Behavioral Ecological Model Research Articles

The Uncontrollable Mortality Risk Hypothesis: Theoretical foundations and implications for public health.

The 'Uncontrollable Mortality Risk Hypothesis' employs a behavioural ecological model of human health behaviours to explain the presence of social gradients in health. It states that those who are more likely to die due to factors beyond their control should be less motivated to invest in preventative health behaviours. We outline the theoretical assumptions of the hypothesis and stress the importance of incorporating evolutionary perspectives into public health. We explain how measuring perceived uncontrollable mortality risk can contribute towards understanding socioeconomic disparities in preventative health behaviours. We emphasize the importance of addressing structural inequalities in risk exposure, and argue that public health interventions should consider the relationship between overall levels of mortality risk and health behaviours across domains. We suggest that measuring perceptions of uncontrollable mortality risk can capture the unanticipated health benefits of structural risk interventions, as well as help to assess the appropriateness of different intervention approaches.

The predator-prey game: Revisiting industrial melanism and optimal foraging theory outdoors with biology undergraduates

Teaching natural selection and adaptations in undergraduate biology classrooms is often undertaken with the example of the <i>Biston</i> peppered moth, a well-documented case of industrial melanism. However, the idea of optimal foraging theory, a behavioral ecological model that includes predators searching for prey, may be overlooked when teaching this classic example of natural selection and predator/prey dynamics. To this end, we developed a simulated predator/prey activity to teach both of these concepts using different size and color toy lizards, moths, and snakes as part of an outdoor laboratory. Students overwhelmingly viewed the laboratory as an engaging way to learn about natural selection (100%, n=115), and how predators forage (Likert median score=5, n=115). We recommend biology instructors across science academic levels (high school and college) incorporate or modify this activity for student-based data collection, as it concomitantly engages undergraduates while providing a hands-on approach to biological and evolutionary theory of natural selection.

Mercury and Motion: The Influence of Seasonality on Off-School Hours High School Facility Use

Purpose: Grounded in the behavioral ecological model, and to address a lack of park space, this study looked at community members’ use of public high school physical activity (PA) facilities during nonschool hours while considering the effects of seasonality. Method: Data included 3,959 observation sweeps across 19 public high school campuses over 1 year (all seasons) in Arizona. Results: Differences in contextual supports were evident between seasons, with facilities being more accessible, usable, and lighted in spring than summer or fall. Accessible facilities were most often outside (68.6% of the time). The highest frequency of sedentary behavior was in summer. Conclusion: The present study expands our understanding about the influence of seasonality as related to community access to PA facilities. During times of extreme temperatures, it may be beneficial to find ways to make indoor PA facilities more accessible to support increased PA levels of community members.

Promoting Effects of the Exercise Behavioral Ecological Model on Physical Activity Behaviors of Students.

Objectives: In this study, we explored the promoting effects of the Exercise Behavioral Ecological Model on the physical activity behaviors of middle school students, and relevant risk factors for physical inactivity. Methods: A total of 291 middle school students (junior and senior high school students) were enrolled as the research participants. The sedentary behavior of middle school students was assessed using the Adolescent Sedentary Behavior Scale. We used the Exercise Behavioral Ecological Model to influence the exercise behaviors of middle school students from the perspectives of environment, physiology, and psychology. Then the independent risk factors for physical inactivity behaviors of middle school students were analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The change strategy, positive effect on decision-making balance, and self- efficacy scores were higher and the negative effect on decision-making balance score was lower than those before intervention (p<.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis denoted that grade (senior high school students), sedentary time (> 4 hours), daily TV watching time (>2 hours) and change stage (pre-contemplation stage) were associated risk factors for physical inactivity among middle school students (p <.05). Conclusions: The Exercise Behavioral Ecological Model can facilitate physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior.

Understanding the leaky pipeline system: behavioural ecological approach to the social marketing of women thriving in STEM careers

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the complexity of the “leaky pipeline” of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in the intriguing contexts where there are a high number of STEM graduates but a low number of women working in these fields.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted in-depth interviews with eight STEM “leavers” and eight “persisters” in Turkey to understand the multi-level influences on their career paths.FindingsThe behavioural ecological model is applied to enrich the understanding of women’s attrition from STEM. The authors found a complex system of actors, relationships and influences that impact the negotiations of women’s felt misfit/love of their STEM career and changing self-actualisation.Practical implicationsThe authors highlight that social marketers should consider the complex influences on even the most individualistic-looking decisions to produce systemic change.Originality/valueThis paper deepens the use of the behavioural ecological model in the ways that the layers of motivator and demotivator influences interact with women’s internal negotiations of career choice. The paper integrates classic theories (self-actualisation (Maslow, 1943) and two-factor model (Herzberg et al., 1959)) within systems social marketing.

School-Based Abuse Prevention Programs for Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Study of Components and Methods

AbstractChildren with communicative and/or intellectual disabilities are disproportionally affected by abuse when compared to their typically developing peers. In this study, we investigate the key components and teaching methods for abuse prevention programs for use in special schools. The views of parents of children with disabilities were obtained via semistructured individual interviews (n = 6), and the views of special education teachers (n = 7) and practitioners who work with child victims with disabilities (n = 5) via focus groups. Results were coded using thematic analysis and are reported using the behavioural ecological model. Results indicate that children’s rights and empowerment were seen as key components. Videos and role-play were reported as effective interactive teaching methods. Using augmentative and alternative communication strategies, such as pictorial support and manual signs, were thought to increase children’s understanding and participation. We conclude that teacher involvement in school-based abuse prevention is essential to meet the needs of children with disabilities.

Hubungan tingkat pengetahuan tentang gizi, peer group dan uang saku dengan pemilihan jajanan pada siswa SLTP

Poor nutritional behaviour among students is the increasing of snacking proportion and the consumption unnutritious and unsafe food. The aims of the study was to know the determinants of school children's snack behavior using behavioural ecological model. This was a cross-sectional study design based on ecological models behaviour. The study was conducted at a state junior high school in Sleman Regency, D.I Yogyakarta. The sample was 80 students of 381 students. The data were analyzed by the chi-square test. The result showed that only 52.5% students had selected behaviour in snacking, 50% students had a good level of knowledge about nutrition and food security, 68.8% had a large amount of pocket money, 83.8% had breakfast habit, 70% were highly influenced by peers. There were significant relations between knowledge about nutrition and food security and breakfast habits. There were no significant relations between the amount of pocket money, peers with students' behaviour to the selection of snacks in the State Junior High School in Sleman, Special Region Yogyakarta. It is recommended for schools to strengthen their school health institutions through increasing the role of student cadres and counseling about nutrition and food safety in the provision of healthy canteens. Include content about nutrition and the consequences of consuming unsafe food, placing posters on healthy and unhealthy food in the school canteen. Schools are also advised to provide socialization to parents and students about the importance of having breakfast and bringing lunch from home.

A quick bite and instant gratification: A simulated Yelp experiment on consumer review information foraging behavior

In the post-industrial information-based economy, classical information economics models are often used to explain consumer choices and decision-making behaviors. However, many heuristic consumer behaviors are better explained by behavioral ecology models, such as information foraging. In this study, we examined how consumers explore task-oriented review information in an online environment where they may or may not have prior visiting experience. Our findings indicate that consumers overestimate their expected search effort before using a review site. Compared with consumers who had used Yelp before, those who had never used the site expect their browsing duration and review counts to be 42% and 93% higher, respectively. In addition, before making a decision, most consumers spend only five minutes or less, read five or fewer reviews, and browse seven to eight pages. This finding indicates the review information consumers choose to use within those limited-time ranges may significantly influence the restaurant choices of those foraging consumers.

The Price equation and the unity of social evolution theory.

The Price equation has been entangled with social evolution theory from the start. It has been used to derive the most general versions of kin selection theory, and Price himself produced a multilevel equation that provides an alternative formulation of social evolution theory, dividing selection into components between and within groups. In this sense, the Price equation forms a basis for both kin and group selection, so often pitted against each other in the literature. Contextual analysis and the neighbour approach are prominent alternatives for analysing group selection. I discuss these four approaches to social evolution theory and their connections to the Price equation, focusing on their similarities and common mathematical structure. Despite different notations and modelling traditions, all four approaches are ultimately linked by a common set of mathematical components, revealing their underlying unity in a transparent way. The Price equation can similarly be used in the derivation of streamlined, weak selection social evolution modelling methods. These weak selection models are practical and powerful methods for constructing models in evolutionary and behavioural ecology; they can clarify the causal structure of models, and can be easily converted between the four social evolution approaches just like their regression counterparts. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of the Price equation'.

Allometry and Resharpening in Experimental Folsom-Point Replicas: Analysis Using Inter-Landmark Distances

If different parts of curated stone tools were resharpened to different degrees, then allometric patterns reside in tools’ variation. Allometry and the related reduction thesis have important typological and theoretical implications that warrant their study. To seek allometric pattern in Folsom replicas, this study uses conventional orthogonal dimensions but also the inter-landmark distances by which Buchanan (Journal of Archaeological Science, 33, 185–199, 2006), applying the Huxley-Jolicoeur approach, found allometry in archaeological Folsom points. Like Buchanan’s, it computes bivariate and multivariate allometric coefficients for several variable sets to test models of Folsom-point resharpening. In bivariate analysis, plan area as gross-size measure yields results consistent with the Huxley-Jolicoeur approach; gross-size measures mass, centroid size, and total length do not scale as expected. Multivariate results are robust to gross-size measure. Length variables are positively, width variables and thickness negatively, allometric. Using different variables, results corroborate the allometric variation found in earlier studies. Distributions derived from multifactorial synthesis of multivariate and other reduction measures demonstrate the value of this approach by linking stone-tool allometry to behavioral-ecology models of broad scope. Allometric analysis requires careful variable selection and rewards approaches that separately characterize those constituent parts of the whole objects that are points.

Effects of behavioral ecology model in healthcare-associated infection management

Objective To explore the effects of behavioral ecology model in healthcare-associated infection management. Methods By random sampling, we selected 800 medical records at Nanyang City Center Hospital of He'nan Province from June 2015 to May 2016 in control group, and 800 medical records from June 2016 to May 2017 in observation group. Control group adopted routine healthcare-associated infection management. On the basis of that in control group, observation group carried out the management with the behavioral ecology model. We compared the nosocomial infection rate, bacterial distribution, knowledge of healthcare-associated infection as well as the qualified rate of hand hygiene between two groups. Results There were 14 cases (1.75%) with healthcare-associated infection in observation group less than that in control group with a statistical difference (χ2=7.913, P=0.006) . Observation group distributed 395 nosocomial infection related pathogens, while control group distributed 475 of that. The scores of knowledge of healthcare-associated infection and hand hygiene in observation group were (96±15) and (98±12) respectively higher than those in control group with statistical differences (P<0.05) . Conclusions The application of behavioral ecology model in strengthening the interaction among consciousness, environment and behavior can improve the cognition on healthcare-associated infection, knowledge and rate of hand hygiene of nurses, reduce the rate of hand hygiene which had positive effects on healthcare-associated infection control. Key words: Nursing staff; Cross infection; Management; Behavioral ecology

Facilitators and barriers to smoking cessation among minority men using the behavioral-ecological model and Behavior Change Wheel: A concept mapping study.

Background and aimUniversal smoking cessation strategies are not always successful for minorities, among whom smoking is highly prevalent despite high intention to quit. This study identifies facilitators for smoking cessation, as perceived by minority male smokers, that can inform a culturally appropriate national plan for smoking prevention and cessation.MethodsWe conducted in 2013 a three-stage study among Arab minority male current and former smokers (ages 18–64) in Israel, among whom smoking is very high: first, a Concept Mapping (CM) study with 102 and 202 participants in the brainstorming, and sorting and rating phases respectively. Second, we assigned clusters identified in the CM study to contingency levels using the Behavioral Ecological Model (BEM). Third, we classified clusters into intervention functions and policies using the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW).FindingsThe CM study revealed 58 barriers and facilitators for smoking prevention and cessation that were sorted into 11 clusters by the participants. These clusters were analogous to four BEM level contingency of smoking (social, institutional, community and individual). We classified it into two main policy categories, based on the BCW: 1- restructuring the socio-political environment of smoking through affirmative government's policies towards Arab minority in Israel, and 2-developing a culturally appropriate plan for smoking cessation in Arab local authorities including: raising awareness about tobacco hazards; enforcing anti-smoking laws; strengthening community institutional action; providing smoking cessation services; considering raising prices for tobacco products, addressing psychological sources of smoking in Arab men.ConclusionsOur study revealed barriers, facilitators and contingencies of smoking prevention and cessation with two main policy action items among the Arab minority in Israel: changing the socio-political environment of smoking, and developing a culturally appropriate smoking prevention and cessation national plan. Our study framework can inform policies and culturally appropriate interventions for smoking prevention and cessation in other minorities.

Factor Analysis of an Instrument Based on the Behavioral Ecological Model

Factor Analysis of an Instrument Based on the Behavioral Ecological Model

Assessing the effect of school bullying prevention programs on reducing bullying

This study was conducted for the purpose of assessing the effects on reducing bullying of a school bullying prevention program (BPP). A pre-test/post-test and control group, semi-experimental design was used for the research. The universe and sampling for the study comprised 583 pupils, ages 12–15, enrolled in two elementary schools in Istanbul. The BPP was prepared in accordance with the Behavioral–Ecological Model (BEM) and the Neuman Systems Model (NSM) and it encompassed faculty members, families and students. In the post-test, the mean scores of the study group in all of the sub-scales of the Peer Victimization Scale (PVS) and in the “threatening/intimidating” sub-scale of the Peer Bullying Behavior Scale (PBBS) were found to be significantly lower than those of the control group (p<.05). It was concluded that the BPP organized in line with the BEM and the NSM was effective in reducing bullying and could be used in nursing practices.

Sit-and-wait versus active-search hunting: A behavioral ecological model of optimal search mode

Drawing on Skellam׳s (1958) work on sampling animal populations using transects, we derive a behavioral ecological model of the choice between sit-and-wait and active-search hunting. Using simple, biologically based assumptions about the characteristics of predator and prey, we show how an empirically definable parameter space favoring active-search hunting expands as: (1) the average rate of movement of prey decreases, or (2) the energetic costs of hunter locomotion decline. The same parameter space narrows as: (3) prey skittishness increases as a function of a hunter׳s velocity, or (4) prey become less detectable as a function of a hunter׳s velocity. Under either search tactic, encounter rate increases as a function of increasing prey velocity and increasing detection zone radius. Additionally, we investigate the roles of habitat heterogeneity and spatial auto-correlation or grouping of prey on the optimal search mode of a hunter, finding that habitat heterogeneity has the potential to complicate application of the model to some empirical examples, while the effects of prey grouping lead to relatively similar model outcomes. As predicted by the model, the introduction of the horse to the Great Plains and the introduction of the snowmobile to Arctic foraging communities decreased the metabolic costs of active-search and led to a change in normative hunting strategies that favored active-search in place of sit-and-wait hunting.

A New Model for Coastal Resource Productivity and Sea‐Level Change: The Role of Physical Sedimentary Processes in Assessing the Archaeological Potential of Submerged Landscapes from the Northwest Australian Continental Shelf

Existing models of coastal occupation, in one form or another, embrace the assumption that changes in mean sea level were the prime driver for shifts in coastal resource productivity of consequence to coastal foragers. Focusing on the North West Shelf of Australia, this paper considers the role of physical sedimentary processes in understanding both past coastal resource productivity and the archaeology of drowned coastal landscapes. From a review of up‐to‐date literature on sea‐level related coastal formation process related to the North West Shelf, we describe the complex interplay of sea‐level change and sedimentary processes in determining (i) coastal resource availability, and (ii) archaeological site preservation potential through time. We argue that human behavioral models that have been linked solely to changes in sea level change from ca. 45 ka onward along the Australia continental shelf have inadequately accounted for local sedimentary regimes. It is not past sea‐level per se, which is of relevance to coastal productivity and human behavioral ecology models but changes in tidal regimes, coastal configurations and sedimentation. We conclude that our understanding of maritime adaptations for Sahul (Greater Australia) remain incomplete without investigating former coastlines and archaeological information that now lies submerged offshore.

Abstract A48: Enhancing cancer genomics practice in public health departments to identify women at high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC)

Abstract In order to increase knowledge and appropriate genetic assessment, an education and screening plan was developed on concepts relating to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) for use in Georgia Public Health departments. Focus centered on the use Breast Cancer Genetics Referral Screening tool (B-RST) located online at www.BreastCancerGeneScreen.org. Limited knowledge of hereditary risk factors and family history are barriers to appropriate identification of young women at risk for HBOC. The educational module's implementation plan utilizes existing public health cancer screening and family planning programs to offer risk assessment and instruction on HBOC for underserved populations. The Georgia Breast Cancer Genomic Consortium is a service project that performs the surveillance of women enrolled in these existing public health programs. The Consortium provides genetic education for women at risk for HBOC based on the B-RST and secures genetic testing for women considered high risk to determine if they are carriers of the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutations. The project addresses populations of young women in Georgia between the ages of 18-49 by collaborating with the state Public Health infrastructure, Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine and Georgia State University's strategic partners and existing cancer resources. The target population aligns with Healthy People data collection metrics and focuses on both African Americans and young female Jewish populations in targeted areas of the state. The Behavioral Ecological Model served as a theoretical framework for the project due to the diverse social, interpersonal and behavioral factors that influence women at high risk for HBOC. Intervention at the institutional level through public health clinical settings also allowed greater access to the affected population and the opportunity for population level change. The module on HBOC was delivered to Public Health nurses in six Georgia counties. A total of 74 nurse and supporting health department staff participated in the project's educational sessions. The educational module was shown to effectively increased HBOC knowledge; enhancing the health care provider's ability to properly refer high risk patients for genetic counseling. Patients that screened positive according the tool were contacted by phone to complete a family health history assessment with an advanced practice nurse in genetics. As of September 2013, 1591 women have been screened within six public health districts representing 24 of Georgia's 159 counties. 73.9% (n=1175) of participants self-identified as African American/Black, followed by 13.6% (n=216) Caucasian/White and 6.5% (n=104) Hispanic/Latino. The introduction of genomics practice within public health departments represents the future of cancer care through the provision of genetic testing and counseling to uninsured individuals. This may result in increased access to comprehensive cancer care for minority populations. Citation Format: Monique L. Martin, Alice Kerber. Enhancing cancer genomics practice in public health departments to identify women at high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A48. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A48

Non Compliance with Standard Precautions: Application of Behavioral Ecological Model

Non Compliance with Standard Precautions: Application of Behavioral Ecological Model

Challenges for the smoking ban in Israeli pubs and bars: analysis guided by the behavioral ecological model

BackgroundThe latest amendment to the ban on smoking in public places in Israel was implemented in 2007, adding pubs and bars (P&B) to the list of public places in which smoking is prohibited. However, smoking in most P&B continued. The aim of the study was to identify the theoretically plausible reasons for the partial success of a public ban on smoking in P&B settings. Explanations provided by P&B owners were interpreted as probable causal factors based on the Behavioral Ecological Model (BEM).MethodsQualitative interviews were performed with 36 P&B owners in Tel-Aviv and 18 Israeli towns and cities of various population size.ResultsP&B owners reported a variety of situational factors (i.e., contingencies) and reinforcers as likely explanations of the partial failure of the legislated ban on smoking in public places, particularly P&B. The major reinforcers for non-adherence with the law were no or low frequency of inspections and low penalties from authorities. P&B owners also feared loss of customers and revenue if bans were enforced in their own establishment but not in competing establishments. Finally, owners reported social norms prevailing among some Israeli patrons supporting smoking in P&B settings, in part to express opposition to the new law.ConclusionsQualitative assessment can uncover probable social situations that operate to prevent greater adherence to smoking bans. The results warrant confirmation by quantitative analyses. Policies with mandated inspections and penalty requirements that are implemented in all bars without prejudice could lead to greater adherence to smoking bans. Positive reinforcing consequences that encourage adherence (such as publicity and support from non-smokers) would be more likely to generate both greater adherence to the policy and good will toward the government. Principles of behavior outlined in the BEM offer guidance for designing quantitative confirmation analyses of future bans.

Secondhand smoke avoidance by preteens living with smokers: To leave or stay?

Introduction Secondhand smoke (SHS) is hazardous to children's health. Designing interventions to reduce exposure requires understanding children's behavior in the presence of smokers, yet little is known about this behavior. Purpose To determine whether children's avoidance of SHS is associated with lower exposure and to explore predictors of avoidance based on a behavioral ecological model. Method Preteens aged 8–13 (N = 358) living with a smoker identified their primary source of SHS exposure, and reported whether they left (avoided exposure) or stayed the last time they were exposed to that person's smoke. The SHS avoidance measure was validated by examining associations with SHS exposure. Multiple Logistic Regression was used to determine predictors of SHS avoidance. Results Based on urine cotinine and reported exposure, preteens who left the presence of SHS had lower exposure than those who stayed. Preteens were more likely to leave SHS if they were less physically mature, had not tried smoking, had a firm commitment not to smoke, did not assist family smoking, had family/friends who discouraged breathing SHS, or had friends who disliked smoking. Discussion Most SHS exposure reduction interventions have targeted changes in smokers' behavior. Reductions can also be achieved by changing exposed nonsmokers' behavior, such as avoiding the exposure. Future studies should measure young people's SHS avoidance and test interventions to increase their avoidance practices.