Question

The community health nurse is planning a health promotion workshop for a high school PTSO (Parent-Teacher-Student Organization). The choice of topics was suggested by the high school’s registered nurse who has observed a gradual increase in student obesity. The two nurses have collaborated to develop this workshop to provide parents, students, and teachers with information about the importance of health promotion. (Learning Objectives 6, 8, and 9) Describe the importance of a focus on health promotion. According to the health promotion model developed by Becker (1993), what four variables influence the selection and use of health promotion behaviors? Describe four components of health promotion.

Answer 1

Importance of Health Promotion:

Health promotion is the process of promoting, controlling, and improving the health of the individual. It focuses on the individual behavior in promoting health. It focuses on the promotion of health and prevention of diseases by specific actions. It supports the health and well-being of the community and the school children. Nurses focus on health promoting activities and changing the behavior of the school children and the disease prevention.

Becker Health Belief Model:

The Health Belief model relates the relationship between a person's belief and behaviors. It promotes the health-related behavior based on the perception of four variables such as

Perceived susceptibility

Perceived severity

Perceived Benefits

Perceived Barriers

Four components of health promotion:

1. The first component is the individual's perception of susceptibility to an illness. e.g The client to understand the familial link and perceive the risk of heart disease.

2. The second component is the individual's perception of the illness. This influenced by demographic variables, sociopsychological variables, perceived threats of the illness. e.g Client may not perceive the seriousness of the illness and get advice from family and friends.

3. The third component is the person will take of preventive action in order to prevent the diseases. e.g lifestyle changes and increased physical activity.

4. The fourth component is the barrier to take action. e.g the person will not participate in the healthy behavior activities due to some obstacles.