Health Belief Model Essay

Health belief model is a framework for nurses to utilize for education in health promotion. It investigates the individual’s willingness to adapt, the individual’s recognition in expressing the necessity in adjusting, and comprehending the advantages of physical and mental wellness changes. Nurses can play a vital role in influencing an individual in making instantaneous and perhaps lasting behavioral health modification. Smoking is one of the most crucial life threatening issues that society face. Smoking cessation to improve one’s health is as an example on how to encourage individuals in making behavior changes. Initially, it is essential for a nurse to assess an individual normal or average smoking pattern in a day. It also important to know how long they have been smoking, to assess their willingness to learn. Long-time smokers may disregard or may be more non-compliant with teaching because of thinking that damage has already been done. (Porter, 2013). Information will be provided on disease processes related to this lifestyle, such as heart disease and multiple lung diseases. A nurse has to explore an individual’s knowledge resulting to continued tobacco use. Understanding of patient’s behavior and own knowledge of the chosen lifestyle gives a nurse a clear education plan on what needs to be included with health promotion. If a patient is not aware of his or her risk factors for a disease, teaching should be directed towards informing the individual about the personal risk factor. If the individual is aware of the risk, but feel that the behavior change is overwhelming, you can focus your teaching in helping the individual overcome the barriers. Comprehension of overall behavior and circumstances that influence a patient’s decision-making is important. It helps in effective planning of suitable interventions for an individual to promote health and wellness and an effective plan of care. References Edelman, Kudzma, Mandle, Carole, Elizabeth, Carol. Health Promotion throughout the Life Span. 7th Edition. Mosby, 2010. VitalBook file. Retrieved from https://pageburstls.elsevier.com/#/books Porter, A. (2013). The Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse in Promoting Smoking Cessation in the Adult Population.MEDSURG Nursing, 22(4), 264-268.