Theory of Planned Behavior - Coursework Example

Project Theory of Planned Behavior Theory of planned behavior s that an individuals behavior is determined by the intention of the person to perform that act and the purpose in turn is a function of the individuals attitude towards the individuals behavior and subjective standard. Intention, in this case, is the mental readiness of an individual to perform a particular action and most often than not is considered the immediate antecedent of behavior. Overall, theory of planned behavior suggests that if an individual outcome will be of a positive experience, then that is how others also perceive it. The authors Jones and Barnett (2009) description, the authors strongly suggest the importance of the theory to the health educators that makes the theory become very interesting. Moreover, the authors give practical example to support the theory. The authors stated that a health educator needs to identify the intention of a person regarding a particular behavior. In order to successful determine the intentions of a person; it is important to comprehend the following factors as a health educator. Firstly, understand the attitude of the individual towards the behavior. Secondly, the subject must understand the subjective norms and lastly identify how the person perceived the behavioral control. These factors make the theory be of interest as they suggest critical parts in the stages of a change model. The theory suggests crucial theoretical stages of change that of interest and, is very much significant for the behavior change. The stages include; a) Pre-contemplation stage: at this stage, the subject might not be interested in making a change in the behavior at all. b) Contemplation stage: this is a point where a person starts to consider a behavior change someday. For example a smoker and an alcohol drinker who considers quitting the practice of stopping to drink alcohol or smoking someday but still not very ready for it then. c) Preparation stage: at this phase, the person has considered changing the behavior but lacking self-efficacy to engage actively in the process of behavior change. d) Action stage: in this stage, the subject have made decision to change the behavior and already engaging in an active process of changing. On the other hand, this is how I would uphold each of the following ethics; i. Responsibility to the Public The article states that health educators have a responsibility to educate people purposefully to promote, maintain, and improve individual and family and the community health. In a case where the conflict of issues come up, the health educator must consider all the issues in question. Health educators should then give priority to the issues that uphold and promotes the healthy and quality of life through the principles of self-determination and freedom of choice. In section two of this article, it states that as a health educator it is important to encourage actions and social policies. The activities should support and facilitate the best balance as so long as the decisions pose no threats to the health of others. As a health educator, I would take into actions policies that will be of benefit to the community. For example, if in case an immunization is affecting the people, then I would not buy the idea of immunizing the people. Instead, I would suggest or seek for an alternative that can be a benefit to everyone rather than doing harm to the people. ii. Responsibility to the Profession The article states that a health educator should be responsible for their professional behavior, reputation of their profession and promoting the ethical conduct of colleagues. In the section, two of the article that states that a health educator should always mode land as well encourages nondiscriminatory standards of their interactions with others. At times, people become discriminative depending on ethnic group, nepotism and may be physical ability. In my case, I would not sideline other while attending to them as a health educator but instead attend to all my clients without any ground for discrimination. iii. Responsibility to Employers The article states that heal the educators should be accountable in the professional activities and actions. Moreover, they should be able to identify their professional competency. Additionally, all the educators anticipate and disclose competing commitments, conflicts of interest and endorsement of a product. I would not serve my interest in some situations, for example, in the case of taking bribe but instead serve the interest of my employers. iv. Responsibility in the Delivery of Health Education In section of the article, the health educators should be sensitive to social and cultural diversity and are in accord with the law, when planning and implementing programs. In this case, I would be careful when delivering my responsibility and considered the type of ethnic or religious group is handling at that particular time in order to avoid discrimination. v. Responsibility for Research and Evaluation Some research out of their selfish interest they sometimes carry out research without the consent of the participants as an ethical health educator, to uphold article five section two, I would not carry out a study that requires the consent of the member without informing them. vi. Responsibility in Professional Preparation Out of individual interest, an educator can show responsibility in the professional preparation in respect to section one of the articles. As a responsible health educator, I will not select students based on my interest but instead I would choose students for a program based on an equal opportunity for all. I would base my choices just based on a level ground such as academic performance, abilities and their potential contribution to the profession and the publics health. Therefore, each of the following ethical behavior can be practiced using the example below: American Culture on Tobacco: Americans has a belief that tobacco a sacred medicine. When promoting my health education topic on tobacco, then I would identify an alternative way on how to use tobacco that would speak to the people about. The alternative method of use would not be very detrimental to the health of the population and will also help me emphasis the effects of tobacco on the users. American culture on food and table manners: most of the Americans have a dysfunctional relationship with food. Americans consider table manners as the greatest thing. Ironically, America is known globally for their obesity crisis. When delivery a health education topic of food and the table manners, I would integrate the importance of these manners and also emphasis on the importance of balancing diet that is not kept by most people. On How to Create Awareness on the Spread, Immunization and Treatment of Flu in My District Plan: a) Determine the most affects areas with the flu. b) Use the media, for example, television, radio and the internet (social media) to pass the information on the outbreak. In the media give the information on how to identify the symptoms of the flu. c) Organize for emergency units/response team to attend to the emergency cases. d) Give training to the required personnel to help responding to the outbreak. e) Provide immunization if available. f) If there is an extreme case of flu, then inform the people on the outbreak to avoid the most effect areas. g) Write articles about the flu on the newspapers, blogging pages and websites for people to read and be informed of the outbreak of the flu and how to avoid contracting the flu. h) Print out posters and t-shirts with instruction on how to avoid contracting the flu. i) Carry out campaign mission of creating the awareness about the flu, how it can be contacted and avoided. Reference Bensley, R. J., & Brookins-Fisher, J (2009). Community Health Education Methods: A Practical Guide. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Read More