Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Theories and Models

There are several theories and models that support the practice of health promotion and disease prevention. Theories and models are used in program planning to understand and explain health behavior and to guide the identification, development, and implementation of interventions.

When identifying a theory or model to guide health promotion or disease prevention programs, it is important to consider a range of factors, such as the specific health problem being addressed, the population(s) being served, and the contexts within which the program is being implemented. Health promotion and disease prevention programs typically draw from one or more theories or models.

Selected theories and models that are used for health promotion and disease prevention programs include:

• Ecological Models
• The Health Belief Model
• Stages of Change Model (Transtheoretical Model)
• Social Cognitive Theory
• Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior
• PRECEDE-PROCEED Model