Health behavior models: their role in clinical practice

INTRODUCTION The complexities of human behavior have for a long time intrigued and perplexed researchers from various academic disciplines, including philosophy, sociology, psychology, and more recently, medicine. This quest to better understand human behavior, particularly in relation to health-orientated action, has given rise to a number of theories that are collectively referred to as “health behavior models.” These models provide a conceptual framework for explaining attitudes and actions toward health-related activities, and offer insights into how and why individuals modify behavior. The long-term success of most health interventions is usually contingent on the extent to which individuals are willing to change behavior. Public health campaigns, in particular, emphasize the need for people to adopt healthier lifestyles, exercise more regularly, moderate alcohol intake, and cease smoking. Applying an understanding of these health behavior models may assist both the practitioner and the patient in successfully achieving these outcomes, in addition to assisting in the development of individually tailored goals.