Role Of Health Beliefs Research Articles

Factors Associated With Support for COVID-19 Travel Bans: The Role of Health Beliefs and Multilevel Institutional Trust

This study examined whether the Health Belief Model and the heuristic of multilevel institutional trust would help explain U.S. residents’ support for travel bans on foreigners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of data collected from two nationwide online surveys conducted in 2020 ( n = 511 fielded between March 19 and March 27; n = 472 fielded between April 30 and May 13) suggested that support for this policy was associated with individual differences in risk and benefit perceptions, the presence of interpersonal cues, and trust in domestic and foreign institutions. Efforts to promote or resist international travel restrictions during a pandemic may benefit from accounting for these differences.

The Role of Health Beliefs in Managing Chronic Respiratory Diseases

The Role of Health Beliefs in Managing Chronic Respiratory Diseases

How Does Education Affect Health Beliefs? A Case of Women in India

Positive externalities of education on health have been widely studied in the prior literature. However, the focus has been on the count of years of schooling rather than the levels of schooling, which is a commonly overlooked yet meaningful way of assessing the education – health relationship. Further, the role of health beliefs in determining the relation between education and health has been understudied, particularly for women. We address these two important questions by using a large‐scale household survey data from India. We find that education levels have differential impact on health beliefs and the impact is highest for individuals with higher levels of education. These findings indicate how educational interventions at lower levels can be effective in improving health beliefs to encourage appropriate health behaviour from early stages of life.

Public Health and Online MICE Technology During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Health Beliefs and Technology Innovation.

The traditional meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry has been hit hard by social distancing regulations introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, with concerns about pandemic risks and personal hygiene increasing the demand for online MICE technology. With the introduction of innovative new technologies to the MICE industry, it is important to study the psychology of online MICE attendees, particularly the factors affecting their behavioral intention to adopt online MICE technology during the pandemic. This study investigates the attitudes toward attending online MICE since the start of the epidemic based on the health belief model (HBM) and innovation diffusion theory (IDT). A total of 439 valid questionnaires were collected in China and used for structural equation modeling. The results show that the perceived safety threat, the comparative advantage, trialability, and outcome expectations positively impact the attendees' attitudes. Moreover, this study finds that attitude completely mediates the impact of perceived safety threat, comparative advantages, trialability, and outcome expectation on behavioral intention to attend online MICE events. These findings theoretically enrich the understanding of online MICE technology, the HBM, and the IDT and offer managerial implications for MICE organizers and exhibitors.

Adherence to preventive behaviors among college students during COVID-19 pandemic in China: The role of health beliefs and COVID-19 stressors.

Before herd immunity is reached, preventive practices still play an important role in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Adherence to preventive behaviors could be determined by individuals’ health beliefs, which would be influenced by antecedent factors such as previous exposure to pandemic stressors. Applying the health belief model (HBM), this study aims to examine the mediation association among COVID-19 stressors, HBM constructs, and preventive behaviors. Longitudinal data were collected from 1225 Chinese college students using web-based surveys at wave 1 (w1; between January 31 and February 11, 2020) and wave 2 (w2; between March 20 and April 3, 2020). Participants reported their COVID-19 stressors (w1), five HBM constructs (w2), and preventive behaviors (w1 and w2). Paired t-tests suggested that social distancing and self-quarantine behaviors decreased while precautionary behaviors increased from w1 to w2. Path analysis indicated that two HBM constructs (perceived barriers and self-efficacy) mediated the association between COVID-19 stressors and precautionary behaviors. These findings suggested that tailored prevention intervention for college students should attend to perceived barriers and self-efficacy. Individuals who exposed to multiple pandemic stressors merit particular attention and intervention should account for their early pandemic stress experiences.

The role of health beliefs in moderating the relationship between leisure participation and wellbeing among older Chinese adults

ABSTRACT Much research suggests that physical leisure activity contributes to wellbeing and that sedentary leisure activity diminishes wellbeing, but an increasing number of studies challenge this dominant discourse. To better understand the relationship and provide new insight to inconsistent findings, we examined how health beliefs concerning the benefits of leisure moderate the association between leisure participation and subjective wellbeing by drawing on data gathered in a self-administered survey conducted in southwest China with 329 older adults. The results suggest that health beliefs strengthen the association of greater participation in physical leisure activity with higher life satisfaction, and weaken the association of more participation in sedentary leisure activity to lower life satisfaction and increased negative affect. Thus, health beliefs impact the association between leisure participation and wellbeing in a Chinese context.

Young Adults' COVID-19 Testing Intentions: The Role of Health Beliefs and Anticipated Regret

PurposeYoung adults are at high risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and transmission due to their social behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine their attitudes toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing, an important approach for minimizing infection and transmission. MethodsOne hundred seventy eight US individuals aged 19–25 years completed an online survey measuring COVID-19 health beliefs and testing intentions. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association of heath belief measures (perceived COVID-19 susceptibility, COVID-19 severity, barriers and benefits to testing, and social concerns) with testing intentions. ResultsMost respondents (86.0%) intended to accept a COVID-19 test if recommended by a health professional. High social concern and low perceived obstacles were associated with intent to get tested. ConclusionsIn this sample, most young adults intended to accept COVID-19 testing. Health beliefs predicted testing intention and point to possible intervention approaches to increase willingness to accept COVID-19 testing.

Maternal and child nutrition in rural Chhattisgarh: the role of health beliefs and practices

ABSTRACTFrom research in central Chhattisgarh, this paper interprets the bearing that healthcare beliefs and practices may have in shaping maternal and child nutrition both in the light of biomedical recommendations and within the context and constraints of a rural village setting. It contends that health beliefs and practices that are at variance from biomedical recommendations appear to have few consequences for gestational nutrition and for child health in relation to pregnancy. In the postpartum however, health ideas at variance from biomedical recommendations appear to have an important bearing on maternal nutrition and infant feeding, and may put mothers and children at risk of nutritional deficiency. Maternal ‘eating down’ following a surgical procedure such as a caesarean delivery or tubectomy is especially noteworthy, since food intake quantity is reduced over an extended time frame. While caring practices are influenced by cultural formulations, they also reflect, perhaps, adaptations to health risks.

Exploring the role of health beliefs in medication adherence in individuals with asthma

Exploring the role of health beliefs in medication adherence in individuals with asthma

The Role of Perceived Stress and Health Beliefs on College Students' Intentions to Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Background: Understanding why individuals decide to participate in mindfulness-based practices can aid in the development of effective health promotion outreach efforts. Purpose: This study investigated the role of health beliefs and perceived stress on the intention to practice mindfulness meditation among undergraduate college students. Methods: Undergraduate college students (N = 101) completed a survey that assessed their perceived stress, health beliefs, and intentions to practice mindfulness meditation. Results: The perceived benefits of mindfulness practice were positively related to intention to practice mindfulness meditation. Perceived stress was positively related to perceived severity and susceptibility to a stress-related problem. Intention to practice mindfulness meditation was positively related to intention to participate in mindfulness training in 3 different formats. Discussion: These findings suggest that it may be important to communicate the perceived benefits of mindfulness-based practices, as opposed to the threat of future stress-related problems, when developing health promotion messages and interventions among college students, a relatively young and healthy population. Translation to Health Education Practice: Developing health education and intervention approaches that are effective in encouraging college students to explore potentially beneficial practices, such as mindfulness meditation, may help them develop habits that can provide lifelong health benefits.

Fetal health locus of control: Scale properties and applications in preconception health programs

Preconception health programs have resulted in improved health behaviors among participants and have shown promise in reducing adverse birth outcomes. However, the role of health beliefs in preconception health program outcomes has been overlooked but warrants attention due to reported positive associations between women’s views of control over fetal health and health behavior in pregnancy. Towards an ultimate aim of improving preconception health program reach and effectiveness, we examined properties of a fetal health locus of control (FHLC; Labs & Wurtele, 1986) measure in nulliparous, childbearing aged university women and men. Students (n=1467) completed an online survey that included the FHLC subscales maternal, powerful others’, and chance control over fetal health. Factor analyses and correlations with related scales supported the soundness of FHLC constructs in both women and men. All participants rated maternal control in fetal health nearly twice as highly as powerful others’ and chance. We therefore recommend that FHLC be integrated into preconception health program evaluation as personal agency in fetal health likely has an important role in women’s and men’s preconception health behavior and health behavior change.

Follow-up care of adolescent survivors of childhood cancer: The role of health beliefs.

Little is known about follow-up care attendance of adolescent survivors of childhood cancer, and which factors foster or hinder attendance. Attending follow-up care is especially important for adolescent survivors to allow for a successful transition into adult care. We aimed to (i) describe the proportion of adolescent survivors attending follow-up care; (ii) describe adolescents' health beliefs; and (iii) identify the association of health beliefs, demographic, and medical factors with follow-up care attendance. Of 696 contacted adolescent survivors diagnosed with cancer at ≤ 16 years of age, ≥ 5 years after diagnosis, and aged 16-21 years at study, 465 (66.8%) completed the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study questionnaire. We assessed follow-up care attendance and health beliefs, and extracted demographic and medical information from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry. Cross-sectional data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Overall, 56% of survivors reported attending follow-up care. Most survivors (80%) rated their susceptibility for late effects as low and believed that follow-up care may detect and prevent late effects (92%). Few (13%) believed that follow-up care is not necessary. Two health beliefs were associated with follow-up care attendance (perceived benefits: odds ratio [OR]: 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-2.27; perceived barriers: OR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.50-1.00). We show that health beliefs are associated with actual follow-up care attendance of adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. A successful model of health promotion in adolescent survivors should, therefore, highlight the benefits and address the barriers to keep adolescent survivors in follow-up care.

Quality of life and mental health in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients: the role of health beliefs

Patients' beliefs regarding their health are important to understand responses to chronic disease. The present study aimed to determine (i) whether beliefs about health differ between different renal replacement therapies in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and (ii) whether these beliefs are associated with health-related quality of life (HQoL), as well as with mental health. A sample of 89 ESRD patients, 41 on hemodialysis (HD) treatment and 48 on peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment, completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument, the General Health Questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control. Regarding differences in health beliefs between the two groups, HD patients focused more on the dimension of internal health locus of control than PD patients. This dimension was associated with better QoL (P = <0.01) and general health (P = 0.03) in the total sample. On the contrary, the dimension of important others in health locus of control was associated with higher depression (P = 0.02). The beliefs that dialysis patients hold about their illness appear to be related to the type of renal replacement therapy. These cognitions are associated with HQoL and with mental health.

Correlates of hot day air-conditioning use among middle-aged and older adults with chronic heart and lung diseases: the role of health beliefs and cues to action

Extreme ambient heat is a serious public health threat, especially for the elderly and persons with pre-existing health conditions. Although much of the excess mortality and morbidity associated with extreme heat is preventable, the adoption of effective preventive strategies is limited. The study reported here tested the predictive power of selected components of the Health Belief Model for air-conditioning (AC) use among 238 non-institutionalized middle-aged and older adults with chronic heart failure and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease living in Montréal, Canada. Respondents were recruited through clinics (response rate 71%) and interviews were conducted in their homes or by telephone. Results showed that 73% of participants reported having a home air conditioner. The average number of hours spent per 24-hour period in air-conditioned spaces during heat waves was 14.5 hours (SD = 9.4). Exploratory structural equation modeling showed that specific beliefs about the benefits of and drawbacks to AC as well as internal cues to action were predictive of its level of use, whereas the perceived severity of the effects of heat on health was not. The findings are discussed in light of the need to adequately support effective response to extreme heat in this vulnerable population.

Latino Women's Spiritual Beliefs Related to Health

This study employed qualitative research to describe the relationship between spirituality and overall health among a sample of Latino women. A framework is presented for understanding this complex relationship. Findings are presented from a qualitative analysis of six 1.5-hour focus group sessions. The research was conducted among Latino women living in Chicago, Illinois, and Northeastern New York communities. We employed a community-based participatory research approach in which community members were active participants throughout the research process. Subjects were 47 Latino women 31 to 81 years, all of whom were Christian and the majority (43%) of whom had less than a high school education. Twenty-seven percent reported having high school diplomas, and the same percentage reported at least some college. Of the women who answered the questions, one did not have health insurance, 69% had public health insurance, and 29% had private health insurance. Grounded theory using selective coding was employed to understand the relationship between spirituality and health and to develop the conceptual framework. Spirituality was expressed as a vital component of health, and the belief in a need for balance of physical, mental, and spiritual health was described. An active and a passive relationship between spirituality and health emerged, with active being most common. Asking God for help or faith as a coping strategy were subdomains of the active relationship, and God responsible for health fell under the passive domain. These relationship types influenced beliefs about participation in one's own health. The findings that emerged contribute to an understanding of how spirituality plays a role in health beliefs among Latino women, which has implications for health promotion research and program development for addressing health disparities.

Stroke Education: Promising Effects on the Health Beliefs of Those at Risk

Background: The effect of patient education on reducing stroke has had mixed effects, raising questions about how to achieve optimal benefit. Because past evaluations have typically lacked an appropriate theoretical base, the design of past research may have missed important effects. Method: This study used a social cognitive framework to identify variables that might change in response to education. A mixed design was used to evaluate two approaches to an intervention, both of which included education. Fifty seniors completed a measure of stroke knowledge and beliefs twice: before and after an intervention that was either standard (educational brochure plus activities that were not about stroke) or enhanced (educational brochure plus activities designed to enhance beliefs about stroke). Outcome measures were health beliefs, intention to exercise to reduce stroke, and stroke knowledge. Results: Selected beliefs changed significantly over time but not differentially across conditions. Beliefs that changed were (a) perceived susceptibility to stroke and (b) perceived benefit of exercise to reduce risk. Benefit beliefs, in particular, were strongly and positively associated with intention to exercise. Conclusion: Findings suggest that basic approaches to patient education may influence health beliefs. More effective stroke prevention programs may result from continued consideration of the role of health beliefs in such programs.

Setting Overweight Adults in Motion: The Role of Health Beliefs

Objective: Health beliefs of overweight adults who did and did not enter an exercise program were compared to identify possible factors that hamper people to enter such a program. Method: Participants (n = 116, 78 women and 38 men) were overweight adults without comorbidities. Self-report instruments examined the burden of suffering, beliefs related to physical exercise and obesity, somatic complaints, and obesity-related quality of life of new participants of exercise programs versus sedentary non-exercisers. Results: The mean BMI of exercisers and non-exercisers was 34.6 ± 7.0 and 32.8 ± 5.8 kg/m², respectively. Fear of injury was higher and perceived health benefits of exercise were lower in the non-exercisers who also more often believed their overweight to be irreversible and attributed overweight to physical causes. The burden of suffering, somatic complaints, and quality of life of the groups were not significantly different. Fear of injury remained a significant predictor of belonging to the non-exercise group after controlling for other variables and multiple testing. Conclusion: Research is needed to examine whether the inflow of overweight people in exercise groups increases when health beliefs are recognized, considered, and discussed both in interventions and in public health campaigns promoting physical exercise in sedentary, overweight people.

Breast Health Behavior Among Lesbians: The Role of Health Beliefs, Heterosexism, and Homophobia

ABSTRACT The Health Belief Model was used as a conceptual framework for exploring how health beliefs and perceptions of heterosexism and homophobia in health care relate to lesbians' breast health behaviors, including use of breast exams and mammograms, visits to health care providers, and use of complementary/alternative care. A total of 173 exclusively homosexual women completed survey measures assessing health beliefs, experiences of heterosexism/homophobia, and health maintenance behaviors as these related to breast health. Findings indicated that women perceived heterosexism and homophobia from providers to influence the amount of discussion they had with providers and, to a lesser extent, care received, frequency of service use, and health outcomes. Perceptions of heterosexism and homophobia in health care settings significantly contributed, beyond routine health beliefs, to women's use of breast self-exams, visitation to health care providers, and use of complementary/alternative care. Implications for culturally competent care are discussed.

Determinants of participation in cancer support groups: The role of health beliefs

Although considerable attention has been directed toward cancer support groups, little is known about how often these services are actually used in clinical practice or the factors that influence participation. Drawing in part on the Health Belief Model, this study examined group participation and its correlates among 425 patients with diverse malignancies treated at a large academic oncology center. Patients were surveyed regarding utilization rates, health beliefs, and medical and demographic characteristics. Only a small number of patients reported having participated in groups (8.0%). Consistent with the model, in univariate analyses, participation was significantly related to greater perceptions of illness severity (p < .0001), greater perceived benefits (p < .01), fewer perceived barriers (all p < .01), and greater cues for action (i.e., recommendation by family/friends, p < .000001). In multivariate analyses controlling for disease site and other covariates, the strongest predictors included recommendation by family/friends (OR = 5.04; CI = 1.98-12.81), perceived seriousness of the illness (OR = 4.07; CI = 1.42-11.60), and geographical residence (OR = 2.74; CI = 1.09-6.93). Results suggest that participation might be increased by involving the patient's support network, improving access in underserved rural communities, addressing illness appraisals, and increasing outreach to certain diagnostic groups.

Toward the Development of the Cerebrovascular Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CABS): A Measure of Stroke-Related Health Beliefs

Purpose: To develop a measure of stroke-related health beliefs, derived from the Health Belief Model (HBM) and a measure of stroke risk factor behavior change. Method: The Cerebrovascular Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CABS) was devised to assess survivors’ beliefs and attitudes about their susceptibility to future stroke, the perceived seriousness of stroke, and the likely benefits and barriers associated with undertaking behaviors to reduce stroke risk. A second measure, the Stroke Behavior Change Inventory (SBCI), as well as a version developed for relatives (SBCI-R), was devised to assess participants’ pre- and poststroke risk factor behavior. Results: Forty-two stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) survivors accurately described behavior changes they had undertaken poststroke, when compared to relatives’ reports of such behavior (n = 7). Most survivors changed at least some behaviors poststroke to reduce their stroke risk. Further analysis to determine the role of health beliefs in predicting behavior change poststroke was undertaken, focusing on those behaviors that were changed in a large enough proportion of the sample. The beliefs most predictive of behavior change related to perceived stroke seriousness and severity, but the combination of beliefs from the HBM was not predictive of behavior change. Conclusion: After stroke or TIA, most survivors change their behavior in ways that would contribute to stroke risk reduction. Such effects can be demonstrated using survivor self-report or relatives’ report of survivors’ behaviors. Using the CABS, partial support for health belief variables as predictors of such behavior change was also identified, suggesting that further investigation of these variables is warranted.