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William Brieger, DrPH

Health behavior lies at the core of any successful public health intervention. While we will examine the behavior of individual in depth in this course, we also recognize by way of the Ecological Model that individual behavior is encouraged or constrained by the behavior of families, social groups, communities, organizations and policy makers. We recognize that behavior change is not a simplistic process but requires an understanding of dimensions like frequency, complexity and cultural congruity. Such behavioral analysis is strengthened through the use of a toolkit of theoretical models and practical frameworks. While many of such models and frameworks exist, in this course we will review the Health Belief Model, Social Learning Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action, the Trans-Theoretical Model and the PRECEDE Framework. After building your behavioral analysis toolkit with these examples, you will see that actual behavior change program planning uses a combination of ideas and variables from different models, theories and frameworks. Ultimately we aim to encourage course participants to apply the idea that successful programs are theory based as they go about involving people in improving their health.

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Syllabus

Dimensions of Health Behavior
We start the course with an introduction to the dimensions of health behavior as well as an outline of what to expect from the rest of the course.
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Develops professional skills or deep expertise in a particular topic or set of topics
Takes a creative approach to an otherwise established topic, field, or subject

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Reviews summary

Theory-based health behavior for global health

According to learners, 'Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs' offers a strong theoretical foundation and a clear understanding of health behavior models crucial for public health. Students consistently praise the course for its well-structured content and the instructor's ability to explain complex theories with clarity. The Health Belief Model and PRECEDE Framework modules are frequently highlighted as particularly useful. While the course provides valuable analytical tools for diagnosing behavioral issues, some learners suggest it could benefit from more direct, hands-on application or 'how-to' guidance, indicating it leans more towards theoretical grounding. The peer review activities are generally seen as engaging and helpful, though feedback quality can vary.
Lecture style is informative but some found it less dynamic.
"I found the lectures to be clear, though sometimes a bit dry."
"While the theories are relevant, I found the course delivery to be somewhat uninspiring. The videos felt like lectures from 10 years ago."
The peer review activities are generally helpful, though variable.
"The peer review activity was engaging and helped solidify understanding."
"The peer review aspect was surprisingly helpful for getting different perspectives."
"The peer review was okay, but feedback quality varied."
"The peer review process is interesting but relies heavily on the quality of other students."
Content is organized logically with clear explanations.
"I loved the clear explanations and real-world examples."
"The content is well-structured and easy to follow. I found the lectures to be clear..."
"Comprehensive and well-structured. The concepts are fundamental for global health practitioners. The pace was just right for me."
Provides a deep understanding of key health behavior theories.
"This course was incredibly insightful and practical. The modules on the Health Belief Model and PRECEDE Framework were particularly useful."
"Excellent course! Dr. [Instructor Name] explains complex theories with great clarity. The application of models... was brilliant."
"A must-take for public health students or professionals. The clarity with which complex topics are presented is remarkable. My program design skills have definitely improved."
"I gained a very solid foundation in health behavior theories. The content is well-structured and easy to follow."
Focuses on theoretical models, less on immediate 'how-to' application.
"The course covers important theories, but I felt it was a bit too theoretical at times without enough practical application examples for immediate use."
"Decent course, but perhaps a bit too academic for my taste. I was looking for more 'how-to' guidance rather than just theoretical models."
"I found the content leaned more towards theoretical grounding rather than direct, hands-on implementation strategies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs with these activities:
Review the Health Belief Model
Review the Health Belief Model to build on prior knowledge of the foundational concepts
Browse courses on Health Belief Model
Show steps
  • Read the text on the Health Belief Model
  • Take notes as you read
  • Create a diagram of the Health Belief Model
Review the PRECEDE Framework
Review the PRECEDE Framework to build on prior knowledge of social learning theories
Show steps
  • Read the introduction to the book
  • Read the chapters on the PRECEDE Framework
  • Create a summary of the PRECEDE Framework
Volunteer at a health promotion organization
Volunteer at a health promotion organization to gain hands-on experience in health behavior change
Show steps
  • Find a health promotion organization to volunteer at
  • Train to volunteer at the organization
  • Volunteer at the health promotion organization
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Practice applying the Health Belief Model
Practice applying the Health Belief Model to improve understanding of the concept
Browse courses on Health Belief Model
Show steps
  • Find a case study or scenario
  • Apply the Health Belief Model to the case study or scenario
  • Write a report on your findings
Develop a health behavior change intervention
Create a health behavior change intervention to apply knowledge gained in the course
Show steps
  • Identify the target population
  • Identify the desired behavior change
  • Develop a intervention design
  • Evaluate the intervention
Contribute to open-source health behavior projects
Contribute to open-source health behavior projects to gain hands-on experience
Browse courses on Behavior Change
Show steps
  • Find a open-source health behavior project
  • Review the open-source project's code
  • Contribute to the open-source project

Career center

Learners who complete Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Health Educator
Health Educators help people make healthy choices and improve their health. They develop and implement health promotion programs, and they work with individuals, families, and communities to improve their health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Health Educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and develop effective health promotion programs.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators develop and implement public health programs that promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. They work with communities to identify and address health needs, and they develop and evaluate educational materials and programs to promote healthy behaviors. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Public Health Educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and develop effective public health programs.
Health Promotion Specialist
Health Promotion Specialists plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs. They work with individuals, families, and communities to improve their health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Health Promotion Specialists with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and develop effective health promotion programs.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide health education and support to individuals and families in their communities. They work with community members to identify and address health needs, and they provide education and support to help people make healthy choices and improve their health. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Community Health Workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and provide effective health education and support.
Health Communications Specialist
Health Communications Specialists develop and implement communications campaigns that promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. They work with the media, public relations, and marketing professionals to create and disseminate health messages to the public. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Health Communications Specialists with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and develop effective health communications campaigns.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts analyze health policies and programs to assess their effectiveness and impact. They work with policymakers and other stakeholders to develop and implement health policies that promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Health Policy Analysts with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and develop effective health policies.
Health Researcher
Health Researchers conduct research to identify and address health problems. They work with a variety of data sources to investigate health behaviors, and they develop and evaluate interventions to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Health Researchers with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and conduct health research.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and develop strategies to prevent and control it. They work with a variety of data sources to track and analyze disease patterns, and they develop and evaluate interventions to prevent and control disease. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Epidemiologists with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and develop effective interventions to prevent and control disease.
Behavioral Scientist
Behavioral Scientists study human behavior and develop interventions to change it. They work with a variety of populations to understand and address health behaviors, and they develop and evaluate interventions to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Behavioral Scientists with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and develop effective behavioral interventions.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people overcome social and economic challenges that can affect their health. They work with individuals, families, and communities to provide counseling, support, and resources to help people improve their lives and achieve their health goals. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Social Workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and provide effective counseling and support.
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They work with patients to assess their health needs, develop and implement care plans, and provide education and support to help patients improve their health. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and provide effective patient care.
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They work with patients to assess their health needs, develop and implement treatment plans, and provide education and support to help patients improve their health. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Physicians with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and provide effective patient care.
Psychologist
Psychologists help people understand and cope with mental health problems. They work with individuals, families, and groups to provide therapy, counseling, and support. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Psychologists with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and provide effective therapy and counseling.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people regain and improve their physical function after an injury or illness. They work with patients to develop and implement rehabilitation plans, and they provide education and support to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Occupational Therapists with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and develop effective rehabilitation plans.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people regain and improve their physical function after an injury or illness. They work with patients to develop and implement rehabilitation plans, and they provide education and support to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life. The course, Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs, provides Physical Therapists with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess health behaviors and develop effective rehabilitation plans.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Diagnosing Health Behaviors for Global Health Programs.
This highly regarded textbook offers a comprehensive examination of health behavior theories, research methods, and intervention strategies, providing a strong foundation for understanding and promoting health behavior change.
Provides a comprehensive overview of health behavior, including its theories, research methods, and interventions. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the field of health behavior.
This textbook presents a clear and accessible introduction to health behavior theory, providing an overview of the major theoretical perspectives and their applications in health promotion and disease prevention.
This textbook offers a contemporary and evidence-based approach to health promotion and disease prevention, providing a comprehensive overview of the field's theories, research methods, and practical applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the social determinants of health, including their impact on health behavior. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the social determinants of health.
This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of public health, including its history, theories, and practices. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the field of public health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social marketing, including its theories, methods, and applications. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the field of social marketing.

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