Foreign theoretical models of behavior change in the prevention of socially significant diseases

Abstract

The acquisition of socially significant diseases such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and hepatitis B and C is almost totally determined by behavioral factors. That is why the traditional biomedical approach in prevention of those infections should be enhanced by interventions focused on individual psychological and behavioral factors of risk behaviors. The highest effectiveness of preventive interventions is reached if they are based on well-known scientific conceptions of behavior change. The objective of this manuscript was to review the main foreign theoretical models of behavior change which are widely used in public health for prevention of socially significant infections. The analysis conducted in this article presents the international resources which describe the most wellknown theoretical concepts of behavior correction associated with health issues. The authors concluded that there are a lot of theoretical models currently used in the world allowing to explain, to predict and to change human behavior with the high probability. Theoretical conceptualization is an integral basis of any preventative intervention which can pretend to be effective. Most of the effective preventive programs focused on the risk reduction of STI and bloodborne infections which were evaluated in longitudinal clinical trials were based on the theories presented in this manuscript. Refs 41. Figs 5.