Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Healthcare healthcare	2.4	3.5	2013	20.3 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Pharmacy pharmacy	2.0	-	2013	24.6 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Clinics and Practice clinpract	1.7	2.6	2011	20.8 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Nursing Reports nursrep	2.4	2.5	2011	37.1 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education ejihpe	3.0	4.4	2011	26.9 Days	CHF 1400	Submit

19 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on Level Stress and Coping Strategies of Nurses and Midwives Caring for Newborns with Lethal Defects

by Katarzyna Anna Urbańska, Beata Naworska and Agnieszka Drosdzol-Cop

Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(4), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15040116 - 21 Mar 2025

Viewed by 234

Abstract

Introduction: Nurses and midwives caring for newborns with lethal defects experience significant emotional stress. Understanding coping strategies and the factors influencing stress is crucial for improving their well-being and ensuring high-quality care. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the coping [...] Read more.

Introduction: Nurses and midwives caring for newborns with lethal defects experience significant emotional stress. Understanding coping strategies and the factors influencing stress is crucial for improving their well-being and ensuring high-quality care. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the coping strategies used by nurses and midwives in stressful situations and to analyse the relationship between stress levels and selected sociodemographic and professional factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the second quarter of 2023 among 307 nurses and midwives working in neonatal and obstetric wards in the Silesian metropolitan area, Poland. A diagnostic survey method was applied using a standardised questionnaire. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the MINI-COPE Inventory were used to assess stress levels and coping mechanisms. A stratified random sampling method was employed to ensure representation from various professional backgrounds. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, and Cohen’s d coefficient, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: High stress levels were associated with shorter professional experience, frequent exposure to lethal defects, and emotional discomfort in interactions with grieving families. The most commonly used coping strategies were active coping (M = 2.06, SD = 0.635) and planning (M = 1.95, SD = 0.590), whereas self-blame (M = 1.20, SD = 0.714, p < 0.001) and denial (M = 0.88, SD = 0.751, p < 0.001) were linked to higher stress levels. Positive reinterpretation (r = −0.211, p < 0.001) and seeking emotional support (r = −0.129, p = 0.024) correlated with lower stress levels. Nurses and midwives with secondary education reported higher stress levels compared to those with higher education (χ²(10) = 30.651, p = 0.001). Work experience played a role, with moderate stress levels most frequently observed among those with 2–5 years of professional experience (χ²(14) = 24.023, p = 0.046). Emotional involvement, particularly supporting parents during their farewell to the child (69.1%), was identified as the most stressful aspect of their work. Conclusions: Promoting adaptive coping strategies, such as positive reinterpretation and emotional support, can help reduce stress and improve the well-being of nurses and midwives. Implementing psychological support programmes and stress management training is essential for maintaining high-quality neonatal care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)

13 pages, 861 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Valid Is Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory to Explain Physical Activity Behavior?

by Viktoria Sophie Egele, Eric Klopp and Robin Stark

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15020020 - 6 Feb 2025

Viewed by 2087

Abstract

(1) Background: Although social cognitive theory (SCT) has been widely tested and applied in numerous interventions aimed at optimizing physical activity behavior, the complete theory has rarely been tested in its entirety. Only selected elements have been tested, and specific samples, some of [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Although social cognitive theory (SCT) has been widely tested and applied in numerous interventions aimed at optimizing physical activity behavior, the complete theory has rarely been tested in its entirety. Only selected elements have been tested, and specific samples, some of them pathological, have been studied rather than the general population, for whom a lack of physical activity is a huge problem. The present study addresses these two research gaps and tests the tenability of the theoretical assumptions of SCT to explain physical activity behavior in the general population. (2) Methods: A total of 194 German adults (109 male, 85 female) with a mean age of 26.03 years (SD = 10.33) completed two validated questionnaires concerning their expressions on SCT components (t1) and their physical activity (t2). SCT was modeled using a structural equation model with latent variables. (3) Results: The results showed the very good fit of the structural model, indicating that the theoretically stated relations between the constructs in SCT seem to be corroborated, despite some paths seeming to be more important than others. (4) Conclusions: The use of SCT to explain and predict behavior can be seen as justified, even though it once again appears that some aspects (i.e., self-efficacy) are more crucial than others. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)

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14 pages, 572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How to Promote Walking in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Look at Catastrophizing, Goal Conflict, and Avoidance from a Self-Emotional Regulatory Perspective

by Carmen Ecija, Lorena Gutiérrez, Patricia Catalá and Cecilia Peñacoba

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(8), 2126-2139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14080142 - 24 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1058

Abstract

The aim of this study was twofold: to explore the concordance between two measures of physical activity (accelerometer and IPAQ) among female fibromyalgia (FM) patients, as well as to examine the impact of psychosocial variables (catastrophism, activity avoidance) on walking among these patients. [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was twofold: to explore the concordance between two measures of physical activity (accelerometer and IPAQ) among female fibromyalgia (FM) patients, as well as to examine the impact of psychosocial variables (catastrophism, activity avoidance) on walking among these patients. Helplessness, activity avoidance, and commitment to physical activity were evaluated in 132 FM women. After the first assessment, an accelerometer was placed by a psychologist on each participant for seven consecutive days. Eight days later, accelerometers were collected, and participants were evaluated again using the IPAQ. Two models were tested to analyze mediation and a moderated mediation effect. The mediating role of activity avoidance between helplessness and minutes walked was corroborated regarding the objective measure of walking. The effect of helplessness on minutes walked during a week was mediated by activity avoidance and assessed by accelerometers. Cognitive variables played a contextual role when trying to promote exercise. Activity avoidance must be understood as a key variable in physical activity promotion, specifically in the promotion of walking with the aim to do exercise in individuals with FM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)

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9 pages, 588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Telemedicine Usage Intention Using Technology Acceptance Model and Social Capital Theory

by Liang-Hsi Kung, Yu-Hua Yan and Chih-Ming Kung

Healthcare 2024, 12(13), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12131267 - 26 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2338

Abstract

Telemedicine technology has emerged as a pivotal solution to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services. This study investigates the factors influencing the acceptance of telemedicine technology among healthcare professionals in Taiwan. Employing a quantitative research approach, we utilized a survey instrument [...] Read more.

Telemedicine technology has emerged as a pivotal solution to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services. This study investigates the factors influencing the acceptance of telemedicine technology among healthcare professionals in Taiwan. Employing a quantitative research approach, we utilized a survey instrument adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Data were collected from 325 healthcare professionals across diverse medical fields. The results indicate that perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and convenience significantly influence intention to use telemedicine. Moreover, age moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and usage intention. These findings underscore the importance of addressing both technological and social factors in promoting the adoption of telemedicine among healthcare professionals. Policy implications and recommendations for enhancing telemedicine implementation are discussed based on the study findings. Specifically, our findings highlight that perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and convenience significantly impact the intention to use telemedicine technology. Age significantly moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and usage intention. These results not only theoretically support the UTAUT model but also provide practical strategies to advance the application of telemedicine technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)

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12 pages, 456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Establishing the Approach of Norm Balance toward Intention Prediction across Six Behaviors under the Theory of Planned Behavior

by Yifei Liu, Karen B. Farris, Dhananjay Nayakankuppam and William R. Doucette

Pharmacy 2023, 11(2), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy11020067 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2368

Abstract

Background: An innovative approach of Norm Balance is proposed under the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). In this approach, the measurement score of subjective norm is weighted by the relative importance of others, and the measurement score of self-identity is weighted by [...] Read more.

Background: An innovative approach of Norm Balance is proposed under the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). In this approach, the measurement score of subjective norm is weighted by the relative importance of others, and the measurement score of self-identity is weighted by the relative importance of self. The study objective was to examine the effect of Norm Balance to predict behavioral intentions in two groups of college students. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were used in two studies. For 153 business undergraduates, Study 1 examined three common intentions: eating a low-fat diet, exercising regularly, and dressing business-like. For 176 PharmD students, Study 2 examined three pharmacy-related intentions: informing relatives about counterfeit medications, buying prescription medications online, and completing a pharmacy residency. The relative importance of others vs. self was measured by asking study subjects to allocate 10 points between important others and oneself. Two sets of regressions were conducted and compared across six intentions using the traditional model and the Norm Balance model. Results: The 12 regressions explained 59–77% of intention variance. The variance explained by the two models was similar. When subjective norm or self-identity was non-significant in the traditional model, the corresponding Norm Balance component was significant in the Norm Balance model, except for eating a low-fat diet. When both subjective norm and self-identity were significant in the traditional model, the two Norm Balance components were significant in the Norm Balance model with increased coefficients. Conclusions: The proposed approach of Norm Balance provides a different view about the significance and coefficients of subjective norm and self-identity toward intention prediction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)

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10 pages, 871 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

The Influence of Health Behavior Theory on Implementation Practice and Science: Brief Review and Commentary

by Anne E. Sales, Stacy L. Farr and John A. Spertus

Pharmacy 2022, 10(5), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10050115 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3093

Abstract

As research defines new treatments and policies to improve the health of patients, an increasing challenge has been to translate these insights into routine clinical practice to benefit patients and society. An important exploration is how theories of human behavior change fit into [...] Read more.

As research defines new treatments and policies to improve the health of patients, an increasing challenge has been to translate these insights into routine clinical practice to benefit patients and society. An important exploration is how theories of human behavior change fit into the science of implementation and quality improvement. In this paper, we begin with a brief review of the intellectual roots of implementation science and quality improvement, followed by a discussion of how theories and principles of behavior change can inform both goals and challenges in using behavior change theories. The insights offered through health behavior change theory have led to changes in how we plan for implementation and select, develop, design and tailor implementation interventions and strategies. While the degree to which organizational and external contexts influence the behavior of providers in these organizations varies widely, some degree of context external to the individual is important and needs adequate consideration. In short, health behavior change theory is essential but not sufficient to integrate in most implementation efforts, where priority must be given to both individual factors and contexts in which individuals operate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)

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8 pages, 510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adherence to and Persistence with Adalimumab Therapy among Swedish Patients with Crohn’s Disease

by Yifei Liu, Joakim Söderberg and Jingdong Chao

Pharmacy 2022, 10(4), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10040087 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2333

Abstract

Objectives: (1) to determine the adherence and persistence rates of adalimumab therapy among Swedish patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), and (2) to compare self-administration devices to predict the medication adherence and persistence. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Swedish National Board [...] Read more.

Objectives: (1) to determine the adherence and persistence rates of adalimumab therapy among Swedish patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), and (2) to compare self-administration devices to predict the medication adherence and persistence. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare database during a unique time period, when both the pen and the syringe were available. The pen was proposed to indicate a larger extent of internal control, according to health locus of control. Medication adherence was defined as a medication possession ratio (MPR) ≥ 0.8. A patient was considered nonpersistent if the time between any two dispensing records, minus the days of supply dispensed exceeded 180 days. The predictors of adherence were evaluated using a logistic regression, and the predictors of persistence were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Among the 1083 patients studied, 89% were adherent and 77% were persistent. The patients using the pen and the patients treated in gastroenterology centers were more likely to be adherent and less likely to be nonpersistent. Conclusions: The adherence rate to adalimumab therapy was 89% and the one-year persistence rate was 70%. The pen and treatment in a gastroenterology center had a positive impact on the adherence and persistence among Swedish patients with CD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)

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19 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Moderating Power of Impulsivity: A Systematic Literature Review Examining the Theory of Planned Behavior

by Lindsey A. Hohmann and Kimberly B. Garza

Pharmacy 2022, 10(4), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10040085 - 18 Jul 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4894

Abstract

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) states that behavioral intention is the best predictor of actual behavior change. However, intention explains only a portion of the variance in behavior. Of specific interest is the question of which moderating or mediating variables can be [...] Read more.

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) states that behavioral intention is the best predictor of actual behavior change. However, intention explains only a portion of the variance in behavior. Of specific interest is the question of which moderating or mediating variables can be leveraged to aid health promotion interventions utilizing the tenets of behavioral economics (delay discounting and commitment contracts) in the intention–behavior pathway. Impulsivity has been postulated to fill this role and may be applied to multiple behaviors. We aim to determine if impulsivity moderates the association between intention and actual behavior in the TPB, to discover what other variables may moderate or mediate this association, and to apply the findings to future studies in the field of behavioral economics. To this end, a systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, PsychINFO, and Embase online databases. Eligible studies in peer-reviewed journals published prior to November 2021 were selected. Thirty-three studies were included in the final review, examining physical activity, diet, preventive health, mental health, addiction, and medication adherence behaviors. Three main concepts emerged: (1) impulsivity moderates the association between intention and behavior change; (2) self-efficacy moderates the association between intention and behavior change; and (3) planning and self-efficacy contribute to moderated mediation. This review demonstrates a gap in the literature regarding the application of the TPB to the intention–behavior pathway for health behaviors. Future studies in behavioral economics may leverage the variables of impulsivity, self-efficacy, and planning to predict follow-through in this area and to develop targeted change initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)

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16 pages, 1291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Explaining Correlates of Cervical Cancer Screening among Minority Women in the United States

by Manoj Sharma, Kavita Batra, Christopher Johansen and Siddharth Raich

Pharmacy 2022, 10(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10010030 - 15 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4222

Abstract

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of death among women. While overall cervical cancer rates have decreased over the last few decades, minority women continue to be disproportionately affected compared to White women. Given the paucity of theory-based interventions to promote [...] Read more.

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of death among women. While overall cervical cancer rates have decreased over the last few decades, minority women continue to be disproportionately affected compared to White women. Given the paucity of theory-based interventions to promote Pap smear tests among minority women, this cross-sectional study attempts to examine the correlates of cervical cancer screening by Pap test using the Multi-theory Model (MTM) as a theoretical paradigm among minority women in the United States (U.S.). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was done for testing the construct validity of the survey instrument. Data were analyzed through bivariate and multivariate tests. In a sample of 364 minority women, nearly 31% (n = 112) of women reported not having received a Pap test within the past three years compared to the national rate (20.8%) for all women. The MTM constructs of participatory dialogue, behavioral confidence, and changes in the physical environment explained a substantial proportion of variance (49.5%) in starting the behavior of getting Pap tests, while the constructs of emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in the social environment, along with lack of health insurance and annual household income of less than $25,000, significantly explained the variance (73.6%) of the likelihood to sustain the Pap test behavior of getting it every three years. Among those who have had a Pap smear (n = 252), healthcare insurance, emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in the social environment predicted nearly 83.3% of the variance in sustaining Pap smear test uptake behavior (adjusted R² = 0.833, F = 45.254, p < 0.001). This study validates the need for health promotion interventions based on MTM to be implemented to address the disparities of lower cervical cancer screenings among minority women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)

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20 pages, 1016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change to Explain the Correlates of Mammography Screening among Asian American Women

by Manoj Sharma, Chia-Liang Dai, Kavita Batra, Ching-Chen Chen, Jennifer R. Pharr, Courtney Coughenour, Asma Awan and Hannah Catalano

Pharmacy 2021, 9(3), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy9030126 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6317

Abstract

Globally, breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women. The incidence of breast cancer has been growing among Asian American women. Mammography is a screening procedure that provides early diagnosis for the timely treatment to reduce premature mortality due to breast cancer. [...] Read more.

Globally, breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women. The incidence of breast cancer has been growing among Asian American women. Mammography is a screening procedure that provides early diagnosis for the timely treatment to reduce premature mortality due to breast cancer. However, there are no national data available that summarize the rates of mammography screening among Asian American women. Some small-scale studies have reported low rates of mammography uptake among Asian American women. This cross-sectional study utilized the fourth-generation, multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change to explain the correlates of mammography screening among Asian American women between the ages of 45–54 years. A 44-item instrument was evaluated for face, content, and construct validity (using structural equation modeling) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) and administered electronically to a nationally representative sample of Asian American women (n = 374). The study found that Asian American women who have had received mammograms in the past 12 months as per recommendations, all three constructs of MTM, namely, participatory dialogue (? = 0.156, p < 0.05), behavioral confidence (? = 0.236, p < 0.001), and changes in the physical environment (? = 0.426, p < 0.001) were statistically significant and crucial in their decision to initiate getting a mammogram, accounting for a substantial 49.9% of the variance in the decision to seek mammography. The study also found that the MTM constructs of emotional transformation (? = 0.437, p < 0.001) and practice for change (? = 0.303, p < 0.001) were significant for maintaining the repeated behavior of getting annual mammograms and were responsible for 53.9% of the variance. This evidence-based study validates the use of MTM in designing and evaluating mammography screening promotion programs among Asian American women aged 45–54 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Practice and Practice-Based Research)

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