervention assist individuals coping with cancer distress?

<p>By enhancing coping skills to reduce distress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might an individual report when asked why they smoke?

<p>To relieve tension and stress. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does high stress have on health behaviors?

<p>It leads to poorer diet and increased alcohol consumption. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a smoker's statement about needing a cigarette with coffee?

<p>The smoker has developed a strong habit linked to antecedents. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When are individuals particularly likely to engage in unhealthful activities?

<p>When they are under significant emotional distress. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of 70-year-old men with all five risk factors who are likely to live to age 90?

<p>4% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which health risk factor has the highest percentage of 70-year-old men likely to live to age 90?

<p>None of the five risk factors examined (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception may contribute to the continuation of unhealthful behaviors such as smoking or drinking?

<p>Engaging in them can be pleasurable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most indicative of why individuals may not engage in healthful behaviors according to the data?

<p>Motivational factors related to perceived threat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these diseases has shown a decline in mortality rates since 1968?

<p>Heart disease (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor can significantly lower men's chances of living to age 90 when they turn 70?

<p>Smoking (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a reason people may resist quitting smoking?

<p>Enjoyment of the smoking experience (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant barrier to individuals maintaining healthful behavior?

<p>Low perceived threat of disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of symptom-based behavior?

<p>To diagnose and seek remedies for health issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of primary prevention activities?

<p>To avoid disease or injury (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines sick-role behavior?

<p>Actions taken to cope with symptoms of a health issue (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a primary prevention activity?

<p>Using seat belts while driving (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor influences the likelihood of engaging in symptom-based behavior?

<p>Personal attitudes towards healthcare (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When can primary prevention begin for an individual?

<p>Before birth or even conception (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might some people not seek medical help despite experiencing health symptoms?

<p>They might fear a serious diagnosis or lack financial resources (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of health behavior?

<p>To maintain existing good health and prevent illness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can influence the risk assessment for genetic disorders in children?

<p>Parents’ family histories (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of health behaviors can primary prevention be directed at?

<p>Any health behavior, including dietary practices (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does perceived health status affect health behavior?

<p>It influences motivation and types of health behaviors engaged in (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do health professionals use to help prospective parents make decisions about family planning regarding genetic disorders?

<p>Family inheritance patterns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does not typically influence why individuals engage in health behavior?

<p>The types of food they prefer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might influence whether a person engages in well behavior?

<p>Satisfaction with their current lifestyle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often do organizations like the American Cancer Society recommend screenings after certain ages?

<p>As per specific schedules based on risk (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might public health reminders on TV encourage individuals to do?

<p>Adopt safer driving practices like using seat belts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does stress impact the retention of health promotion information?

<p>High stress individuals pay less attention and remember less. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the decision-making process according to conflict theory?

<p>An event that challenges the current lifestyle. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if a person perceives no risk in their health status?

<p>Their decision-making process concludes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to conflict theory, what type of challenges can influence lifestyle changes?

<p>Both threats and opportunities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do men and women differ regarding health risks and needs?

<p>Women generally see more health risks than men. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is emphasized in conflict theory as influencing decision-making?

<p>Stress levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible outcome of an appraisal of risk during decision-making?

<p>Continuous lifestyle without change. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor may contribute to differences in preventive behavior among individuals?

<p>Variations in social class and ethnicity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that contributes to a person's perceived threat of a health problem?

<p>Their perceived susceptibility to the problem (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between perceived benefits and barriers of a health behavior?

<p>They are calculated as benefits minus barriers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do demographic factors affect perceived susceptibility to health problems?

<p>They define the likelihood of assessing personal risk. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might individuals with low income see stronger barriers to medical treatment?

<p>They often face financial constraints. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of cues can trigger action regarding health behavior?

<p>Media reports about health issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does knowledge about a health problem influence perceived susceptibility?

<p>It can heighten an individual's perception of risk. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the perceived threat of a health issue and the likelihood of taking preventive action?

<p>A greater perceived threat usually leads to greater preventive action. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Healthful Behaviors vs. Unhealthful Behaviors

Healthful behaviors may be considered less appealing than unhealthful behaviors by some.

Maintaining Balance

Some people attempt to maintain a balance between unhealthy and healthy behaviors.

Motivation & Incentives

Individuals may lack immediate motivation for healthful change due to perceived health and lack of incentives for immediate change.

Family Influence

Family members' habits can affect an individual's efforts to adopt healthier behaviors.

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Treatment Adherence

Even when aware of health problems, some individuals may drop out of treatment or fail to follow medical recommendations.

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Individual Factors

Several personal factors can hinder the effectiveness of health promotion strategies.

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Interpersonal Conflicts

Disagreements between family members about health-related choices can impede progress.

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Systemic Approach to Health

Improving health involves a multifaceted approach with interplay among individuals, families, health professionals, and the community.

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Health behaviors aren't consistently linked

Different health behaviors aren't always connected. A person might practice safe habits like using seatbelts, but not other ones, like exercising.

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Factors influencing health behaviors

Different factors impact the specific habits people practice simultaneously, influencing different health behaviors in varying degrees. These can include social support, personal experiences, and life circumstances.

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Health behaviors change due to experiences

People's health behaviors can change significantly based on their experiences. For instance, smoking habits often change after learning about the health risks associated with smoking.

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Health behaviors change with life circumstances

People's personal situations influence their health choices. A person's life condition impacts the health behaviors they practice.

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Primary Prevention

Prevention strategies that aim to reduce risk of an illness or injury before it occurs.

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Secondary Prevention

Early detection and treatment of diseases or injuries that have already started.

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Tertiary Prevention

Efforts to restore health and function after disease or injury to prevent further complications.

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Levels of Prevention

Primary, secondary, and tertiary strategies collectively address disease and injury risks at various stages, from preventing its onset to mitigating its effects.

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Wellness Lifestyle Changes

Adopting healthy behaviors often requires changing long-standing habits, including addictions.

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Cognitive Resources

Knowing healthy behaviors, planning how to change, and overcoming challenges (like lack of time) are crucial for behavior change.

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Self-Efficacy

Belief in your ability to change a behavior is essential for motivation.

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Community Support

Organizations and the community play a big role in encouraging healthy behaviors.

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Health Professionals' Focus

Historically, health professionals focused on treatment, but now there is an increasing interest in prevention.

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Community Prevention Challenges

Preventing illness and injury requires resources and addressing community issues.

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Habitual Behaviors

Behaviors that have become routine and difficult to change, often involving addictions.

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Preventive health behavior

Actions taken to prevent health problems.

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Perceived threat

A person's assessment of how likely they are to experience a health problem.

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Perceived susceptibility

A person's judgment of their risk of developing a health problem.

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Perceived benefits and barriers

A person's assessment of the pros and cons of taking preventive action.

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Cues to action

Reminders or alerts that increase awareness of a potential health problem.

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Age, sex, race, social class

Factors influencing perceived susceptibility, benefits/barriers, and threat.

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Personal traits and knowledge

Individual characteristics impacting assessment of health risks.

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Prior contact with a health problem

Experience with a specific illness affects perceptions of risk and threat.

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Theory of Planned Behavior Shortcomings

The theory of planned behavior sometimes lacks specific details about the reasons behind behavior choices.

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Attitude toward Behavior

A person's feelings and beliefs about performing a specific behavior.

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Subjective Norms

Perceptions of social pressure to perform or not perform a behavior.

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Perceived Behavioral Control

Beliefs about one's ability to perform a given behavior successfully.

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Donating Blood

Blood donation is a behavior

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Starting Smoking

Initiating the habit of smoking cigarettes.

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Quitting Smoking

Stopping the habit of smoking.

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Cancer Screening

Testing for cancer and early detection procedures

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Decisional Conflict

Stress experienced with major decisions, especially health-related ones, due to the importance and conflicts involved.

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Coping with Decisional Conflict

How people handle the stress of making important decisions, influenced by perceived risk, hope, and available time.

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Hypervigilance

A coping style characterized by intense searching for solutions when perceiving high risk and limited time for a decision.

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Vigilance

A coping style of moderate stress where a person perceives risk, but believes they have time to search for an alternative solution.

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Health risks throughout lifespan

Health problems vary with age, with adolescents/young adults at risk for accidents and older adults at risk for certain diseases.

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Preventive goals

Priorities shift regarding health prevention with age, and relatives sometimes take on responsibility, especially for infants and elderlies.

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Birth Defects

Major concern during infancy and gestation. Includes numerous physical or mental abnormalities. Affects millions worldwide.

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Risk, Hope, and Time

Key factors influencing how individuals cope with decisions, particularly health-related ones.

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Top Ten Causes of Death

The leading causes of death in a population, often influenced by factors like lifestyle, disease prevalence, and environmental factors.

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Healthful Behavior

Actions that contribute to good health, like exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep.

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Unhealthful Behavior

Activities that harm your health, such as smoking, excessive drinking, and a sedentary lifestyle.

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Motivation for Health Change

The reasons why someone wants to change their health behaviors, often related to perceived threats to health, the value of positive change, or the desire for pleasure.

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Risk Factors

Characteristics or behaviors that increase the chance of developing a health problem, such as smoking, high blood pressure, or obesity.

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Lifestyle Changes

Making significant changes to everyday habits, like diet, exercise, and sleep patterns, to improve overall health.

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Symptom-Based Behavior

Activities people undertake when they feel ill to figure out what's wrong and find a solution. This includes seeking help from others or medical professionals.

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Well Behavior

Activities focused on maintaining or improving good health and preventing illness. This includes healthy habits like eating well and exercising.

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Sick-Role Behavior

Activities people perform after concluding they're sick and determining their illness. It involves getting treatment, adjusting to the health problem, and managing the illness.

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What is the goal of health behavior?

Maintaining or improving health regardless of perceived status or if the behavior actually achieves the desired outcome.

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What influences health behavior?

Health status plays a role in shaping the types of health behaviors people adopt and how motivated they are to engage them.

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What are the differences between health behavior types?

Each type of health behavior (well, symptom-based, and sick-role) corresponds to a different stage of health experience and involves distinct actions.

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Why do people vary in their symptom-based behavior?

Factors like fear of doctors, stoicism, financial limitations, and individual differences can influence how actively people seek medical help when experiencing symptoms.

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What is the connection between health status and health behavior?

People's health status influences the types of health behaviors they perform and their motivation to do so. For example, someone with a chronic illness may be more motivated to engage in healthy habits.

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Genetic Counseling

A process where individuals get information and advice about genetic disorders. It helps them understand their risk of inheriting or passing on a genetic condition.

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Health Screening

Regular tests and check-ups used to detect health problems early, often before symptoms appear. This helps catch diseases early when treatment is often most effective.

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Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Preventing Illness

An approach to health that emphasizes collaboration among different health professionals, communities, and individuals to prevent illness and promote wellness.

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Factors Influencing Health Behavior Change

Various factors can influence people's decisions to change their health behaviors, such as their personal beliefs, social influences, and access to resources.

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Health Behaviors are Not Always Connected

People often practice some healthy habits, but not others. For instance, someone might wear a seatbelt but not exercise regularly.

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Health Risks Across Lifespan

Health issues change with age, with adolescents and young adults facing higher risks of accidents, while older adults face higher risks of certain diseases.

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Preventive Goals Shift with Age

As people age, their priorities regarding prevention change, with relatives often taking responsibility for infants and the elderly.

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Factors Influencing Decisional Conflict

Three key factors influence how individuals cope with decisions, particularly health-related ones: perceived risk, hope for a positive outcome, and the time available.

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Factors Influencing Perceptions

Age, sex, race, social class, personality traits, knowledge, and prior experience with a health problem all shape how people perceive threats, benefits, and barriers.

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Why do people take action?

People are more likely to take preventive action when they perceive a high threat and more benefits than barriers.

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Prior Contact with Illness

Having personal experience with a health problem or witnessing it in others can greatly influence how a person perceives the risk and threat.

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Taking Action for Health

People are more likely to take action for their health when they feel susceptible to the problem, recognize the benefits, and receive cues to action.

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Antecedent Cues

Stimuli that come before a behavior and influence its occurrence. They can be internal (like a thought) or external (like seeing a pack of cigarettes).

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Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior happening again.

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Stress and Health Behaviors

High stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors like smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise, while coping with stress is often cited as a reason for continuing unhealthy habits.

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Coping Skills for Cancer Distress

Cognitive interventions, like training in coping skills, can lessen the distress associated with cancer and improve preventive behaviors.

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Why are Habitual Behaviors Hard to Change?

Habitual behaviors become less dependent on consequences and more dependent on antecedent cues, making them difficult to change.

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Importance of Early Health Practices

Developing healthy habits early in life makes it easier to maintain them and avoid unhealthy behaviors.

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Family Influence on Health Behaviors

Families play a crucial role in shaping children's health habits, both positive and negative.

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Study Notes

Health Behaviors and Prevention

  • Health behaviors are not always consistent; one habit doesn't predict another (e.g., seatbelt use doesn't predict exercise).
  • Various life factors (social support, personal experiences) impact different behaviors unevenly.
  • People change over time and experiences affect health-related behaviors.
  • Life circumstances influence health behavior choices.
  • Health promotion involves multiple levels (primary, secondary, and tertiary).
  • Primary prevention occurs before diseases develop, secondary prevention during the early stages, and tertiary prevention after the illness is established.
  • Percentage of deaths from cancer and COPD increased significantly since 1968, partly due to smoking; heart disease and stroke deaths declined, and deaths from other diseases are no longer in the top ten.
  • Likelihood of surviving from age 70 to 90 decreases with additional risk factors (sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, smoking).

Factors Influencing Health Behaviors

  • Individual factors:
    • Healthful behaviors may seem less appealing or convenient.
    • People may delay healthful behavior changes.
    • Health problems might not lead to treatment adherence.
    • Adopting new habits (e.g., wellness lifestyles, quitting smoking) requires changes in routines and significant effort.
    • Cognitive resources (knowledge, skills to change behavior, coping with barriers) are essential.
    • Self-efficacy (belief in one's ability to change behavior) impacts motivation.
    • Illness or medication can impact mood/energy, influencing cognitive resources and motivation.
  • Interpersonal factors:
    • Family members' habits can create significant conflicts over health changes (e.g., cholesterol consumption, exercise routines).
    • Social networks (friends, classmates, coworkers) can support or hinder health behaviors.
  • Community factors:
    • Community support (government agencies, healthcare system) encourages health behaviors, but health professionals may lack knowledge about individual practices and focus on treatment over prevention.
    • People's perceptions of health risks and their perceived benefits vs. barriers to taking action are crucial.

Theory of Planned Behavior Shortcomings

  • The theory of planned behavior is criticized for its lack of attention to dynamic, evolving influences on health decisions.
  • Biological, psychological, and social factors change over the life span, significantly affecting people’s health and preventive needs.
  • Preventive needs and goals change with age (different risks/problems at different stages).

Decisional Conflict and Coping

  • People experience stress with health decisions due to the importance and conjoining choices.
  • Coping with such conflict is influenced by perceived risk, hope, and available time.
  • Hypervigilance occurs when serious risks are perceived, and a limited time frame to find a better solution.
  • Vigilance is moderate stress level when people perceive risks, with time available to find alternatives.
  • People who are distressed about cancer are less likely to have mammograms.
  • Brief cognitive interventions improve coping skills and preventive behavior in women with relatives with cancer.
  • Stress is associated with less exercise, poorer diets, and increased alcohol/cigarette use.

Prevention Levels and Life Stages

  • Lifespan stages (e.g., gestation, infancy, adolescence, adulthood, old age) have different preventive needs.
  • Preventive goals and responsibilities (self-responsibility, family/social responsibilities) change over lifespan.
  • The chance for illness for given age ranges differs.
  • Different levels of risk throughout the development of a person's life.
  • Health behaviors are influenced by perceived benefits/barriers, susceptibility to the health problem, and cues to action.
  • People under high stress may pay less attention to health promotion information.
  • Conflict theory models rational and irrational decision-making, with stress as a significant factor.
  • Preventive action depends on the perceived threat of the health problem and the assessment of pros and cons of taking action.
  • Developmental, gender, and sociocultural factors affect health disparities across the lifespan.

Health Behavior

  • Health behavior is any activity to maintain or improve health, regardless of perceived status or actual outcomes.
  • People’s health status influences types of health behavior and motivation.
  • Well behaviors, such as seatbelt use, vaccinations, are performed when individuals are well.
  • Symptom-based behaviors are activities undertaken when ill (e.g., symptom reporting, seeking advice).
  • Sick-role behaviors are activities to treat or adjust to a health problem after diagnosis.
  • Primary prevention includes actions to avoid disease or injury (e.g., using seatbelts, diet, exercise).
  • Primary prevention for individuals can start before conception.
  • Genetic counseling can estimate the risk of genetic disorders and diagnose genetic abnormalities in the fetus.
  • Habitual behaviors are difficult to change and should be addressed early.

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Study Chapters: IHPSYCH EXAM PDF

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Explore the complexities of health behaviors and how various factors influence these choices. Understand the levels of health promotion and the importance of individual and life circumstances in shaping behavior. Delve into the dynamics of prevention strategies and the role of social support in fostering health.

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