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Abstract
Medical practitioners use different theories are used to monitor various health practices. Nurses should use effective theories in order deal with every health problem. This essay describes two theories in public health practice. One of these theories is called the Health Belief Model. The second model called Community Organization Theory. The paper also discusses the tenets of these theories. The essay goes further to explain how such theories can be applied in epidemiology.
A theory is a set of clearly-defined laws or generalizations (Minkler, Thompson, Bell, & Rose, 2002, p. 798). Public health focuses on the best practices, theories, ideas, and interventions that can promote the health outcomes of different communities (Carpenter, 2010, p. 661). Such health outcomes are achieved through informed choices and organized efforts. Medical practitioners should support the changing health needs of their clients. Social workers should use the best theories and models in order to empower different communities.
The first theory is known as the Health Belief Model. This theory is used by many public health workers (Sanders, 1970, p. 65). This theory suggests that peoples knowledge of their major problems can result in the best health-promoting behaviors (Rosenstock, Strecher, & Becker, 1988, p. 181). The theory embraces the use of a stimulus because it can support various health-promoting behaviors (Rosenstock et al., 1988, p. 183). The second theory is Community Organization Theory (COT). The theory focuses on the strengths of every targeted population. According to the theory, public health workers should be ready to empower different citizens (Sanders, 1970). This practice will produce the best health goals.
Theories and Their Sources
The source of different theories has been widely debated. History shows that the idea of community organizing began in the late 1900s. Saul Alinsky used to encourage his neighbors to address their health issues (Sanders, 1970, p. 14). He encouraged more people to monitor their lives in order to achieve the best goals. A number of theorists have also presented powerful ideas that can support the Community Organization Theory. A good example is Michael Gecan who wrote the book Going Public . The book Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing by Dennis Jacobsen also supports the theory.
The Health Belief Model (HBM) predicts different practices and behaviors. This psychological theory encourages many people to embrace different health behaviors. This theory emerged in the 1950s. Several theorists at the U.S. Public Health Service developed the model in an attempt to examine different human behaviors (Janz & Becker, 1984, p. 7). The level of engagement depends of the peoples beliefs about specific health issues (Rosenstock et al., 1988, p. 183). This theory was developed by different social psychologists. Some of these theorists included Stephen Kegeles, Irwin Rosenstock, and Godfrey Hochbaum. Rosenstock et al. (1988) published the article Social Learning and the Health Belief Model to support this theory.
Basic Tenets of the Theories
The above theories present powerful tenets that can be used to address the health problems affecting different communities. To begin with, the Community Organization Theory identifies three core principles that can produce the best health outcomes. These principles include social action, community planning, and locality development (Minkler et al., 2002, p. 800). Social workers should use their competencies in order to identify every health problem. They should also identify the best policies in order to address such problems. This theory encourages many people to support the best health practices. The theory also encourages health leaders to implement powerful policies that can result in empowerment (Carpenter, 2010, p. 665). An empowered community will make positive decisions and eventually produce the best health outcomes.
Several tenets are used describe the Health Belief Model. For instance, perceived susceptibility identifies the problems associated with poor health practices. Some terms such as benefits of action, cues to action, and self-efficacy are used to highlight the best practices that improve the health of many people (Carpenter, 2010, p. 662). The theory encourages more people to embrace the best health behaviors. Communities and social workers should therefore use this theory in order to promote the best behaviors (Janz & Becker, 1984).
Assessing the Relationship between the Theories
The above two theories have several similarities. For instance, they encourage every person to embrace the best medical practices. The theories promote the use of evidence-based ideas and concepts. Community should be ready to prevent most of the illnesses affecting them. They should do so by supporting different actions. Such actions have the potential to improve the health conditions of many patients. Human beings can use these models to develop the best behaviors (Gouda & Powles, 2014). These models share several tenets or concepts. For instance, they promote the concept of social planning. This practice will produce powerful health practices. At the same time, such theories can be applied independently depending on every targeted health problem.
Importance of the Theories to My Discipline
The above theories are applicable in my discipline. Epidemiologists should have a clear knowledge of the distribution, incidence, and possible control of various diseases (Gouda & Powles, 2014, p. 140). The Health Belief Model has the potential to monitor and control various health problems. Social workers and epidemiologists can use the theory to promote the best behaviors. For example, positive hygienic practices will address many health problems. Some of these practices include boiling drinking water, sleeping under treated mosquito nets, eating balanced diets, and engaging in physical exercises (Petrini, 2010, p. 192). This theory offers powerful approaches that can deal with the major health problems affecting different communities.
My discipline will also benefit a lot from the Communication Organization Theory. A proper knowledge of the health issues affecting different populations can result in the best strategies. This theory encourages different health practitioners to empower their communities. The targeted individuals will become conscious and embrace the best health practices (Petrini, 2010, p. 198). They will also collaborate with one another in order to address their common social problems (Carpenter, 2010). This approach will make it easier for many practitioners to monitor different diseases. A united community will report every disease outbreak. This practice will produce the best strategies that can deal with every disease. Epidemiologists should collaborate with different community members (Rosenstock et al., 1988).
How the Theories Relate to My Research Work
I will also undertake a research study in epidemiology. My study will focus on the major health concerns affecting every targeted population. The important goal is to support the health needs of every underserved population (Carpenter, 2010). These theories encourage many social workers to identify the best ideas that can produce positive health results (Petrini, 2010, p. 198). The Health Belief Model will ensure more citizens undertake specific health behaviors. The Community Organization Theory will promote the power of participation and capacity building (Carpenter, 2010, p. 663). I will eventually present powerful recommendations that can address every health problem. I will also consider the appropriateness of different public health theories. This approach will make it easier for me to produce a powerful research study.
Reference List
Carpenter, J. (2010). A Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Health Belief Model Variables in Predicting Behavior. Health Communication, 25(8), 661-669.
Gouda, H., & Powles, J. (2014). The Science of Epidemiology and the Methods Needed for Public Health Assessments: A Review of Epidemiology Textbooks. BMC Public Health, 14(1), 139-146.
Janz, N., & Becker, M. (1984). The Health Belief Model: A Decade Later. Health Education Quarterly, 11(1), 1-47.
Minkler, M., Thompson, M., Bell, J., & Rose, K. (2002). Contributions of Community Involvement to Organizational Level Empowerment: The Federal Health Start Experience. Health Education and Behavior, 28(6), 783-807.
Petrini, C. (2010). Theoretical Models and Operational Frameworks in Public Health Ethics. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(1), 189-202.
Rosenstock, I., Strecher, V., & Becker, H. (1988). Social Learning Theory and the Health Belief Model. Health Education & Behavior, 15(2), 175-183.
Sanders, K. (1970). The Professional Radical: Conversations with Saul Alinsky. New York, NY: Harper & Row.
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