Comparison between the Health Belief Model and Subjective Expected Utility Theory: predicting incontinence prevention behaviour in post-partum women.
A small-scale study was undertaken to test the relative predictive power of the Health Belief Model and Subjective Expected Utility Theory for the uptake of a behaviour (pelvic floor exercises) to reduce post-partum urinary incontinence in primigravida females. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data relevant to both models from a sample antenatal and postnatal primigravida women. Questions examined the perceived probability of becoming incontinent, the perceived (dis)utility of incontinence, the perceived probability of pelvic floor exercises preventing future urinary incontinence, the costs and benefits of performing pelvic floor exercises and sources of information and knowledge about incontinence. Multiple regression analysis focused on whether or not respondents intended to perform pelvic floor exercises and the factors influencing their decisions. Aggregated data were analysed to compare the Health Belief Model and Subjective Expected Utility Theory directly.
Dolman
M
M
European Institute of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
Chase
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003657:Decision Making; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000517:prevention & control*