One of the original public health theories developed in the 1950s, this model suggests that people’s beliefs about health problems, perceived benefits of and barriers to action and self-efficacy explain engagement (or lack of engagement) in health-promoting behavior. It’s based on the expected value concept: 1) the desire to avoid illness or desire to get well, and 2) the belief that the required action will prevent the illness or make people healthy. The model holds true today, as public health officials look at individual behaviors and their cultural values and beliefs in health when making health decisions.
Citation: Boslaugh, Sarah E. (2019). Health belief model. Salem Press encyclopedia of health.