Last update:

   19-Sep-2022
 

Arch Hellen Med, 39(5),September-October 2022, 696-702

SPECIAL ARTICLE

Theory of planned behavior. A brief description and practical application at the level of health policies

C. Miltiadis, Μ. Theodoratou
School of Social Science, Hellenic Open University, Patra, Greece

For prediction of the intention of individuals to perform health-related behaviors, it is necessary to analyze the determining factors, in order to design the necessary interventions that would lead to improvement of health. The nonadherence of patients to medical instructions, and, particularly in the times of pandemic, vaccine hesitance, are of great concern to decision makers. Conclusions from empirical studies on the analysis and prognosis of behavior are a valuable source of information when designing health policies. This article provides a brief description of the theory of planned behavior and its scope in the field of health, with an emphasis on understanding and predicting the intentions of patients to comply with treatment, and their adoption of vaccination-positive behaviors. In both cases, attitudes towards their behavior, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are identified as important predictors of compliance of patients with medical advice.

Key words: Health policies, Intention to be vaccinated, Theory of planned behavior, Treatment adherence, Treatment compliance.


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