The HBM was originally developed as a systematic method to explain and predict preventive health behavior. In later years, the HBM has been revised to include general health motivation for the purpose of distinguishing illness and sick-role behavior from health behavior. The HBM attempts to predict health-related behavior in terms of certain belief patterns. Emphasis is placed on the above-described categories. The model is used in explaining and predicting health behavior, as well as sick-role and illness behavior Individual Perceptions 1.
Individuals vary widely in their perception of susceptibility to a disease or condition.
The nature and intensity of these perceptions may significantly affect their willingness to take preventive action. These effects can be considered from the point of view of the difficulties that a disease would create. For instance, pain and discomfort, loss of work time, financial burdens, difficulties with family, relationships, and susceptibility to future conditions. Modifying Factors 1. Demographic Variables 2.