Health Behavior and Health Education
theory, research, and practice
theory, research, and practice
Intervention Study: Osteoporosis
Issue: Women under 65 are not screened often for bone density
Population: Women in the U.S. between 50-60 years of age
Methods: A convenience sample of N= 203 women, between 50-65 years of age, with no prior bone density test were surveyed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. This was a experimental longitudinal study design, where the treatment group was scheduled for a free Bone Mineral Density (BMD) exam after completing the initial assessment, and the control group was offered a free BMD exam after the 12 month assessment. Changes in knowledge, self-efficacy, and health beliefs were assessed by group assignment. Results: At follow-up, women in the treatment group scored significantly higher on the perceived susceptibility score, calcium intake, and use of preventive medication.
Conclusion: Personal knowledge gained from bone mineral density exams increased health beliefs about susceptibility to osteoporosis and prevention behaviors.
CONSTRUCTS USED | SAMPLE CONSTRUCT MEASURES (Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale) (5 point scale ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree") |
Perceived Susceptibility | You are more likely than the average person to get osteoporosis. |
Perceived Severity | It would be very serious if you got osteoporosis. |
Perceived Benefits-calcium | Taking in enough calcium prevents problems from osteoporosis. |
Perceived Barriers-calcium | Eating calcium-rich foods requires changing your diet, which is hard to do. |
Source: C.A., Doheny M.O., Estok P.J., Zeller R.A., Winchell J. (2007). DXA, health beliefs, and osteoporosis prevention behaviors. Journal of Aging and Health,19(5),742-56.
Non-Intervention Study: Cervical Cancer Screening
Issue: Hispanic women in the U.S. have low rates of participation in cervical cancer screening programs, compared to women of other ethnic groups.
Population: Hispanic women ages 18-25 living in El Paso, Texas
Methods: A convenience sample of N= 189 women were given an interviewer-administered survey to generate an understanding about women's beliefs about cervical exams. Four HBM constructs were used to assess associations with the primary outcome, "prior history of Pap exams."
Results: Fifty-six percent reported having a pap test in the past year. Several significant associations were found for "perceived barriers" and "never having a pap test," including that the Pap test would impair virginity, or be painful or embarrassing. None of the perceived severity, susceptibility and perceived benefits items were associated with ever having a Pap test.
Conclusions: Perceived barriers were a strong predictor of never having a Pap test.
CONSTRUCTS USED | SAMPLE CONSTRUCT MEASURES (4 point scale ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree") |
Perceived Susceptibility (3 items) | Young women are at risk for cervical cancer. |
Perceived Severity (4 items) | Cervical cancer is easily cured. |
PPerceived Benefits ( 3 items) | If cervical changes are found early, they are easily curable. |
Perceived Barriers (10 items) | It is too embarrassing to have a Pap test |
Source: Byrd T.l., Peterson S.K., Chavez R., Heckert A. (2004). Cervical cancer screening beliefs among young Hispanic women. Preventive Medicine, 38,192-197