Osteoporosis prevention and the health belief model

Osteoporosis and the Health Belief Model

Discuss the Health Belief Model

The Health Belief Model was initially a systematic mode of predicating and thus preventing health behavior. By focusing on the relationship between the practices and the behaviors of health services it aimed to create a theoretical presentation of the same. Later it was revised to motivate the general health for the 'purpose of distinguishing illness and sick-role behavior from health behavior'. [Brown, 1999] The HBM is essentially a concept that integrates psychological motivators with physical and social settings. Its said to have been initiated in 1952 by three socio-psychologists, Godfrey Hochbaum, Stephen Kegels and Irwin Rosenstock. During the 1950's the society realized a need to prevent disease rather than cure it. The U.S. Public Health Service was more concerned with preventing outbreaks which would have a nationwide impact than with trying to solve and cure the symptoms that individuals came up with. The HBM was created under the influence of Kurt Lewin who suggested that the perceiver could determine the actions of the people of the world. Through a series of studies over a decade the originators of the HBM conducted systematic studies in order to present a mode of behavior that would help prevent health problems. Consider that in 1952 Godfrey Hochbaum presented the first research study that would provide the identification of symptoms pointing towards a chest x-ray in order for the early diagnosis of TB. [Brown, 1999]

Describe the concept of interest

Women have always been considered second citizens and though now, they have become equals in all walks of society in the U.S. there health is still neglected in many parts of the world. Thus, taking into consideration women and the problems they face the concept of interest taken here would be Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that is often neglected as its symptoms do not make themselves known until its too late. Its known as a silent disease and is asymptomatic "characterized by low bone mass and microachitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increase in the risk of fracture" (National Osteoporosis Foundation [NOF], 1999a). Yet, statistics suggest that there are almost 10 million effected individuals in the U.S. alone with almost double that number at risk for the disease out of which 80% are women (NOF, 1999b).

These notations suggest that the disease has to be prevented rather than cured and thus knowledge of the disease must be spread. Motivation of the individuals to fear the disease through knowledge would aid in predicting the disease or preventing it before it is diagnosed. The risk factors include:

Old age

Post Menopausal women

Caucasian

Poor health

Dementia

Slight frame

Genetics

Yet, these can be controlled through a healthier lifestyle, calcium vitamin D intake, decreasing smoking etc.

Apply this model and concept to a clinical scenario

The HBM is based on the belief that the patients need a psychological motivator to prevent health problems. This can be as simple as fear of the disease to knowledge of the disease that helps them prevent the problem before it occurs. By combining the social and physical life of a person the model aims to create and promote health awareness. This model is advantageous for the whole family and community on a larger scale as it helps prevent problems that may be genetic and thus common with the same family. Consider a woman who is prone to Osteoporosis but does not know the problem is preventable. She is diagnosed and spends her life trying to prevent a fracture. Then her daughter has the same disease. Through a preventative measure and the use of the HBM other females in the same family can be checked and their risk factors assessed and health awareness for the diseases promoted.

The HBM allows a simple questionnaire in the form of a check list to be used that would aid in the perceived benefits and barriers to be assessed to create a self-efficacy over the whole family. A physician can then assess the patient, set up a screening guideline note out the risk factors and then suggest the best form of assessment in terms of physical treatment. Through pamphlets and other such knowledge spreading documents the physician in a clinical setting can increase awareness and motivation in patients and their family thus allowing promotion of health.

Conclusion

The Health Belief Model is a psychological health promotion method that locates the problem and allows a solution before the onset of the problem. Osteoporosis is a silent disease and thus clinically dangerous. By perceiving the problem through the HBM the physicians would predict the barriers and the benefits and allow for a measure of control in the spreading of the diseases. In a clinical setting the diseases could be assessed through questionnaires and personal history taking and the at risk population motivated to act in a manner that would allow a control of the disease. The problem is preventable and thus an excellent component for the HBM.