title: Health behavior models compared.
abstract: This study compares the health belief, Fishbein/Ajzen, and PRECEDE models to predict changes in smoking, exercise, and consumption of sweet and fried foods over an eight-month interval. Data were collected from a panel of 326 adults in two large cities of the western United States. The PRECEDE model accounted for more variance in behavior than both the Fishbein/Ajzen and health belief models, but it required far more questions. Fishbein/Ajzen and PRECEDE provide a limited theoretical basis for selecting specific types of beliefs or predisposing factors without turning to the health belief model, making the health belief model complementary to either Fishbein/Ajzen or PRECEDE.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012907:Smoking; D014481:United States