HEALTH BELIEF MODEL APPLICATION

Using Health Behavior Models to Address Obesity among School Children

Introduction

The number of overweight school children has significantly increased over the last few decades. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC (2021) indicates that approximately 13 million school children in the U.S. could be deemed obese. This essentially means that the prevalence of obesity at present among this age group happens to stand at 18.5% (CDC, 2021). To a large extent, this is a clear indication that something needs to be done urgently to salvage the situation. This is more so the case given that according to the CDC (2021), obesity puts children at significant risk of poor health. Obesity could also result in various other issues revolving around mental health and wellbeing. This is more so the case given that as Jelalian and Steele (2008) point out, overweight children are more likely to be teased by their peers or to develop low self-esteem or body image problems (p. 311). Further, there is evidence indicating that overweight and obesity in childhood is likely to be carried on to adulthood.

In adulthood, obesity has been closely linked to several leading causes of death (Kirch, 2008). These are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; certain kinds of cancer, stroke, heart disease, as well as diabetes. It therefore follows that we have all the motivation to implement strategies to reduce obesity rates across the nation. It would be prudent to note that according to Kirch (2008), studies have in the past linked obesity to a wide range of factors including, but not limited to; lack of physical activity and poor food choices (i.e. consumption of high simple carbohydrate diets). As the author further points out, genetics have also been shown to play a role effectively meaning that a child or individual whose parents are obese is also likely to be obese. All these factors should be taken into consideration in efforts to address obesity among school children.

There are a wide range of theories that could be applied in the development of a program that aims to reign in obesity amongst school children. Models which could be taken into consideration are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; the health belief model, the transtheoretical model, the social ecological model, and the social cognitive theory. This indicates that to a large extent, there is no standard model routinely applied or deployed in behavioral change as well as health education and promotion efforts. In the present exercise, the health belief model will be taken into consideration in efforts to address obesity among school children.

The Health Belief Model

This particular model, according to Glanz, Rimer, and Viswanath (2015), happens to be one of the most utilized models in efforts to not only comprehend, but also understand health behaviors. Indeed, it has been defined by the authors as one of the most widely recognized conceptual frameworks for creating healthy behaviors by focusing on positive behavioral change at the individual level (Glanz, Rimer, and Viswanath, 2015, p. 211). For this reason, I am convinced that this particular model would come in handy in enabling us to better comprehend and chart the most viable intervention measures to be implemented on this front. In the present setting, the model will be used to promote education and awareness programs at school aimed at motivating school children to embrace better eating habits and participate in physical activities (i.e. by joining an athletics club). More specifically, the education and awareness program will be firmly rooted on the HBM model and will be focused on bringing about...

Conclusion

In the final analysis, it is important to note that in the present undertaking, efforts were made to increase perceived susceptibility to obesity. This was necessary owing to the fact that, as it has been pointed out in the introductory section of this text, obesity amongst school children happens to be one of the most significant health concerns today. As a matter of fact, as it has been pointed out, approximately 13 million school children in the U.S. could be deemed obese. This is an indication that a significant percentage of our school children are obese. It should be noted that the estimate is not inclusive of the number of school children who are deemed or considered overweight.

In the present undertaking, the perceived seriousness of obesity was also highlighted. This was done so as to ensure that school children have a basis upon which to ancho their desire to maintain an ideal body weight. If the said school children do not consider the consequences of obesity to be serious enough, they are not likely to embrace the two courses of action discussed, i.e. i.e. adoption of a healthy diet and engagement in physical activities.

Third, efforts were made to decrease the barriers likely to be perceived while at the same time increasing the benefits that were perceived by the school children. Thus, if the school children were to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, they would be in favor of embracing the two courses of action suggested so as to maintain the ideal body weight and, thus, avoid obesity. Lastly, it may also be necessary to point out that the need to avail cues to action was taken into consideration. This was necessary so as to ensure that school children were not only encouraged, but also reminded of the need to pursue…